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What made you decide to join the company?
In my previous role, I was involved in the management and operation of existing
buildings. While new buildings tend to have their environmental performance clearly
evaluated at completion, I often felt that the value of existing buildings was not
as visible—even when their performance was being improved through daily
operations.
As I reflected on this, I became increasingly interested in work that objectively
evaluates environmental performance and helps enhance the long-term value of
buildings. That interest ultimately led me to change jobs and join Woonerf.
What is your current job description?
I currently support LEED O+M certification for existing buildings and handle
commissioning work for new construction projects under LEED BD+C.
In addition, I’m involved in LCA and EPD calculations, which assess the environmental
impact of buildings and products across their entire lifecycle—from material procurement
to disposal.
Some of this work allows me to directly apply my previous experience, while other areas,
such as LCA, were completely new to me when I joined. Being able to continuously learn
and expand my knowledge is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.
What are some of your most memorable experience at Woonerf so far?
My first project as a project manager stands out the most. It involved an office and
maintenance workshop for a manufacturing company, which required us to address
unfamiliar equipment and indoor environmental conditions unique to that type of
facility.
The certification process was far from smooth, but with the support of senior
colleagues, we were ultimately able to achieve certification. I remember feeling a
deep sense of relief, and at the same time, it became an invaluable learning
experience that helped me better understand project-specific systems and operations.
What did you do in your previous job?
I worked for over ten years at a building management company, primarily managing and
maintaining heat source equipment at large-scale commercial facilities.
In addition to on-site operations, I was also involved in responding to new bid
proposals, launching new sites, developing equipment management standards, and building
internal systems to standardize operations. I believe that my experience exploring
energy-efficient operational strategies has become a strong foundation for my current
work.
What have you learned as a student that has helped you in your current job?
I majored in environmental studies, with a particular focus on environmental
education and trends related to ISO 14001.
Through opportunities to explain environmental topics to elementary school students
and local communities, I learned the importance of breaking down complex concepts
and
communicating them in an easy-to-understand way. This awareness of how to
communicate continues to be extremely valuable in my current role, whether I’m
explaining ideas
to clients or sharing information internally.
Are there any distortions you felt when you joined the company?
Coming from a workplace where working on-site was the norm, I was genuinely surprised by
how flexible the working style at Woonerf is—especially the ability to make effective
use of remote work and flexible hours.
With that freedom comes the expectation to think independently and manage your own work,
but in return, it creates an environment where you can focus deeply and work
efficiently. I also appreciate Woonerf’s flat organizational culture, where people
communicate openly regardless of their title.
Please share how you spend your day at work.
Because my commute takes about 90 minutes, I adjust my work style depending on my
schedule. On days with many meetings or when I need to concentrate intensely, I work
remotely. On other days, I go into the office.
Being able to choose how I work based on my tasks allows me to stay productive and
efficient. At our Osaka office in WeWork, there are also frequent events after 6 p.m.,
and I enjoy participating in social activities such as our annual sake-tasting event
with the local team.
How do you feel about the company and your job?
Working in sustainability allows me to engage with a wide range of
stakeholders—including investors, asset managers, designers, contractors, and
manufacturers—which gives this field incredible depth.
Because sustainability is such a broad and evolving area, I’m focusing on building a
strong foundation in my current responsibilities while steadily expanding my related
knowledge. By continuing to learn and stay curious, I hope to contribute work that is
truly meaningful for society.
How you spend your time off
I’m not very outdoorsy, but on my days off, I enjoy going out with my wife to eat good food, and picking up local sake or craft beer at shops—either when we travel or from stores in our neighborhood—to enjoy at home in the evening.
Why do you work at Woonerf?
We asked employees.
