WELL Certification and LEED Certification
In August 2020, we achieved Gold certification under the “WELL Building Standard™ (v1),” which evaluates buildings that prioritize environmental and health considerations. Additionally, in the same month, we attained Silver certification under the “Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)” program, which evaluates green buildings. The simultaneous attainment of WELL and LEED certifications under the hotel-specific criteria marks a pioneering achievement globally for our hotel.
The WELL Building Standard™ (WELL Certification)
The WELL Building Standard™ (WELL Certification) is the world’s first building and interior environment assessment system focused on the health and comfort of residents who live and work within buildings. It incorporates verification from both environmental engineering and medical perspectives, particularly concerning aspects affecting residents’ physical health.
There are two versions of certification, v1 and v2. Under v1, buildings and interior environments are evaluated across seven assessment areas and 105 criteria: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Fitness, Comfort, and Mind. Certification levels (Platinum, Gold, Silver) are awarded based on the number of points achieved in mandatory and optional criteria.
Since its inception in 2014, the WELL Certification has expanded to 62 countries worldwide, with increasing interest in certification acquisition also seen within Japan.
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A “large green wall” replicating Kyoto’s vegetation
A guest room design that embodies the essence of Kyoto
Operating the entire facility with 100% renewable energy
Five items highly praised for their uniqueness and proactive approach
Clean and safe environment
The implementation of proper ventilation methods to purify the air, handwashing facilities to prevent the spread of pathogens such as the novel coronavirus, establishment of disinfection protocols, and daily cleaning procedures to maintain cleanliness were highly praised.
Beauty and enriching design of the heart
The hotel’s interior spaces, including guest rooms, are designed with elements rooted in the local environment, expressing the essence of Japan and Kyoto. They comply with local landscape ordinances.
The abundance of spaces where guests can feel greenery and nature.
We have created a space accessible to guests beyond just accommodations, featuring a “large green wall” of ivy reproducing Kyoto’s vegetation and a “dry landscape garden” replacing the water feature required for WELL certification. Despite being in Kyoto’s bustling downtown at Shijo Kawaramachi, guests can enjoy a surrounding of greenery and nature.
We have developed a unique “sleep-enhancing lighting system.
To enhance comfortable sleep and awakening, we have introduced a proprietary “sleep-enhancing lighting system” in all rooms (Patent Granted). This system is designed to optimize the lighting environment before bedtime and upon waking, promoting a physiological state of relaxation for better sleep onset and improved awakening experience and sleep quality assessment.
Providing a uniquely distinctive wellness program for our guests.
“GOOD NATURE” touches include highly praised wellness programs such as meditation, guided tours blending indoor and outdoor experiences, and the installation of original amenities that promote awareness of health.
WELL certification corresponds to the following SDGs:
3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
10. Reduce inequality within and among countries.
11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
15. Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
LEED WELL certification corresponds to the following SDGs:
LEED certification is an internationally recognized certification program awarded to buildings that meet stringent criteria for environmental performance, including water efficiency, use of renewable energy, materials recycling, and educational programs. Our achievement of Silver level certification was particularly recognized for efforts in water conservation (20% reduction below baseline) and energy usage reduction (24% reduction below baseline).
3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all.
6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.