Panasonic Center Osaka Receives LEED Platinum Status

First in Japan to meet global standard for eco-conscious facility in retail category

Panasonic Center Osaka

Panasonic Corporation has been awarded LEED*1 Platinum certification for its 'Panasonic Center Osaka' showroom, which opened in April of this year. The Center achieved a points score of 86*2, tying the all-time Japanese record, and became the first project in Japan to achieve platinum level within the retail category*2. For the Panasonic Group, this represents a second LEED Platinum award following the new Panasonic North America Head Office building constructed in 2012.

Created in 1996 by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), an American non-profit organization, LEED is the most globally renowned system for rating the environmental performance of buildings. Buildings are evaluated across six different items - 'Sustainable Sites', 'Water Efficiency', 'Energy and Atmosphere', 'Materials and Resources', 'Indoor Environmental Quality', and 'Innovation in Design' - and can achieve either Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum levels according to the number of points they achieve.

Panasonic Center Osaka was built under the concept of a 'Global Communications Hub' and, with the LEED system held in such high regard across North America, East Asia, India, and indeed the entire world, the company had its sights set on achieving LEED certification right from the early planning stages of the facility. In ultimately achieving its Platinum level, the Center was rated highly for the points listed below, as well as for sharing base building information with the developers and construction/design companies behind the wider 'Grand Front Osaka' venue, and for collaborating with construction and interior design firm in finalizing the showroom's design.

Key credit points behind the LEED Platinum accreditation

Energy-saving initiatives with optimum zoning and integrated, sensor-based control of lighting and air conditioning system using Panasonic's 'Airtegra' monitoring system
Water-saving sanitary products and water recycling system for toilets
Active recycling of waste products and effective utilization of recycled resources
Improved indoor air quality thanks to sufficient ventilation (flush out) prior to the opening of showroom
Site located close to JR Osaka Station, subways, and other railway lines for excellent access without using private vehicles

Panasonic Center Osaka is a global communications hub based on the new concept of 'co-creation', whereby the showroom serves as a venue to communicate with the customers and create new values together. It will continue to promote a variety of environmentally-friendly initiatives moving forward.

*1 LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
*2 Correct as of September 4, 2013