The YKK AP 30 Building Achieves "ZEB" and "WELL Platinum" Certification

The YKK AP 30 Building, designed around the concept of an "office in a forest," was completed in 2024 as a structure that prioritizes the natural environment and the health and well-being of employees. In November 2024, it achieved the highest rating of 6 stars in the BELS assessment (*3), earning certification as a "ZEB." In November 2025, it obtained the highest Platinum rating under the "WELL" Certification, a global standard assessment system that incorporates human health and happiness in building design and operation as evaluation criteria.

While achieving "ZEB" certification requires the building envelope to exhibit excellent thermal insulation performance, "WELL" certification recommends providing windows and doors to maximize natural light and views. Accordingly, obtaining both certifications requires the building to maintain high thermal insulation performance while incorporating windows and doors in this way. The YKK AP 30 Building incorporates the company’s proprietary full-height windows for commercial buildings, "SYSTEMA 31," to create a bright and open space. By maximizing the building’s overall energy efficiency to the fullest extent possible, the building’s design pursues a balance between reducing environmental impact and providing a healthy and comfortable office environment, thereby achieving the highest standards in both certifications.
It is said that people spend 90% of their lives indoors (*4). We have optimized the workplace environment, which accounts for a significant portion of that time, to create a space where employees can perform at their best in a safe, secure, and comfortable setting.

About "ZEB" Certification
As an energy-saving technology for the entire building, the space is designed to make effective use of the environment, including wind, light, and water, and allow for the full enjoyment of natural energy. In terms of air management, the building features deep eaves and sloped roofs to facilitate air intake, while air exchange and natural ventilation is achieved through fixtures such as "EXIMA 31 Balance Way" windows. Incorporating lessons from traditional "Kainyo" forest gardens, which draw in Toyama Prefecture’s "Ainokaze" seasonal wind while protecting homes from cold winter gusts, blizzards, summer sunlight, and hot breezes, the landscaping plan features design and functionality for controlling wind and light.
To optimize the lighting environment, we installed 2.4-meter full-height windows on all sides of the workspace and high-side windows to bring light into the center of the building, thereby reducing daytime lighting energy consumption while maintaining sufficient illumination. The products used for this are YKK AP’s "SYSTEMA 31" windows for commercial buildings. Their insulating glass structure, with a 12mm air gap, minimizes heat transfer through the window surface. Moreover, the slim-frame design maximizes natural light while significantly reducing the load on the air conditioning system, thereby contributing significantly to the building’s "ZEB" certification.
In terms of water management, natural wellsprings on the building premises are used for air conditioning and other purposes. Because the Kurobe River alluvial fan provides an abundant supply of groundwater with a stable temperature throughout the year, the well water can be used as a heat source for the air conditioning system, resulting in significant energy savings. In addition, solar power is used as a renewable energy source for generating electricity. With initiatives like these, the building is designed to achieve a net-zero or negative annual energy balance.

About "WELL Platinum" Certification
In order to ensure the physical and psychological well-being of the people who spend time in the building, we have created a space designed with people in mind. This encompasses everything from the physical environment — air, light, and water — to nutrition and mental health. The building was designed so that every direction serves as the "front," ensuring unobstructed views from anywhere in the office space, with the Kurobe landscape stretching out beyond the windows. Located in the Ikuji district of Kurobe City, this "office in a forest" helps maintain healthy minds and bodies by providing soft natural light and a sense of connection with nature throughout the year. As part of our "EBW" initiative (*5) promoting an autonomous approach to work, the cafeteria (employee dining hall) on the third floor uses locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and seasonings, providing safe and nourishing meals that include nutritional information and allergy warnings. In addition, features such as staircase art depicting the Kurobe River and mountain ranges painted on glass surfaces help foster a sense of attachment and familiarity with the local area while providing a tangible connection to nature. Furthermore, as part of efforts to reduce the gender gap, the building is equipped with"OiTr" infrastructure, through which toilet stalls are stocked with free menstrual products, a first for the Hokuriku region. In this way, we have worked to create a pleasant working environment that enhances the well-being of every employee.