Resilience as a Driver of Value
～Resilient Retrofits Across Cities, the Built Environment, and Sustainable Finance～
As climate risks intensify, natural disasters become increasingly severe, and societies undergo demographic changes such as population decline and aging, buildings, cities, and communities are being called upon to embrace a broader concept of resilience that goes beyond conventional disaster preparedness and seismic safety.
At the same time, rising construction costs, labor shortages, decarbonization imperatives, and growing sustainability disclosure requirements are accelerating the shift away from the conventional demolish-and-rebuild model. A key challenge is therefore how to revitalize existing buildings while enhancing their environmental performance, social value, and long-term asset value.
In LEED v5, the latest version of the rating system, resilience has been further elevated through new and expanded requirements. LEED v5 also strengthens the O+M rating system for existing buildings, reflecting growing global interest in how greater resilience and the revitalization of existing building stock can generate lasting value.
In response to these interconnected challenges, GBJ Symposium 2026 will serve as a forum for exploring how green building strategies can unlock value through the regeneration of existing building stock and enhanced resilience.
Ahead of the symposium, an invitation-only buffet luncheon will be held on the preceding day, bringing together senior executives from GBJ corporate member companies, representatives from USGBC North Asia, and members of the GBJ Board.
13:00-13:05
Opening
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Shoko MinamiGreen Building Japan Board Member |
13:05-13:20
USGBC Greetings
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Jing WangVice President of USGBC & GBCI North Asia |
13:20-13:50
LEED Plaque Ceremony
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Plaques will be presented to projects in Japan that achieved LEED certification between September 2025 and August 2026. ［Presenter］ Ma LieManaging Director of USGBC & GBCI North Asia |
14:05-15:55
Part 1 : Presentation
Presentation & Panel Discussion │ Part 1
What Does It Take to Turn Resilient Retrofits into Value?
– An Implementation Perspective Connecting Cities, the Built Environment, Real Estate, and Finance –
［Overview］Responding to climate risks and societal change requires more than simply maintaining existing buildings or extending their service life. Existing buildings must be transformed into assets capable of adapting to future environmental conditions and evolving societal needs. This requires cross-sector dialogue that goes beyond improving the performance of individual buildings to encompass urban and social infrastructure policies, real estate valuation, climate risk management, and integration with sustainable finance.
This program will bring together perspectives from government, the built environment and real estate, finance, and other sectors to explore how resilient retrofits can be assessed, implemented, and translated into value. By sharing knowledge across disciplines, the program will examine how the regeneration of existing building stock and enhanced resilience can become drivers of value creation for the next generation of green buildings.
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– Cities and Government – How can resilience be embedded and implemented across societyRyosuke YagiShizuoka City Hall Civil Engineering Bureau Public Works Department Rivers Division Lead Staff Profile |
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– Architecture and Real Estate – How can resilience generate greater real estate valueMasaki HoriDaiichi Life Insurance Co., Ltd. Real Estate Investment Dept. General Manager Profile |
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– Assessment and Risk Management – How should resilience be assessed and incorporated into design to create valueTomoya MochizukiEngineering and Risk Services Corporation |
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– Finance – How can the financial sector assess and support resilienceYumiko WatanabeJapan Programme Lead, Climate Bonds Initiative Profile |
15:55-16:40
Part 2 : Panel Discussion with all speakers
Presentation & Panel Discussion │ Part 2
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［Facilitator］ Yasushi KinoshitaChairperson, Green Building Japan |
16:40-16:50
Q&A
Q&A with participants
16:50-17:00
Closing
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Kazuyuki MatsunagaGreen Building Japan Board Member |
17:30-18:30
Networking reception with light refreshments
After the closing remarks, the venue layout will be changed (approx.30mins). All participants, including speakers, exhibitors and attendees, will be invited to join for networking opportunities.
※In order to reduce waste at the symposium venue, no beverages will be provided to participants during the lectures.
