SEPTEMBER 2024 | RESEARCH VISIT TO KIYOMIZUDERA TEMPLE

Venue: 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan

On September 2024, we visited the stunning Kiyomizu-dera Temple in eastern Kyoto, Japan. This historic Buddhist temple, registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1944, showcases remarkable sustainable architecture and eco-friendly practices.

Here’s what makes Kiyomizu-dera stand out:

• Sustainable Architecture: The temple’s wooden structure, built without nails, uses renewable materials with a lower carbon footprint.

• Eco-friendly Building Practices: Traditional craftsmanship is emphasized in its design.

• Carbon Sequestration: The surrounding forest helps absorb CO2, supporting climate change mitigation.

• Energy Efficiency: Natural ventilation and lighting are integral, reducing reliance on electric energy.

• Biodiversity Protection: The plant-rich surroundings enhance carbon sequestration and preserve local biodiversity.

• Vehicle-free Pathway: The approach to the temple is free of vehicles, helping cut down on carbon emissions.

Visiting Kiyomizu-dera not only allows us to appreciate its cultural and historical significance but also highlights the importance of integrating sustainability into architectural practices.