Pasona Japan General Affairs Department and Panasonic Holdings Win 2025 'Environmental Design Award' from the Japan Society for Noise Control Engineering for Office Environment Design Combining Natural Sounds and Greenery

The joint initiative 'Development and Implementation of Biophilic Sound Design in Offices' by Pasona Japan General Affairs Department, Ltd. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Osaka; President and CEO: Katsuya Sano; hereinafter 'Pasona Japan General Affairs') and Panasonic Holdings Corporation (Head Office: Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture; President, CEO, and Group CEO: Yuuki Kusumi; hereinafter 'Panasonic HD') has received the 2025 'Environmental Design Award' from the Japan Society for Noise Control Engineering, a public interest incorporated foundation.

This project scientifically evaluated the impact of natural sounds in addition to visual elements such as greenery. The initiative was highly praised for implementing research findings into actual office spaces and conducting long-term effectiveness verification.

▲ Example of psychological impression evaluation using high-resolution natural sounds and office application

In recent years, 'biophilic design'※ has gained attention for improving office environment quality and enhancing well-being. However, most previous efforts have focused primarily on visual elements like greenery, with insufficient validation of auditory elements such as natural sounds in integrated spatial design.

Against this backdrop, the two companies launched a joint research project in 2020, combining high-resolution natural sounds—utilizing the audio technology of Technics (TECHNICS), Panasonic Corporation's premium audio brand—with biophilic spaces incorporating greenery, to assess their impact on people. To identify suitable types and volume levels of natural sounds for biophilic environments, psychological impression evaluations simulating office settings were conducted starting in 2021, with the cooperation of Associate Professor Sohei Tsujimura (currently at the Faculty of Engineering, Nihon University; at the time of research, Ibaraki University), analyzing the effects of different natural sound types.

Furthermore, based on insights gained in laboratory settings, biophilic spaces emphasizing harmony between visual and auditory elements were introduced into actual offices, and long-term effectiveness was verified. As a result, it was confirmed that integrated design incorporating both visual and auditory elements is essential in biophilic design, and that such combined environments can continuously contribute to the comfort and well-being of office workers.

Going forward, both companies will continue to advance research and implementation of space creation combining natural sounds and greenery, leveraging the knowledge gained from this research to contribute to improving work environment quality and realizing employee well-being.

※ An approach to spatial design reflecting the concept of 'biophilia'—the theory that humans and animals have an inherent tendency and instinct to seek and prefer nature.

Award Overview

Award Name

2025 'Environmental Design Award'

Organizer

Japan Society for Noise Control Engineering, a public interest incorporated foundation

Achievement Title

Development and Implementation of Biophilic Sound Design in Offices

Application of Research Results

The insights gained from this research have been incorporated into Panasonic HD's core R&D hub, 'Technology CUBE (Technology Cube)', which has been fully operational since April 2026, contributing to innovation credits under the WELL certification. Currently, Panasonic HD is utilizing high-resolution natural sounds recorded independently in locations such as Yakushima Island within Technology CUBE to demonstrate new environmental designs in large-scale spaces. The company continues to develop and research space creation that contributes to well-being, focusing on the psychological effects of natural sounds, similar to the awarded research.

◇ About Biophilic High-Resolution Sound Technology https://tech.panasonic.com/jp/human-insight/technology/biophilic-high-resolution-sound.html

◇ About Technology CUBE https://news.panasonic.com/jp/press/jn260309-2

Reference / About Pasona Japan General Affairs Department's 'COMORE BIZ'

Based on the 'biophilia theory'—which posits that people instinctively prefer nature and that connections with nature enhance mental and physical health, happiness, concentration, and productivity—COMORE BIZ supports the creation of workplaces that promote well-being. From concept development to design, construction, and plant maintenance, it provides comprehensive coordination to create environments connected to nature. By introducing plants and natural sounds based on scientific evidence, it promotes sustainable growth for employees and companies, as well as health management.

◇ Website https://www.pasona-ns.co.jp/service/comorebiz/index.html

◇ Case Studies https://www.pasona-ns.co.jp/case/index.html

Company Overview

【Pasona Japan General Affairs Department, Ltd.】

Head Office

Kitahama Higashi 4-33, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Kitahama Nexus Building

Established

October 1, 1987

Capital

20 million yen

Representative

President and CEO Katsuya Sano

Business Activities

BPO services (general affairs and facility management), communication services, facility design services

URL

https://www.pasona-ns.co.jp/index.html

【Panasonic Holdings Corporation】

Head Office

1006, Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture

Established

December 15, 1935

Capital

259.6 billion yen

Representative

President, CEO, and Group CEO Yuuki Kusumi

Business Activities

Responsible for Panasonic Group's strategic planning and governance, as well as foundational R&D and new business creation for group core technologies.

URLEURO

https://holdings.panasonic/jp/