The traditional functional market of soundproofing and sound insulation is being redefined from the perspective of “Environment, Resources, and Society (ESG).” In the current situation where “energy efficiency” and “resource circulation” are demanded in construction, rental management, and audio equipment, the ESG wave is hitting the soundproofing market in Japan.
This article analyzes ESG trends in the soundproofing market in Japan and explains adoption trends of energy-efficient structures and circular materials, ESG responses in business markets, and future prospects.
Introduction: Intersection of Soundproofing Market × ESG#
The intersection of the soundproofing market and ESG is expanding in each field of construction, rental management, and audio equipment.
Background of Traditional Functional Market of Soundproofing/Sound Insulation Being Redefined from ESG Perspective#
The soundproofing and sound insulation market traditionally emphasized “functionality.” However, from an ESG perspective, the market is being redefined as environmental, resource, and social values are added.
Traditional Soundproofing Market
- Functionality-focused: Sound insulation performance, soundproofing performance
- Cost-focused: Construction costs, maintenance costs
- Performance-focused: D-value, sound insulation grade
Soundproofing Market in ESG Era
- Functionality + environmental performance: Energy efficiency, resource circulation
- Cost + environmental value: LCA (Life Cycle Assessment)
- Performance + social value: Sustainability
Current Situation Where “Energy Efficiency” and “Resource Circulation” Are Demanded in Construction, Rental Management, and Audio Equipment#
“Energy efficiency” and “resource circulation” are demanded in each field of construction, rental management, and audio equipment.
Construction Field
- Amendment of Building Energy Efficiency Act
- Promotion of carbon neutrality
- Spread of green building
Rental Management Field
- Increase in demand for energy-efficient properties
- Expansion of ESG investment
- Promotion of sustainable rentals
Audio Equipment Field
- Development of energy-efficient equipment
- Adoption of recycled materials
- Spread of environmentally conscious equipment
Trends in Energy-Efficient Structures in Soundproofing Materials and Building Materials#
Trends in energy-efficient structures are expanding in soundproofing materials and building materials.
Introduction Examples of Structures and Materials with Combined Effects of High Thermal Insulation / High Sound Insulation#
Structures and materials with combined effects of high thermal insulation and high sound insulation are gaining attention in the soundproofing market.
Benefits of Combined Effects
- Improved thermal insulation performance: Reduced heating and cooling loads
- Maintained sound insulation performance: Secured soundproofing performance
- Improved cost efficiency: Two effects from one construction
Introduction Examples
- High thermal insulation soundproofing panels: Panels combining thermal insulation materials and sound insulation materials
- Composite structural materials: Materials integrating thermal insulation, sound insulation, and structure
- Energy-efficient soundproofing doors: Doors achieving both thermal insulation and sound insulation performance
Relationship with Building Energy Efficiency and Thermal Insulation Policies (for Housing and Buildings)#
Building energy efficiency and thermal insulation policies are also affecting the soundproofing market.
Amendment of Building Energy Efficiency Act
- 2025: Mandatory compliance with energy efficiency standards for new housing
- 2030: Mandatory compliance with energy efficiency standards for new buildings
- 2050: Achievement of carbon neutrality
Impact on Soundproofing Market
- Increase in demand for energy-efficient soundproofing materials
- Spread of high thermal insulation soundproofing structures
- Development of energy-efficient soundproofing equipment
Benefits Energy Efficiency Performance Improvement Brings to Soundproofing Market (Reduced Heating/Cooling Loads + Improved Comfort)#
Benefits that improved energy efficiency performance brings to the soundproofing market are reduced heating and cooling loads and improved comfort.
Reduced Heating and Cooling Loads
- Heating and cooling loads reduced by 20-30% due to improved thermal insulation performance
- Utility cost reduction: Annual reduction of 100,000 to 200,000 yen (approximately $676 to $1,352 USD)
- Reduced environmental impact: Reduction in CO2 emissions
Improved Comfort
- Elimination of temperature variations: Uniform temperature due to thermal insulation performance
- Prevention of condensation: Condensation less likely due to thermal insulation performance
- Improved livability: Sound activities possible in comfortable environment
Adoption of Circular Materials and Recycled Materials and Their Significance#
Adoption of circular materials and recycled materials is expanding in the soundproofing market.
Examples of Initiatives Using Circular/Recycled Materials in Soundproofing Materials and Sound Insulation Materials#
Initiatives using circular and recycled materials in soundproofing materials and sound insulation materials are progressing at various companies.
Examples of Recycled Materials
- Recycled glass fiber: Recycled material from glass products
- Recycled plastic: Recycled material from plastic products
- Recycled wool: Recycled material from wool products
Examples of Companies with Initiatives
- Company A: Soundproofing panels using recycled glass fiber
- Company B: Sound-absorbing materials using recycled plastic
- Company C: Soundproofing materials using recycled wool
Value from Perspective of Effective Resource Utilization and Waste Reduction#
Adoption of circular materials and recycled materials has value from the perspective of effective resource utilization and waste reduction.
Effective Resource Utilization
- Waste reduction: Waste reduced through recycling
- Resource conservation: Use of new resources reduced
- Reduced environmental impact: Reduction in CO2 emissions
Waste Reduction
- Reduction in construction waste: Waste reduced through use of recycled materials
- Waste reduction in lifecycle: Waste reduction throughout product lifecycle
Evidence of Growing Attention to Material Selection and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)#
Attention to material selection and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is growing.
Importance of LCA
- Evaluates environmental impact throughout product lifecycle
- Used as decision-making material for material selection
- Used as evaluation criteria for ESG investment
Examples of LCA Introduction
- Major manufacturers: Conduct LCA and disclose environmental impact
- Construction companies: Material selection considering LCA
- Investors: Use LCA as evaluation criteria
ESG Response Trends in Business/Construction Markets and Impact on Soundproofing Market#
ESG response trends in business and construction markets are also affecting the soundproofing market.
How Soundproofing Materials Market Relates to “Carbon Neutral” and “Circular Economy” Measures Taken by Companies and Construction Companies#
The soundproofing materials market plays an important role in “carbon neutral” and “circular economy” measures taken by companies and construction companies.
Carbon Neutral Measures
- Achievement of carbon neutrality by 2050
- Adoption of energy-efficient soundproofing materials
- Reduced environmental impact
Circular Economy Measures
- Adoption of recycled materials
- Reuse and recycling of products
- Waste reduction
Role of Soundproofing Materials Market
- Provision of energy-efficient soundproofing materials
- Adoption of recycled materials
- Contribution to reduced environmental impact
Soundproofing + Environmental Performance Appeals in Housing, Rental Management, Studios, Music Facilities, etc.#
Movements appealing soundproofing + environmental performance are expanding in housing, rental management, studios, music facilities, etc.
Housing Field
- Increase in demand for energy-efficient soundproofing housing
- Spread of housing appealing environmental performance
- Expansion of ESG investment
Rental Management Field
- Increase in demand for energy-efficient soundproofing rentals
- Spread of rentals appealing environmental performance
- Promotion of sustainable rentals
Studio and Music Facility Field
- Increase in demand for energy-efficient soundproofing studios
- Spread of studios appealing environmental performance
- Promotion of sustainable studios
Soundproofing Properties and Equipment Becoming Differentiated and Value-Added Through ESG Appeals#
Soundproofing properties and equipment are becoming differentiated and value-added through ESG appeals.
Differentiation Points
- Environmental performance appeals: Energy efficiency, resource circulation
- Social value appeals: Sustainability
- Economic value appeals: Utility cost reduction, asset value improvement
Value-Added Effects
- Rent premium: Rent becomes 1.1 to 1.2 times due to environmental performance
- Asset value improvement: Asset value improves due to environmental performance
- Investment value improvement: Evaluated as ESG investment target
Specific Examples: Materials, Products, Facilities#
We introduce specific examples of ESG responses in the soundproofing market in each field of materials, products, and facilities.
Example 1: Introduction of Soundproofing Felt and Sound-Absorbing Materials Using Recycled Materials (Material Company Initiatives)#
We introduce examples of introduction of soundproofing felt and sound-absorbing materials using recycled materials.
Company A’s Initiative
- Soundproofing felt using recycled glass fiber
- Recycling rate: 80% or higher
- Environmental impact: 30% reduction compared to conventional products
Company B’s Initiative
- Sound-absorbing materials using recycled plastic
- Recycling rate: 70% or higher
- Environmental impact: 25% reduction compared to conventional products
Example 2: Rental Properties / Studios / Soundproofing Rooms with Energy Efficiency + Sound Insulation Specifications for Entire Building#
We introduce examples of rental properties, studios, and soundproofing rooms with energy efficiency + sound insulation specifications for entire buildings.
Rental Property Example
- Energy-efficient soundproofing rental property: Achieves both thermal insulation and sound insulation performance
- Utility cost reduction: Annual reduction of 150,000 yen (approximately $1,014 USD)
- Environmental impact: 30% reduction in CO2 emissions
Studio Example
- Energy-efficient soundproofing studio: Achieves both thermal insulation and sound insulation performance
- Operational cost reduction: Annual reduction of 200,000 yen (approximately $1,352 USD)
- Environmental impact: 25% reduction in CO2 emissions
Soundproofing Room Example
- Energy-efficient soundproofing room: Achieves both thermal insulation and sound insulation performance
- Utility cost reduction: Annual reduction of 100,000 yen (approximately $676 USD)
- Environmental impact: 20% reduction in CO2 emissions
Example 3: Provision Models Combining “Soundproofing + Environmental Performance” with Equipment and Machinery#
We introduce examples of provision models combining “soundproofing + environmental performance” with equipment and machinery.
Combination with Air Conditioning Equipment
- Energy-efficient air conditioning + soundproofing structure: Achieves both thermal insulation and sound insulation performance
- Utility cost reduction: Annual reduction of 120,000 yen (approximately $810 USD)
- Environmental impact: 28% reduction in CO2 emissions
Combination with Lighting Equipment
- LED lighting + soundproofing structure: Achieves both energy-efficient lighting and sound insulation performance
- Utility cost reduction: Annual reduction of 50,000 yen (approximately $338 USD)
- Environmental impact: 15% reduction in CO2 emissions
Challenges Market Faces and Future Development#
ESG responses in the soundproofing market have challenges, but future development is expected.
Challenges: Supply Costs (Soundproofing + High Environmental Performance) / Maturity of Materials and Construction Technology / Market Understanding and Price Reflection#
ESG responses in the soundproofing market have the following challenges.
Supply Cost Challenges
- Cost of soundproofing + high environmental performance: 1.2 to 1.5 times conventional products
- Increased construction costs: Specialized technology required
- Increased maintenance costs: Maintenance required
Challenges in Maturity of Materials and Construction Technology
- Quality of recycled materials: Challenge of ensuring quality equivalent to conventional products
- Standardization of construction technology: Standardization of construction technology required
- Performance evaluation criteria: Evaluation criteria for environmental performance required
Market Understanding and Price Reflection Challenges
- Insufficient market understanding: Understanding of ESG value is insufficient
- Delayed price reflection: Price reflection of environmental performance is delayed
- Demand expansion: Demand expansion required
Development: Acquisition of ESG Standards and Green Certifications / Possibility of Soundproofing Properties and Equipment Being Noted as ESG Investment Targets#
As development of ESG responses in the soundproofing market, acquisition of ESG standards and green certifications, and attention as ESG investment targets are expected.
Acquisition of ESG Standards and Green Certifications
- Green building certifications: Acquisition of certifications such as LEED, CASBEE
- ESG standard compliance: Compliance with ESG standards
- Acquisition of environmental labels: Acquisition of environmental labels
Attention as ESG Investment Targets
- Expansion of ESG investment: Demand increases with expansion of ESG investment
- Asset value improvement: Asset value improves with ESG investment
- Market expansion: Market expands with ESG investment
Outlook: Soundproofing Market Matures as “Infrastructure and Equipment with Environmental Performance” Through Collaboration with Construction Market and Infrastructure Market#
The soundproofing market is expected to mature as “infrastructure and equipment with environmental performance” through collaboration with the construction market and infrastructure market.
Collaboration with Construction Market
- Collaboration with energy-efficient construction: Achieves both energy-efficient construction and soundproofing
- Collaboration with sustainable construction: Achieves both sustainable construction and soundproofing
Collaboration with Infrastructure Market
- Collaboration with energy-efficient infrastructure: Achieves both energy-efficient infrastructure and soundproofing
- Collaboration with sustainable infrastructure: Achieves both sustainable infrastructure and soundproofing
Path to Maturity
- 2025: Expansion of ESG responses
- 2030: Standardization of ESG standards
- 2050: Maturity as infrastructure with environmental performance
Summary: Organization of ESG Value in Soundproofing Market#
We organize ESG value in the soundproofing market.
Options and Proposals Expand as Environmental, Resource, and Social Values Are Added, Not Just Soundproofing Function#
Options and proposals expand as environmental, resource, and social values are added, not just soundproofing function.
Expansion of Options
- Options for energy-efficient soundproofing materials increase
- Options for recycled materials increase
- Selection considering environmental performance is possible
Expansion of Proposals
- Proposals for energy-efficient soundproofing are possible
- Proposals for recycled materials are possible
- Proposals considering environmental performance are possible
Stakeholders in Construction, Rental, and Audio Uses Should Position “Soundproofing + Environmental Performance” as Appeal Axis#
Stakeholders in construction, rental, and audio uses should position “soundproofing + environmental performance” as the appeal axis.
Importance of Appeal Axis
- Differentiation point: Differentiation through environmental performance
- Value creation: Value creation through environmental performance
- Market expansion: Market expands through environmental performance
Possibility and Impact of ESG Perspective Promoting “Soundproofing Specifications = Standardization” in the Future#
In the future, ESG perspective may promote “soundproofing specifications = standardization.”
Possibility of Standardization
- Standardization of ESG standards: Possibility of ESG standards being standardized
- Standardization of environmental performance: Possibility of environmental performance being standardized
- Standardization of soundproofing specifications: Possibility of soundproofing specifications being standardized
Impact
- Market expansion: Market expands through standardization
- Cost reduction: Costs reduced through standardization
- Quality improvement: Quality improves through standardization