After graduating from the Law Department of Waseda University, Tokyo, Mr. Ito joined The Sumitomo Trust and Banking Co., Ltd. in 1983. He began his real estate career in the Bank as a licensed real estate appraiser, engaging in real estate appraisal, real estate trust services, as well as national property research, among others. In 2005, an article entitled ” A note on environmental value added for real estate” that he entered for selection to commemorate the tenth founding anniversary of the Tokyo Association of Real Estate Appraisers won the top award. While engaged in the management of sustainable real estate promotion, he is conducting research on the additional value of sustainable real estate. He is also a member of the UNEP Finance Initiative Property Working Group (UNEP FI PWG) and an organizer of CASBEE Property Appraisal Subcommittee.