Member

Based on a life-cycle-based approach, the Group is carrying out research intended to systematize environmental actions, measures, adaptations and novel technologies. To this end, a broad range of research is required to build systems for reducing environmental impact and improving sustainability. We are therefore developing tools and methodologies that will help to achieve sustainability and reduce environmental impact. Through the application and implementation of LCA and a life-cycle-based approach, the Group will contribute to improving the level of comprehensive assessment technology.

The following are our major research themes.

1. Development of LCA software and database

A life cycle inventory database is a form of information infrastructure for estimating the environmental load and impact of products and services. The Group has already produced inventory data for our LCA software package. We aim to build easy-to-use inventory databases and add new inventory data from a mass of documents, statistics, and measurements to be able to meet the future needs of researchers in Japan and elsewhere.

The group will continue the development of JEMAI-LCA Pro (AIST-LCA Ver.4), one of Japan’s flagship LCA software packages. The LIME (Life Cycle Impact Assessment Method) incorporated into JEMAI-LCA Pro was upgraded to LIME 2 after adding two environmental impact areas and revising the integration factors. The LCA software that carries this new version has been upgraded. We plan to review some of the data in response to this software upgrade and make additions or modifications to it with the help of user feedback.



2. Technology assessment

The Group carries out technology assessments using a life-cycle-based approach, with an eye on opportunities for future reductions in environmental impact. In parallel with the development of the LCA database, we are promoting research into biomass utilization, replacement of CFCs, recycling of waste and rare metals, and technologies for cleaner production in China.

3. Research on sustainability assessment

The group pursues research on basic indices and metrics such as eco-efficiency and the carbon footprint required to study sustainability from the viewpoints of government, industry, businesses and consumers.

We aim to disseminate the new value-added business eco-efficiency results by the end of FY 2007. It is difficult to compare environmental performance among companies, since environmental impact differs according to the area of their business activities and by product manufactured. This index compares corporate environmental efficiency with the average environmental efficiency in each industrial sector. The group plans to develop an environmental efficiency metric that can be used for product assessment.

Carbon labeling

The group will launch research on carbon labeling, which has become a social concern. We plan to develop a method of standardizing carbon labeling while working with retailers and manufacturing companies through the Study Committee of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and by referring to the development of a calculation method for carbon footprints and working examples.

4. Research on impact assessment

There is a growing need to develop methods for assessing new environmental impact areas that are not covered by conventional impact assessment methods, such as the effects of changes in land utilization in agricultural production and the tight relationship between water supply and demand arising from changes in population. Placing an emphasis on methods for assessing environmental impact caused by the shortage of water resources in particular, the group will work on developing a method for assessing health hazards due to infectious diseases and malnutrition stemming from the worldwide shortage of water for household and agricultural use.
 


Development of methods for assessing the impact of water resource consumption

5. Design and assessment of local policies and activities based on a life-cycle-based approach

As carbon policy has evolved from the Kyoto Protocol, launched in February 2005, to Japan’s hosting of the G8 Hokkaido Toyako summit in July 2008, detailed policy planning for a low-carbon, sustainable society has also shifted from the national government to local governments. The Group aims to reduce the direct and indirect environmental impacts on the whole of society by adopting a life-cycle-based approach to the design and assessment of local environmental measures such as waste management, the utilization of biomass resources, and the mitigation of urban heat island phenomena. We will pursue research aimed at contributing to a sustainable society and urban image.


Life cycle-oriented disposal of waste and biomass utilization in local and urban areas

6. Technical consultations on LCA

The Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability plans to set up a service department under the supervision of its deputy director and focus efforts on making known its research results and technical consulting services. It aims to maintain the pivotal function of local LCA research networks as innovation centers for this research both at home and abroad.