The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Team conducts society-related research to encourage innovative technologies, some developed by AIST, to achieve a zero-emission society. We are developing assessment methodologies based on life cycle assessment (LCA), material flow analysis, energy system analysis, and socioeconomic analysis to understand the environmental and social impacts and spillover effects caused by innovative technologies introduced into society and their spread. Our team aims to pioneer a new interdisciplinary academic field through integrating diverse big data accumulated in society with AI and LCA knowledge, and furthermore to contribute to the diffusion of innovative technologies by connecting the academic knowledge with business.

Specifically, we are working on the following five themes. Through these research activities, we aim to formulate scenarios for the realization of a zero-emission society and make recommendations for next-generation energy systems.

To assess the feasibility of introducing carbon recycling systems by LCA

We develop assessment tools to conduct LCA of carbon recycling under various conditions based on process simulations. We also develop methods to optimize carbon recycling systems and evaluate the effectiveness of innovative technologies.

To assess the recyclability of mineral resources that support energy technologies

We assess constraints on mineral resources impacted by the adaptation of technologies that significantly reduce CO₂ emissions. We are also developing tools that can estimate the amount of CO₂ recycling and reduction by refining mineral resources with low environmental impact.

To develop long-term scenarios using energy models

With a view to achieving a zero-emission society, we create scenarios for the introduction of innovative technologies that significantly reduce CO₂ emissions. We also assess the environmental, social, and economic impacts and ripple effects of technology adaptation, such as job creation and resource needs, to present a vision for a sustainable zero-emission society.

To develop large-scale data analysis methods using AI and IoT

By analyzing IoT data collected in society with AI, which has been spread rapidly in recent years, we design social systems for efficient energy use, for instance, through electric sharing. Large-scale residential time-series data obtained from IoT data, particularly HEMS, are analyzed to elucidate lifestyle characteristics suitable for advanced energy saving in the household sector.

To evaluate the social acceptability of low-carbon technologies using environmental economics

We assess social acceptability of innovative energy and environmental technologies by utilizing human behavior data, design systems that accelerate diffusion of these technologies, and measure their performance through economic experiments.

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