Department of Environmental Sciences and Technology
Research Group Introduction
Ecological Meteorology
By using field observations, remote sensing, and numerical simulations, we are developing technologies for mitigating urban heat environments and evaluating the greenhouse gas balance in natural ecosystems and cities and ecosystem functions in the Earth system. We are also working on the reconstruction and analysis of paleoclimate by understanding the past weather processes and plant phenology through reading and interpreting ancient records.
Environmental Control in Biology
Plants and their surrounding environment interactively influence each other; this has a great deal to do with our lives. By understanding the relationships between plants and the environment from a physical perspective, the Research Group of Environmental Control in Biology is working to elucidate the environmental responses of plants, develop controlled environment technologies for plant production, construct resource circulating systems using biomass conversion technologies, and improve the environment using plant functions.
Geo-environmental Engineering
In urban development and rural development to realize affluent and comfortable lives, it is necessary to develop social infrastructure that meets the basic requirements of functionality, safety, and economy; has a plant growth environment (green infrastructure) with appropriately controlled soil and water systems; and considers the multifunctionality of agriculture and green spaces. The Geo-environmental Engineering Research Group studies issues related to ground and facilities from the perspective of “reducing environmental impact”.
Science and Engineering of Hydrological Environment
We are working on basic researches 1) to understand the relationship between water and other environmental elements of soil, atmosphere, plants, and human activities, 2) to know the characteristics of a “region” which is considered as an environmental system constituted from these elements, and 3) to investigate the regional water cycle, and also applied researches associated with 1) the diagnosis, planning, and management of water use systems for actual sites and 2) the conservation and management of regional environments, including water quality, landscapes, and ecosystems.
Environmental Engineering in Biological Production
In biological production, high quality and stable production of products are required. To achieve this, the Research Group of Environmental Engineering in Biological Production will develop and build control technologies for target organisms along with engineering and sensing technologies from a smart perspective. The demonstration sites include fields, facilities, and plant factories. Intending to contribute to society, we are pursuing the optimization of the machines, equipment, and systems that are the elements of these fields, from the standpoint of both environmental conservation and productivity, to meet the goals of the SDGs.
Landscape Planning and Design
Our laboratory aims to build a new applied field of landscape planning science by introducing theories, methodologies, and techniques of city planning and human behavioral science based on landscape architecture. Specifically, our education and research focuses on planning theory and methodology for open space and landscape, as well as design theory, methodology, and technology for parks and open spaces, urban landscapes, and natural and cultural landscapes.
Landscape Architecture and Conservation
Our main objective is to conserve and restore the rich natural environment and to create and develop comfortable living environments with a focus on greenery based on conservation ecology and environmental sciences. As awareness of environmental issues has deepened in recent years, our work extends urban green spaces, ruderal vegetation (in urban and suburban areas), suburban secondary nature like Satoyama, and natural forests with little human influence as well as landscaped gardens and parks.
Regional Landscape Management
To create a healthy and sustainable regional environment, it is important to understand the interrelationships between the various elements that make up the regional environment (natural and man-made) and human activities (social, economic, historical, cultural, and lifestyle). Our research group is reconsidering the relationship between people and nature in the region from the perspective of “coexistence with nature,” “inheritance and development of biological culture,” and “improvement of quality of life (QOL)” to realize a healthy regional society in harmony with the ecosystem.
Environmental Entomology and Zoology
Using specific groups of insects and small animals as a basis for biodiversity conservation and pest management, the Research Group of Environmental Entomology and Zoology conducts phylogenetic and biogeographical studies, physiological and ecological studies of life history, behavioral and ecological studies based on field observations, and conservation ecological and genetic studies of endangered species.