Environmental Engineering Division
<Mission>

    Highly developed societies have many associated environmental problems, such as the maintenance of the natural environment, waste treatment and recycling, conservation of air quality and water quality, and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions (via utilization of renewable energy).
This division has offered and will continue to offer useful information on these difficult problems from the standpoint of mechanical engineering. In order to undertake this challenging task based on the broad scope of mechanical engineering, this division has the following four technical committees.

Activities

1st technical committee: Noise and vibration control engineering

With regard to noise and vibration control, we highlight mechanical design and countermeasures to ensure people’s comfort.

In the past, the following themes have been discussed in this group.

- Relationship between mechanical noise and acoustic environment
- Design of comfortable acoustic environments
- Mechanical noise and vibration control with respect to sound quality
- Technical approaches for the optimal design of machinery with respect to noise and vibration.

“The advanced design and evaluation of mechanical noise and vibration for a comfortable environment” has been chosen as a key theme at this stage. In addition, much research is being conducted to enhance the engineering of machinery from an environmental perspective.

2nd technical committee: Recycling and waste treatment technology

The relationship between energy and waste treatment technology is becoming increasingly close. In
order to realize a sustainable city, finding the optimal combination of recycling technology and WtE
(waste to energy) technology is important. Mechanical engineering is a key field involved in solving
these problems. In many cases, new technologies as well as earlier systems or technologies can
provide effective solutions. Thus, our activities are focused on a wide variety of technological areas.

3rd technical committee: Technology for the conservation of air and water

    We contribute to the development of control technologies to reduce NOx, SOx, and particulate
matter emissions associated with combustion, immobilization of CO2, NOx reduction technologies and so on. In the field of water conservation, we address various environmental issues, ranging from eutrophication in closed water area to endocrine disruptors and technologies for recycling water to establish a recycling-based society. We also study the sterilization of microorganisms in air and water.

4th technical committee: Environment friendly energy technology

    Global warming leads to many problems such as food shortages, desertification, and rising sea
levels. To counter these problems, it is important to employ energy technologies that are in harmony with the natural environment.
    The 4th technical committee introduces energy technologies to realize comprehensive systems that encompass not only natural, social, and economical environments, but also culture, welfare, amenities, and health. Based on this, a sustainable environment can be artificially established using renewable and more efficient energy systems.