Social and Environmental Systems Division

Profile of Research Sections

Environmental Economics and Policy Section

We conduct analyses and assessments of the economic, political and global aspects of protecting the environment. Our research projects focus on analyzing the effects of environmental policies, such as how society and environment interact, and what effects the environmental policies have on the economy. We also analyze the decision-making processes by which various countries developed their environmental policies, and investigate the possibilities for international cooperation to protect the global environment.

Environmental Planning Section

We carry out studies on the development and application of techniques for planning and assessment with respect to environmental protection. We are carrying out studies that help the formulation and evaluation of regional plans for environmental protection as well as Basic Environmental Plan. We also conduct analyses of the lifestyles of local residents and the sustainability of their consumption.

Integrated Assessment Section

We carry out studies relating to the development of integrated assessment models of environmental conservation. Our research projects include the development of “integrated assessment models” that incorporate findings by studies on various subjects, such as economic activities, global warming, land use, recycling and lifestyle. We will use these models to create a vision for a sustainable society and perform analyses of scenarios for turning the vision into reality.

Transportation and Urban Environment Section

We carry out studies to help find solutions to problems with transportation and the urban environment. Our research projects include the development of medium- and long-term scenarios for transportation and urban centers, environmental assessments of automobiles using field surveys, low-emission test facilities and on-board measurement technologies, elucidation of environmental changes in the atmosphere, and the forecasting and assessing the outcome of various measures addressing transportation and urban issues.