Cooperative Research
CRECET has revealed and solved various aquatic environmental problems, based on a variety of experiments. It aims to identify various environmental issues and appropriate management tools, and can propose and implement solutions which will benefit human health. Its focus includes environmental risk assessment and management, creation of a low carbon society, water purification technology, aquatic environment protection planning, solid waste recycling and management, wastewater treatment, and recycling technology. Examples of its cooperative research include:
- The occurrence of and effective responses to physiologically active substances and emerging pollutants such as endocrine disrupting chemicals in the aquatic environment
- Monitoring of the water quality in rivers and wastewater treatment plants in Shenzhen
- Development of techniques for water purification and reclamation using ceramic membranes
- Waste and sludge treatment
- Non-point source pollution in urban environments
In addition, in 2008, Kyoto University launched two research and educational projects for developing professionals who can thrive on the global stage: the Global Center of Excellence (GCOE) program entitled “Global Center for Education and Research on Human Security Engineering for Asian Megacities”, and the Strategic Funds for the Promotion of Science and Technology (EML) program entitled “The International Center for Human Resource Development in Environmental Management”. As one of the overseas institutions of Kyoto University, CRECET played an important role in these projects.
The GCOE project aimed at providing human security engineering for Asian megacities. Practically, it sought to strengthen the educational and research system of graduate schools, in order to achieve two goals: first, to satisfy basic human needs, overcome local pollution, and reduce disaster risks caused by extreme weather or earthquakes; and second, to develop theories and human resources aimed at the systematic installation and utilization of technology, systems, management tools, and governance methods, for the empowerment of individuals, families, and communities facing such threats. The project established seven overseas centers in Asian cities: Shenzhen, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Bangkok, Hanoi, and Bandung. Through this network of international education and research, it trained practical researchers with expertise for the next generation.
The EML project attempted to train leaders who can solve environmental problems in Asia, to meet the needs of Asian developing countries. It provided a multidisciplinary curriculum deeply informed by the Asian situation. Through its long-term internship program, students experienced the responsibility of environmental leaders who must identify and address the problems in this field. In addition, they conducted research directly related to Asian environmental issues. The project established three overseas centers, in Shenzhen, Hanoi, and Hue, to support educational and research activities abroad.
The Kyoto University Graduate School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies have been maintaining and developing educational programs, particularly in environmental engineering, even after the GCOE and EML projects successfully concluded in March 2013. On May 2nd, 2013, Kyoto University and Tsinghua University renewed the agreement for CRECET to continue the cooperation in research and education between Japan and China. In addition, on May 12th, 2015, they amended it to include the Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies. On December 6th, 2018, they amended it again, because CRECET was now authorized as one of the on-site laboratories, and the Double Master Degree Program Kyoto University – Tsinghua University had been launched.
As a link between Kyoto University, Tsinghua University, related research institutions and private companies, CRECET will continue to make major contributions to education and research, not only in environmental engineering but in other fields as well.
International Cooperation
As a platform for interaction among related institutions of Japan and China in the environmental field, CRECET has regularly organized business missions for companies related to the universities to visit environmental facilities in China and Japan, including landfill sites in Shenzhen; waste incinerators, water filtration plants and wastewater treatment plants in China; and wastewater treatment plants, sludge carbonization facilities, recycling centers, and water supply facilities in Japan. In addition, CRECET has been sharing research achievements with local governments and environmental companies in Japan and China, to contribute to the protection of their environment.