Hokkaido University Sustainability Report2021

To become a University thatContributes to the Resolution of
The spread of COVID-19 has had a huge impact on university activities. What is the purpose of education,
research, and universities? These questions are now being asked again. This time, Ms. Atsuko Miwa,
Co-Chair of SDGs Japan, spoke with Kiyohiro Houkin, the 20th President of Hokkaido University, from theperspectives of environmental protection, social inclusion, and economic growth.

Issues highlighted by
the COVID-19 pandemicFirst, please tell us about the situation
and role of the University during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Houkin: There’s no doubt that online
systems are new educational tools,
but when I talked with students, I felt
strongly that they were either lonelyor mentally exhausted. Meanwhile,
our University is very active in thefield of virus research. Vaccine development in Japan lags that in Europe
and the United States, and Japan
must catch up. Hokkaido University
also wants to play a part in thatendeavor.
Miwa: I think this pandemic hasrevealed problems that have existed
for a long time but haven’t been dealt
with properly, rather than new
problems that have emerged due tothe pandemic. I think “women” arethe ones who have been the mostseriously affected. More women than

The Research Center for Zoonosis Control is heavily involved in thedevelopment of COVID-19 therapeutic agents.

01

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

Talk with the

AtsukoMIWA
Co-Chair,Japan Civil Society Network
on SDGs (SDGs Japan)

Ms. Miwa earned a master’s degree from theInstitute of Development Studies, University of
Sussex. She has been involved in various programsin the fields of development, gender, human rights
and humanitarian assistance in the Japanese Red
Cross Society External Affairs Department; theRegional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok, of
the United Nations Development Fund for Women(now, UN Women); and other bodies. She has beenin her current position since July 2019. She also
serves as the Director of the Asia-Pacific Human
Rights Information Center (HURIGHTS OSAKA).

Moderator: Hidenori IMAZU, Toppan Printing
Japan Forum of Business and So

men are unemployed, and it has beenreported that consultations regarding
pregnancy from teenage women
have been rapidly increasing. Underlying these situations is the issue of
sexual and reproductive health andrights (SRHR). Low-dose contraceptive pills and emergency contraceptives are not readily available inJapan, and women — especially
young ones — don’t have sufficientawareness and knowledge to protect
their bodies. Domestic violence has
increasingly been reported, and the
problem of violence against women— called the “shadow pandemic”—
is also serious. I think that theincrease in female suicides reflects

these various social problems
surrounding women. I think the
problem of student loneliness, which
the President mentioned earlier, isalso related to this issue.

What is expected of the
post-COVID-19
generation?
Houkin: The idea that the pandemic
has
uncoveredalready-existing
problems and social problems ishighly evocative. As an institution ofhigher education, the University must
seriously consider how to deal with

Talk with the President

Hokkaido University × SDGs
Hokkaido University × COVID-19

Research and
Education Topics

Movements toward the Creationof a Sustainable Campus

Global Issues

and the economy are; and how
Hokkaido University is working onthem in an integrated manner.
Regarding society, I think it is important to show the enthusiasm, determination, and strategy for realizing
inclusiveness based on the recognition of diversity — for example, in
gender equality. Unfortunately, thisreport does not clearly convey a
strategy for gender equality. Genderequality issues also include thechallenges of sexual minorities. The
challenges of people with disabilities
and of diverse ethnicities and nationalities are also important. Regarding
ethnic groups, I think the unique
history of Hokkaido is also important.
Recognizing that diverse people facedifferent challenges, the University
should address those challenges
from an inclusive perspective.

President

Kiyohiro
HOUKIN
President,
Hokkaido University

Born in Sapporo, 1954. Doctor of Medicine. Mr.
Houkin graduated from the Hokkaido University
School of Medicine in 1979, and has worked as aneurosurgeon at Hokkaido University Hospital andprivate hospitals. He was appointed Director of
Hokkaido University Hospital in 2013, and has held
his current position since October 2020.

Co., Ltd.; Chair of the Program Committee,
ciety(Titles omitted)

the problems that have become
apparent.
Miwa: Thank you. The SDG philosophy of creating a “sustainable world”
by approaching environmental, social,and economic issues in an integrated
manner, while “leaving no one
behind”, is a guiding thread in the
COVID-19 era. I think that every
student who has experienced the
COVID-19 pandemic has had a very
hard time. I believe that the problems
of financial difficulties, isolation, andloneliness are issues that the University should actively address. At thesame time, I hope that students will
gain a lot of “learning” and “awareness” toward the end of the

COVID-19 pandemic and will fosterchange. I think the SDGs will be aguide for that.

Integrated approach to
SDGs
What is Hokkaido University’s approachto the SDGs?
Miwa: Reading the 2020 Sustainability Report, I’d like to praise the University for its wonderful contributions. I
think it will be a more meaningful
report if it can expand its scope tosociety and economy; address how
inseparable society, the environment,

Toward becoming auniversity where women
can develop theirpotential “ambitiously”
Houkin: Diversity is a very beautiful
word, but on the other hand, it’s avery tough concept, and I think wemust be determined to realize it.
Considering the coming era, I think
we should work toward realizing
diversity. At Hokkaido University,
papers by female researchers receive
higher evaluations. The percentage offemale researchers who write papers
HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

02

Talk with the President

To become a University that Contributes to the Resolution of Global Issues
In the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021,
published by a British magazine related to higher education,
Hokkaido University ranked at the top in Japan.
The development of automated/robotic agricultural vehicles is
one of our research seeds.

that rank in the top 10% in the worldis higher than that of male researchers. Not only should our University
allow women to play active roles, but
so should other Japanese universities. Such universities will have an
advantage in expanding into theworld.
Miwa: There are still some women
who are worried about continuing
their research, though I hope thenumber is decreasing. They may
think it’s difficult for women tocontinue their research due to theunconscious bias in our society, as
they’ll marry and give birth. I hope thedata will be widely disseminated.

In order for universities
to exert their power
Please tell us your current thoughtsfrom the perspective of university
management.
Houkin: I don’tknow how it isbeing received,
but
in
plain
languagemymessageis,“Only when basic
needs for living
are met canpeople learn to be polite”. I don’t
support simple academic capitalism.
The final goal should not be for universities to make a profit as management
03

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

bodies. ESG is still a very importantfocus when we work with communities and companies. Under suchcircumstances, universities should
improve their financial performance.
To that end, I think I should meet
people from various fields and listen tovarious ideas directly.
Miwa: Regarding the inclusion ofdiversity, which I mentioned earlier, I
think the degree of achievement willprobably be directly reflected in ESG
investment.
the environment, society, and governance

Aiming for research thatwill change the world
What do you think about Hokkaido
University’s
uniquenessandstrengths?
Houkin: Considering the role of ourUniversity in relation to the environment, we are unique in that we havethe largest research forest in theworld. The forest absorbs morecarbon dioxide than that emitted byour campuses. Currently, a research
project is looking into how effective
natural forests can be (in terms ofcarbon offset), utilizing satellite
technology and drones. Our University is also good at marine sciences,such as oceanography. In the fields
such as fisheries science, agriculture,and environmental science, there aresome aspects that can’t be advanced

without the university being actively
involved. We’d like to gather thewisdom of the university and launch
new initiatives based on the value ofthe university’s experience. Since
Hokkaido University has long been
taking initiatives in sustainability,
which is now referred to as SDGs, it
is our responsibility to develop
research and policies that will change
the world. Unless we do that, I don’t
think the University has any significance. We’d appreciate your further
encouragement.
Miwa: Based on
Hokkaido’s historical backgroundas a frontier andon its geography
andenvironment, I think
Hokkaido University can make an
infinite contribution to the SDGs. Now,
what I strongly expect is that Hokkaido University will produce Japan’s
first female Nobel Prize winner.
Thank you for your time today.
Houkin: My pleasure. Thank you verymuch.

The training ship Oshoro Maru V,
weighing 1598 tons, is used for research andpractical training in fisheries science-related fields.

Research and
Education Topics

Hokkaido University × SDGs
Hokkaido University × COVID-19

Talk with the President

Movements toward the Creationof a Sustainable Campus

University overview and measures for sustainability and development
Hokkaido University’s
Four Basic Philosophies● Frontier Spirit ● Global Perspectives ● All-round Education ● Practical Learning［ Basic philosophy ］
Hokkaido University will play a central role in Japan’s academic research and human resource development for
researchers, and as a national university that supports the foundation of Japan’s knowledge in the 21st century,
it will protect the environment from the global level to the regional level through all activities, and strive to build
a sustainable society.

Hokkaido University
Environmental Policy
Formulated on
September 5, 2005

［ Basic policy ］
To concretely realize the basic philosophy, Hokkaido University will establish an environmental management
implementation system and will set and implement environmental goals on the following with the participation of
all persons on campus, including faculty, staff, and students. The university will also make the goals known toeveryone on campus, including faculty, staff, and students, and will disclose the goals to the general public toestablish continuous environment-conscious activities.

1.Consideration for the global and local environments through education and research
2.Contributions to society through the dissemination of environmental information
3.Reduction of environmental load associated with university management
Hokkaido University will have 150th anniversary in 2026. The following goals have been set to promote university
reform toward “Hokkaido University contributing to the resolution of global issues.”

Future Strategy For the 150th
Anniversary of
Hokkaido University
formulated in March 2014

1.Hokkaido University will promote world-class research to resolve a variety of issues to sustain future generations.
2.Hokkaido University will produce graduates who will play a leading role in contributing to the development of a
global society. As specialists in their fields, they will possess sound judgment and deep insight, along with theability to understand and communicate with those of different cultures.
3.Hokkaido University will continue to transmit knowledge and promote social advancement through outside
collaborations, providing assistance to regions and communities in Japan and overseas by addressing andresolving the issues that concern them.
4.Under the leadership of the president, Hokkaido University will carry out reforms of our organizational, personnel, and budget systems, establish an infrastructure that enables members to carry out their tasks with a senseof pride and fulfillment, and implement administrative policies with a focus on sustainable development.
5.Hokkaido University will establish a global presence by actively publicizing the fruits of its education and researchthrough strategic marketing.

Main measures for building a sustainable campus
Basic Philosophies and Long-Term Objectives

Hokkaido University Environmental Policy

Frontier Spirit

Future Strategy
For the 150th
Anniversary of
Hokkaido
University

Global Perspectives
All-round Education
Practical Learning

Campus Master Plan 2018 (CMP 2018)
Campus space planning goals, and guidelines for facility andphysical environment maintenance and management

01
02

Implementationof the university’s
management
strategy

Creation of asustainable“hybrid” campus

03

Improved qualityof life throughtotal design

Research
Education
Social cooperation
University management

Contributing to
the resolutionof global issues

Strategic public relations

Action Plan for Building a Sustainable Campus
2012/2016 (SCAP2012 / 2016)

01

Promotion of specialized
subjects related tosustainability

03

Promotion of practicalresearch themes on
campuses and communities

05

Development ofhigh-quality
campus space

Collaboration

04

A viable long-termplan that embodies
the creation of
campus space

02

Realization of student
participation incampus management04
Collaboration withlocal communities

06

Thorough energy, facility,
and waste management
throughout the university

Education/Research × Campus Management
HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

04

T

1
0

ds a New S
ar
ta
g
ow

Hokkaido
Universityelia r ece u
Sp ea tF

SDGs

Since the time when the term "SDG" did not exist, Hokkaido University has been performing educational and research activities with the aim of realizing a sustainable society.
The results have been steadily evaluated. We have developed relationships with various stakeholders
and are moving forward to a new phase.

1st Place (Tied) in Japan: THE Impact Rankings 2021
In THE Impact Rankings 2021, published by the British
magazine Times Higher Education (THE) on April 21,
2021, Hokkaido University ranked 100-200th worldwide and took 1st place in Japan, along with six otheruniversities (sole possession of 1st place in Japan lastyear). The rankings evaluate the degree of social
contribution of universities using the framework of
SDGs and consist of two parts: an overall ranking, anda ranking by SDG.
In the ranking by SDG, the University is on the 15th
place worldwide for the contributions towards “SDG

The Research and Education Center for Robust
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Industry wasestablished in 2018. As part of the robust
research project, two two "Robust Greenhouses"
have been installed on the university campus toprovide a research environment for demonstration experiments of horticultural facilities for cold
regions.

05

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

2. Zero Hunger.” In addition, the University has earned
high evaluations for its contributions in a wide range offields, such as “SDG 9. Industry, Innovation, andInfrastructure” (47th worldwide), “SDG 14. Life Below
Water” (82nd), and “SDG 15. Life on Land” (94th).

A Meal Card, used at the Co-op Cafeteria, is an Annual Cafeteria Pass integrated
into a student ID card. It supports a healthy diet by securing food expenses that
tend to be cut off first in student life.

THE Impact Rankings 2021: overall ranking(Japanese universities: alphabetical order)
Ranking (place)

Ranking in theprevious year

101-200

101-200

Hiroshima University

101-200

76

Hokkaido University

101-200

101-200

Kyoto University

101-200

201-300

Okayama University

101-200

97

Tohoku University

101-200

77 (Tied)

The University of Tokyo

101-200

101-200

University of Tsukuba

University

Talk with the President

Hokkaido University × SDGs
Hokkaido University × COVID-19

Research and
Education Topics

Movements toward the Creationof a Sustainable Campus

Distinctive approaches
Accelerating innovation throughventure certiﬁcation
The Hokkaido University Venture Certification System
is intended to help start-ups by supporting theirapplication of university research results in society.
Twenty four companies have been certified.
At the Harmonious Systems Engineering Laboratory,
led by Professor Hidenori Kawamura of the Faculty ofInformation Science and Technology, faculty members, students, and graduates have establishednumerous venture companies and conducted joint
research with companies. Among them, Chowa Giken
Corporation, which develops AI algorithms, AWL, Inc.,
which provides AI camera solutions, and TIL Inc.,
which develops AI voice recorders, have been certified
as ventures by Hokkaido University. The laboratory is

distinguished not only by the pursuit of academic value
in research, but also by the development of activities
with a view to the social implementation of the results
as products and services that are useful to people.

Hidenori KAWAMURA
Professor, Faculty ofInformation Science and Technology

Experiment on self-driving carsthat yield the right-of-way to eachother using the Deep Q-Network
algorithm conducted by the
Harmonious Systems Engineering
Laboratory

Monitoring to protect marine resources
The marine environment and living creatures havebeen monitored for years from the training ship
Oshoro Maru, with their data having been released.
Since 2017, the University has cooperated with the
Ministry of theEnvironment’s
marine debris
survey in afact-finding
surveyofdrifting
andmarine debris in offshore waters. The Faculty ofFisheries Science is conducting joint research on
porpoises with Otaru Aquarium Corporation. The Field
Science Center for Northern Biosphere participates in
the Ministry of the Environment’s Monitoring Site
1000, which aims to quickly detect the deterioration ofdiverse ecosystems in Japan and to promote theconservation of biodiversity. The Faculty of Environmental Earth Science has participated in the creationof the Japan Seabird Colony Database under the
Ministry of the Environment.

Training ship Oshoro Maru V

Protecting our green future from vast
research forests
Hokkaido University has approximately 70,000 ha ofresearch forest, which is the world’s largest among
any other university in the world, spread throughTeshio, Nakagawa, Uryu, Sapporo, Tomakomai,
Hiyama, and Wakayama. Utilizing these vast tracts,
the University has been continuing research andeducation related to reforestation and conservation. In
October 2020, the Northern Forest Project was established under the Hokkaido University Frontier Foundation as a mechanism to carry out reforestation, carbon
sequestration, and biodiversity/ecosystem conservation. Appropriate management of research forests has

been realized with contribution to communities.
The Botanic Garden, which opened in 1886, is thesecond oldest in Japan after the Koishikawa Botanical
Garden in Tokyo, and is the core facility for research on
the conservation of plant diversity in northern andcool-temperate zones.

Spring garden (Botanic Garden)

Forest in the sky(Nakagawa Research Forest)

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

06

To

1
0

ds a New S
artaw

Hokkaido
Universitygelia r ece u
Sp ea tF

SDGs

Challenges in the world,in Japan, and in our town

To address global issues such as decarbonization, Hokkaido University is
taking on the challenge of new Initiatives in collaboration with a variety of
stakeholders on various phases.

Accelerating decarbonization by uniting with 120
universities nationwide
University contributions

Achieving Japan’s 2050 goal of carbon neutrality will require a wide range of knowledge, fromthe humanities and social sciences to thenatural sciences.
Toward the launch of the Coalition of Universities and Other Institutes as Contributors to
Carbon Neutrality (Coalition of Universities andOther Institutes), the Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Education,
Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, andthe Ministry of the Environment held an online
summit with presidents of participating universities and other institutes on March 23, 2021.
President Houkin participated with the heads of
120 universities and research institutes nationwide. As one of the 13 secretariat schools,
Hokkaido University will further strengthen
cooperation between universities and otherinstitutes and will promote research, social
implementation, and regional contributions for
local decarbonization and adaptation to climatechange.

Coalitionfunctions
Stakeholder
participation

・Information-sharing
・Project creation
・Social implementationof research results・Strengthening of the
network
・Strengthening ofcommunicativity

Executionof missions

・Summarization of the strategies of universities at the general meeting
・Promotion of the efforts of each university in the mission-specific working groups
・Promotion of coalition activities to Japan and the world

Contribution to carbon neutrality in Japan and the world
Visual representation of the coalition of universities and other institutes(based on materials from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology)

President Houkin speaks at an online summit about how universities andother institutes should contribute

The only member of IUCA from Japan:
Recommendations for G20 leaders

Hokkaido University participated in the International
Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA) on November 11,
2020 as the only member from Japan. The IUCA is anorganization that was established in April 2020 towidely disseminate facts based on research on climatechange science, impacts, adaptation, and mitigation asa reliable source of information. As of March 2021, 48

07

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

institutes from 20 countries around the world are
members. The University aims to collect information
on climate change and to build a network by participating in the annual assembly, regional committee meetings, workshops on research themes and roundtable
meetings of researchers.
At the G20 Summit held in Saudi Arabia on November
21 and 22, 2020, 37 volunteer institutions of the members, including our University, made recommendations on climate change to the leaders of G20
countries.

Talk with the President

Hokkaido University × SDGs
Hokkaido University × COVID-19

Research and
Education Topics

Movements toward the Creationof a Sustainable Campus

Joined the Future Earth Japan Committeewith the aim of transdisciplinary initiatives
Future Earth (FE), which was launched in 2015, is aninternational academic platform that lays the foundation for resolving global environmental problems incollaboration with various stakeholders. To promote
FE in Japan, the Science Council of Japan, universities,
and other institutes established the FE Japan Committee in September 2017. Currently, it plays a role not
only in promoting FE but also in promoting SDGs.

Hokkaido University’s Faculty of Health Sciences
joined the FE Japan Committee in February 2019, andthen the Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, the Arctic Research Center, and the Field Science
Center for Northern Biosphere participated, leading to
the establishment of the Hokkaido University FE
Consortium in December 2020. Membership in the FE
Japan Committee was approved in February 2021.

Japanʼs ﬁrst initiative to think about
decarbonization together with the general public
From November to December 2020,
public meetings attended by randomly
selected Sapporo citizens on climatechange countermeasures were held aspart of joint research by Hokkaido
University, Osaka University, theNational Institute for Environmental
Studies, and other institutes (representative researcher: Associate Professor
Naoyuki Mikami, Institute for the
Advancement of Higher Education) incollaboration with the City of Sapporo,
the Hokkaido Environmental Foundation, and RCE Hokkaido Central.
At the conference, entitled Climate
Assembly Sapporo 2020, 20 participants from their teens to their 70s had
four online discussions for 16 hours intotal under the theme of “How Sapporo
should realize a transformation to acarbon-free society.” The results were
published as a report and submitted to
the City of Sapporo. They are also being
used for measures by the city. This trial
showed that if such a method is usedproperly, it can be a powerful approach
to form and present the opinions of thegeneral public toward the realization ofa carbon-free society in Japan.

Climate Assembly Sapporo 2020 on December 20, 2020

Reporting the result of those meetings to Sapporo City officials on January 25, 2021

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

08

To

1
0

ds a New S
artaw

Hokkaido
Universitygelia r ece u
Sp ea tF

SDGs

Rendering of the new building to be built on
the North Campus

The new building of the Institute for
Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery(ICReDD): A ﬂagship for promoting SDGs
The Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (ICReDD) is an organization whose goal is for researchers in the three fields of calculation, information,and experimentation to conduct integrated research and to freely design chemical
reactions.
The Sustainable Campus Management Office and the Facilities Department have
prepared the design development documents of the new ICReDD building (seepage 17). Under the theme of “a sustainable lab that co-creates innovation andcontributes sustainably to the university and society,” sustainable architecture isdesigned to use natural energy while reducing energy loss with general-purpose
technology. The new building is planned to be built next to the Creative ResearchInstitute building on the North Campus and is scheduled to be completed byMarch 2023.

Design Concept (4 core themes and SDGs)

1 Improved comfort and productivity
Rendering of the “super mix lab,” where
researchers in the three fields can easilycollaborate

2 Environmental consideration
3 High value asset
4 Contribution to the university and society
Note: The renderings are designs at the design phase and are subject to change.

Rendering of the “priority research zone”
for activating team research

The Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery is a research center that was establishedat the University in October 2018 as a part of the World Premier International Research Center
Initiative (WPI), a program subsidized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology (MEXT).
https://www.icredd.hokudai.ac.jp/

A Future Campus Plan that students and theuniversity work together
The Advanced Studio on Architectural and Urban
Design I, which is conducted jointly by the Faculty ofEngineering, the Sustainable Campus Management
Office, and the Facilities Department, is intended forstudents to understand the issues and required rolesof the campus based on the students’ own experiences, to develop highly feasible future plans and to makeproposals for the University. In FY 2020, students
worked on “the future plan for the area of the Institutefor the Advancement of Higher Education.”
Based on the analysis of the current situation, fiveissues were identified: (1) deterioration of buildings,(2) future shortages of land due to the high density ofthe building area, (3) exceeding the standard for exclusively possessed area ratio, (4) lack of sunshine in thefrequently used external space, and (5) unutilized

09

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

existing trees.
Based on this analysis, students proposed three plans,from a solid plan with the construction period andscale reduced to an aggressive plan to renew thesystem of liberal arts education. In the future, a specific facility renewal plan will be made based on these
proposals.

Open lecture room

kitchenHOKUDAI open hall

Rendering of the proposed “Liberal Learning Area,” which makes life itself avenue for learning by linking various activities

Talk with the President

Hokkaido University × SDGs
Hokkaido University × COVID-19

Research and
Education Topics

Movements toward the Creationof a Sustainable Campus

The project of Ms. Wang, a graduate student in the
Graduate School of Environmental Science, won the
Finalist Award at "Daigaku SDGs ACTION! AWARDS 2021"
In March 2021, the project that was submitted by Ms. Wang Ting of the Graduate School of Environmental Scienceand was supported by the Support Program 2020 for "Jikatagaku" won the Finalist Award at "Daigaku SDGs ACTION!
AWARDS 2021" (sponsored by The Asahi Shimbun), where university students present their ideas for achieving the
SDGs. We asked Ms. Wang about the features of the project and her future goals.

What kind of project is the award-winningproposal “Building a Framework for
Collaborative Maintenance of campsites(Yaeishiteichi) in Daisetsuzan National Park”?

project and I applied. Usually, I have to pay half of thetravel expenses for research fieldworks, so I’m gratefulfor the program, which provides 50,000 yen for travel
expenses.

My research aims to clarify the impact of human activities on the natural environment and to find solutions
by utilizing knowledge from the social science andnatural science. This project is part of that, and I
propose to identify the condition of crowding problem

deep gullies

and soil erosion on campsites in Daisetsuzan National
Park and to introduce a reservation system.
has been
A reservation system for campground
operating for more than 10 years in three mountainnational parks in Taiwan, where I conducted interview
surveys before. Using that system as a model, I
considered how to build such a system in Daisetsuzan
National Park with the Ministry of the Environment andlocal stakeholders.
Camp facilities that are not officially managed
Camp facilities that are officially managed

Soil erosion in the Kuro-dakecampsite(From the presentation materials
of Daigaku SDGs ACTION!
AWARDS 2021)

Please tell us how you feel about being
selected for the Finalist Award from 96
applications nationwide.
I’m delighted that my research has been recognized. I
wasn’t particularly conscious of the SDGs, but when I
saw the presentations of the other finalists (11people), I realized that various types of research,
including my own research, would promote the SDGs.

Please tell us your future goals.

The Kuro-dake campsite : The particularly crowded campsite in Daisetsuzan
National Park.

What made you apply for the Support
Program?
My project focuses on solving actual social problems,
where cooperation with the local community is important. Looking at the support program application guidelines, I thought this would be perfectly suitable for my

Based on my research in Daisetsuzan National Park,I‘d like to become a researcher who can contribute to
the sustainable use of mountain national parks aroundthe world.
I’d like to propose a framework inwhich many people can participate
so that future generations canenjoy the same natural environment we now enjoy.
WANG Ting
Third year of the doctoral program
Course in Human and Ecological Systems
Division of Environmental Science Development
Graduate School of Environmental Science

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

10

2
0
Ef

gainst COV
saI

Hokkaido
University

9
-1

fo

rt

D

l
ia r ece u
Sp ea tF

COVID-19

Latest Research and Studies
Related to COVID-19

COVID-19 has spread worldwide since the end of 2019. Hokkaido University is proceeding with various initiatives such as research and study on
COVID-19.

First detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater
Masaaki KITAJIMA, Associate Professor, Division of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Associate Professor Masaaki Kitajima of the Division
of Environmental Engineering, the Faculty of Engineering has developed a technology to detect viruses inwastewater and to understand the prevalence of
COVID-19.
He regularly collects samples from wastewater
treatment plants in Sapporo City and carries out quantitative measurements of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. As a result, it was confirmed that the increasein the number of newly infected persons corresponded to the fluctuations in SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in wastewater
after April 2021 andthat signs of infection
spread can be detected at an early stage.
Concentrating viruses in wastewater todetect their RNA

Clariﬁcation of uncertainty in predicting thenumber of COVID-19 cases
Yuzuru SATO, Associate Professor
Research Center of Mathematics for Social Creativity, Research Institute for Electronic Science

Predictive data on the numbers of people infectedwith and killed by COVID-19 contains various measurement errors due to the different reporting standards inmany parts of the world. Associate Professor Yuzuru
Sato of the Research Institute of Electronic Science,
together with an international collaborative researchteam consisting of seven researchers from fivecountries, has examined the degree of uncertainty inthe prediction, clarified that a slight error in theobserved data can increase the predicted number of
infected people by nearly 100 times, and suggested

that long-term predictions by infectious diseasemodels should be made carefully.

Predicted number of infected people in France when the observationend date is changed

Public policy amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Atsushi MIYAWAKI, Professor, Public Policy School

Professor Atsushi Miyawaki of the Public Policy School
is conducting research and study on options for regional policy and revitalization after the COVID-19 pandemic and is considering those issues from various angles.
The effects of COVID-19 are thought to threaten social
life, such as through economic contractions incountries and regions, the deterioration of administrative services, and the urgency of medical care andwelfare, resulting in serious adverse effects anddisparities. Professor Miyawaki emphasizes the ideal

11

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

state of administration and the importance of role
sharing, and advocates for the examination and reviewof the direction of local government management.
Fundamental composition of COVID-19 policy
Control of infection
B

A
New state
Economic
activity

Economic
constraints
C
Conflict

Spread of infection

The fundamental composition of
COVID-19 policy from a paper
published in Research Information
Magazine ECPR of the Ehime
Center for Policy ResearchResearch and
Education Topics

Hokkaido University × SDGs
Hokkaido University × COVID-19

Talk with the President

Movements toward the Creationof a Sustainable Campus

Development of inexpensive CO2 measuring
equipment for buildings in cold regions
Taro MORI, Associate Professor, Division of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering

Prototype CO2 densitometer with warning display function

Cumulative frequency

It has been reported that COVID-19 may spread byaerosols, which are fine particles that are suspended ina gas.
In November 2020, Associate Professor Taro Mori of
the Division of Architecture, the Faculty of Engineering
measured the CO2 concentration, temperature, andhumidity during class and made a prototype CO2 densitometer with a warning display function, with thecooperation of Muroran Institute of Technology, theNational Institute of Technology, Kushiro College, andSapporo Shinkawa High School. The LED of the prototype densitometer turns red when the CO2 concentration exceeds 1,000 ppm and blinks red when it exceeds
1,500 ppm. The densitometer installed in classrooms
showed the timing of ventilation and was effective atcontrolling infection at school.

CO2 concentration
Average CO2 concentration for each class from October to December based on
measurements of classroom ventilation

Kouhei KUWAHARA, Muroran Institute of Technology
Yoshiko OHTSUKI and Noriyuki OHTSUKI, National Institute of Technology, Kushiro College
Taiseki AKAMATSU, Doctoral Program, Laboratory of Building Environment, Hokkaido University

Particiapating
researchers

A survey of campus users amid
the COVID-19 pandemic
Satisfaction with campus spaces（％） Hokkaido University
40 39
38

Before voluntary restraint
After voluntary restraint

35

29

30
25

19

19

20
15

14

11

10
5
0

26
21

15
5
0

25 25
18

18

15

11
5

3

1

Very Samewhat Normal Somewhat Dissatisﬁed
dissatisﬁed
satisﬁed satisﬁed

Many students reported reduced
satisfaction after the request forvoluntary restraint was made, but
twice as many students here havemaintained their satisfaction thanstudents nationwide have done.

Blank

Before voluntary restraint
After voluntary restraint

32

30

10

1

Very Samewhat Normal Somewhat Dissatisﬁed
satisﬁed satisﬁed
dissatisﬁed

35

20

5 5

3

（％） Nationwide
40

25

17

Before the request for voluntary
restraint, Hokkaido University students
tended to show higher satisfaction
than students nationwide showed.

Blank

Throughout Japan, the percentageof “somewhat dissatisfied” and“dissatisfied” increased from 4% to
33% after the request for voluntary
restraint was made.
1 The Campus Living Laboratory Subcommittee (today’s Campus Living Lab Design Subcommittee), City Planning Committee, Architectural
Institute of Japan (Chairman: Takao Ozasa)
2 Conducted from Sep. 1 to Oct. 4, 2020. The
answers to the questionnaire on GoogleForms
were aggregated. The number of valid
responses was 1,770 for Hokkaido University
and 6,789 nationwide.

http://news-sv.aij.or.jp/toshi/s1/Campus/katudounaiyou.html/

Associate Professor Takao Ozasa of the
Urban and Regional Design Laboratory, theFaculty of Engineering participated on behalfof Hokkaido University 2 in a survey ofuniversity campus users amid the COVID-19
pandemic, which was planned by him in 2020and conducted by the Architectural Instituteof Japan 1. A survey targeting Hokkaido
University students was conducted, and acomparative analysis with students nationwide was also performed.
Classes have changed to online or on-demand, and students can no longer use theplaces they once did, which has significantly
changed their behavior and awareness. A
comparison between Hokkaido University
students and students nationwide showed
differences in behavior change and awareness due to differences in the composition of
campus spaces. It also showed that therequest for voluntary restraint has madestudents realize that the campus space is “aplace they belong to” and “a place for interaction.”

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

12

Research and Education Topics
Awards, Certifications and Establishments
Four parties conclude a partnership agreement todevelop Future IT Personnel
Nitori Holdings Co., Ltd., which promotes regional collaborations utilizing
data science toward the realization of “a Super-Smart Society” (Society5.0), the City of Sapporo, which aims to build a supportive environment
for young people learning advanced technology, and Hokkaido
University, which promotes research and education on advanced
data science, signed a partnership agreement in July 2019 and havebeen promoting the development of Future IT Personnel who cansolve regional issues by utilizing IT.
With the participation of the Hokkaido Government in March 2021,
the partnership’s efforts have been strengthened and expanded forfurther development.

At the partnership agreement execution ceremony on March 25, 2021
(From left: President Kiyohiro Houkin, Governor Naomichi Suzuki,
Mayor Katsuhiro Akimoto, Chairman Akio Nitori)

An endowed course established to promote thewine industry in Hokkaido
Since 2015, the Hokkaido Government has been working on humanresource development in the wine industry, such as by holding the
Hokkaido Wine Academy (Wine School in 2015). In the future, there
are plans to establish the Hokkaido Wine Education and ResearchCenter (tentative name) as a base of activities.
Prior to the establishment of the center, the Research Faculty of Agriculture established the endowed course “Laboratory for Nouvelle Vague ofLaboratory for Nouvelle Vague of Hokkaido Wines established in Room
Hokkaido Wines” in April 2021. Professor Teruo Sone, who has also
N371 at the School of Agriculture
worked at the Laboratory of Applied Molecular Microbiology, andSpecially Appointed Associate Professor Tomoyuki Sato belong to the laboratory, which is intended to enhance Hokkaido
Wine Academy, provide lectures common to graduate schools, engage in research activities to solve issues faced by grape
producers, wineries, distributors, and consumers, and carry out dissemination activities such as extension courses, thereby
promoting the wine industry and providing technical support.

Conclusion of an academic cooperation agreementwith the Ainu Museum and proposal of an affluent society model
The National Ainu Museum, which opened in Shiraoi Town in July
2020, is Japan’s first national museum specializing in the history andculture of the Ainu people, while the Center for Ainu and Indigenous
Studies at Hokkaido University is Japan’s only research center
specializing in research on Ainu and indigenous peoples. These twoparties signed an academic cooperation agreement on November 13,
2020. They will foster specialists in research on Ainu and indigenous
peoples, disseminate the history and culture of the Ainu people, andpromote international joint projects.
At the academic cooperation agreement execution ceremony on
November 13, 2020
(From left, Shiro SASAKI, Executive Director of the National Ainu Museum,
Hirofumi KATO, Director of the Center for Ainu and Indigenous Studies)

13

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

Talk with the President

Hokkaido University × SDGs
Hokkaido University × COVID-19

Research and
Education Topics

Movements toward the Creationof a Sustainable Campus

13 winners of the Commendation for Science and Technology given by
the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)In April 2020, the winners of the 2020 Commendation for Science and Technology Given by MEXT were announced, and13 researchers from Hokkaido University received the commendations.
Awards for Science and Technology (Research Category)
Faculty of Science

Masako KATO, Professor

Hideki SUDO, Specially Appointed Associate Professor
Faculty of Medicine

Shin-Ichiro NISHIMURA, Professor
Faculty of Advanced Life Scinece

Naoki WATANABE, Professor
Institute of Low Temperature ScienceAwards for Science and Technology (Technology Category)

Young Scientists’ Award

Toshikazu KAWAGUCHI, Associate Professor
Graduate School of Global Food Resources

Tomohiro SEKI, Assistant Professor
Faculty of Engineering

Satoshi KANAI, Professor

Faculty of Information Science and Technology

Yusuke TAKAHASHI, Assistant Professor
Faculty of Engineering

Yuya NAGATA, Specially Appointed Associate Professor

Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery, Creative Research Institute

Outstanding Support for Resarch Award
Technical Specialists, Instrument Analysis Division, Global Facility Center, Creative Research Institute

Seiko OKA (Division Manager), Tomohiro HIROSE, Nozomi TAKEDA, Ai TOMOMITSU

Training ship Ushio Maru receives a commendation from
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure Transport and Tourism (MLIT)
On the 145th Meteorological Day on June 1, 2020, the training ship
Ushio Maru of the School of Fisheries Sciences received the 2020
Commendation Given by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for many years of active cooperation in observation
reports on ocean surface temperatures and the like and for contributions to the development of meteorological services.
On June 25, 2021, the head of the Hakodate Meteorological Observatory of the Japan Meteorological Agency visited the Hakodate
Campus and addressed gratitude to the captain and crew, and the
School of Fisheries Sciences for their long-standing contributions.

The Ushio Maru crew receives the commendation

Innovative Food & Healthcare Master COI site receives
the Science Council of Japan President’s Award
In February 2021, the Industry-Academia-Regional Co-creation Project of Iwamizawa Cityand Hokkaido University That Has Reduced Premature Births, which has been promotedby the Innovative Food & Healthcare Master COI site, received the Science Council ofJapan President’s Award of the third Japan Open Innovation Prize given by the Cabinet
Office. This award is presented to unique, pioneering initiatives that promote open innovation in Japan.
The project analyzed big data of mothers and children to predict premature babies. The
number of premature babies was reduced (by 10.4% in 2015 → by 6.3% in 2019) throughthe Mother and Child Health Survey, which provides continuous follow-up from pregnancy
to childbirth and child-rearing.
Center of Innovation Program: A research and development program implemented by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,
Science and Technology and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) that aims to realize innovation through industry-academia-government collaboration

Masanori YOSHINO
Director, Innovative Food &Healthcare Master COI site
Visiting Professor
Senior Project Manager, Hitachi,
Ltd.

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

14

Research and Education Topics

Highlights of Cutting-edge Research
Development of technology to create new energy
from livestock manureSpecially Appointed Professor Takao Masuda, et al. and the resarchgroup of Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. have developed a technology
to convert biogas (mainly carbon dioxide and methane) into LP gas
by applying a jointly developed metal catalyst fixation technology.
By using the Ramune Catalyst™, which features a metal catalyst
immobilized within a porous material, they have succeeded ingenerating LP gas, which is easy to store and transport, fromcarbon dioxide and methane obtained from livestock manure.
Takao MASUDA

A few nmPorous material

Catalyst

Structure of Ramune Catalyst™ (visual
representataion)

Specially Appointed Professor
Faculty of Engineering

Promoting the development of aself-sustaining local energy production and consumption system

Takashi TAKEMOTO
Deputy Laboraotry Manager,
Hitachi Hokkaido University Lab
Senior Researcher
Visiting Professor, ResearchInstitute for Electronic Science

The research group of Takashi Takemoto, a senior researcher at Hitachi Hokkaido University Lab, ispromoting the development of a self-sustaining local energy production and consumption system.
This system introduces local energy production and consumption services through the installationof multiple self-sustaining ultra-compact DC grids (DC nanogrids) that utilize a developed AI
multi-combustion engine within the region
Existing power
Self-sustaining DC nanogrid
grid (AC)and link with each other through EVs.
Farm
Drying/processing
Multi-fuelSince the AI multi-combustion engine canHot
Local energy
engineFarm
Waste
springproduction andHeat
At times ofconsumption
disasterSpraying ofgenerate electricity even from methane
Charge andsystemagriculturaldischarge
chemicals
Processing plant
Hospitalgas (at concentrations of 50% or more), it
ChargeSunlight
EV, DCMPU
is possible to return unused resources in
RemoteNormal times: Local commuters
area
Drone At times of disaster:
Shelter
Local
Emergency power supply
the region to local industries as energy.
commuter
Visual representation of a local energy production and consumption systemutilizing an AI multi-combustion engine

Online training system for endoscopic surgery

Akihiro HONMA
Professor (middle)

Yuji NAKAMARU
Medical Professor (right)

Masanobu SUZUKI
Assistant Professor (left)
Head and Neck Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Faculty of Medicine
15

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

Professor Akihiro Honma and his group have devised an
online training system for nasal sinus endoscopic surgery
that allows users to receive direct guidance from theworld’s top surgeons while in Japan, using a 3D modelthat precisely reproduces the human body and a telemedicine system. In February 2021, the world’s first online
international training session was held between Hokkaido
University and the University of Adelaide in Australia.
This system allows users to conduct training anywhere in
the world as long as they have a 3D model, surgical instruments, a PC and an internet connection.

Delivery of simulated surgery andguidance using a 3D modelTalk with the President

Hokkaido University × SDGs
Hokkaido University × COVID-19

Research and
Education Topics

Movements toward the Creationof a Sustainable Campus

Predicting the impact of climate change on deep-sea
biodiversity

Jorge Garcia Molinos
Associate Professor
Arctic Research Center

An international group led by researchers from the University of Queensland (Australia) and with the participation of
Hokkaido University Associate Professor Jorge Garcia
Molinos has obtained new analytical results that challenge
the prevailing view that “marine biodiversity will be less
impacted by climate change at greater depths than on theocean surface.” They analyzed contemporary and future
patterns in the rates and directions of temperature changes(climate velocity) at different depths across the world’s
oceans. Irrespective of the emission scenario, the climate
velocity was found to be much higher in deeper layers thanin surface ones.
These results highlight new future challenges for theconservation of marine biodiversity in the global oceans.

(a) Classification of the relationships between themagnitude of climate change rate and the number of
species and (b) the frequency of classification inthree deep-water ocean zones

Estimation of national health risks caused by road noise

Junta TAGUSARI
Assistant Professor
Faculty of Engineering

Assistant Professor Junta Tagusari and his research group
have estimated the prevalence of road noise-related healthrisks, including death, throughout Japan, such as sleep
disorders and myocardial infarction, based on road noise
forecast data and the latest environmental noise guidelines.
The prevalence was estimated to be approximately one
million for mild sleep disorders and approximately 9,000 for
myocardial infarction, and it was estimated that roughly
2,000 people die each year due to noise. These estimatednumbers of deaths are comparable to those of tuberculosis
and asthma. The risk of death was shown to be particularlyhigh along highways.

Annual number of deaths due tomyocardial infarction caused bynoise (per 100,000 population)
0 – 5 people
5 – 10 people 0
10 – 15 people
15 – 20 people
20 or more people

50 m

A map of health risks from noise: The risks along
highways are very high.

Evaluation of the merger and cooperation ofmunicipalities from regional revitalization questionnaires

Yuichi MURAKAMI
Associate Professor
Faculty of Public Policy

Associate Professor Yuichi Murakami has analyzed the results of questionnaires conducted by his
research group from 2016 to 2017 regarding the national regional revitalization policy and has evaluated the Great Heisei Merger and the merger and cooperation of municipalities as a policy meansand process for regional revitalization. It has become
clear that non-merged local governments were lesslikely to be encouraged to promote wide-range cooperation under the national regional revitalization policy
and were more likely to prefer cooperation with industries within and beyond their region than with neighboring local governments.
Policy discussion with six local government officials in
Hokkaido
HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

16

Movements toward the Creation of a Sustainable Campus
Campus Management that
contributes to a sustainable society
Sustainable campus concept
Hokkaido University established the Office for a Sustainable Campus in 2010 as a place to practice sustainability
knowledge together with society. The office was reorganized into the Sustainable Campus Management Office(SCMO) on April 1, 2018. The SCMO is promoting efforts
to build a sustainable campus in conjunction with the
Hokkaido University Campus Master Plan 2018 (CMP
2018).

Visual representation of sustainable campus(Ikegami, SCMO, revised in 2014)

Consulting for improved facility quality
The Hokkaido University Campus Master Plan 2018 (CMP
2018) includes consistent consulting for facility quality
improvement from the predesign phase to the design andoperation phases for future project planning in order toimprove the quality of life (QOL) on campus.
In FY 2020, consultation was provided based on confirmaConfirmation of amountConfirmation of quality

Predesign

Schematic
Design. SD

DesignDevelopment. DD

Construction
Document. CD

The phase of organizing theframework of the project(Improvement policy, area
document, structure, numberof floors, approximate location,
approximate amount, etc.)

The phase of compiling thebasic details of the project(Improvement details,
area, structure, location,
approximate amount, etc.)

The phase of drawing
design development
documents that embody
the spatial compositionand exterior design ofthe building, etc.

The phase of drawing
construction documentsthat summarize theinformation necessary
to carry out the construction

Construction
Administration. Management
and operationCA
The phase of actuallyconstructing the building,etc. by performing workfor the building, etc., andsupervising it

Ex-post evaluation and feedback

Completion

As needed

Confirmation and advice

Construciton and supervision

Confirmation

Execution design

Finalization of the CD

Requests, etc.

As needed

Confirmation and advice

Finalization of the DD

Confirmation

Basic design

Confirmation

President

Confirmation

Confirmation

Business
Strategy
Office(High)

Note: The secretariat (Facilities Department) will be theproposal department for projects proposed by
the President and executives.
Note: Budget measures are separate from this flow.

Flow of confirmation, advice, and deliberation from predesign
to construction administration phase (CMP 2018, p. 66, Fig. 5-10)
HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

Hearing

Requests, etc.

As needed
As needed

Confirmation and advice

Confirmation
AdviceDeliberation(Director in chargeof facilities)

Facility andEnvironmental
Planning Office

Confirmation of the project plan

Confirmation and advice

As needed

Confirmation
and advice

Sustainable Campus
Management Office

Importance of the project

Finalization of the SD

Hearing

Confirmation

Confirmation

Examination of
the project plan

(Facilities
Department)

Secretariat

Consultation

Examination ofConfirmation
Requests, etc.
the basic concept
and advice
Hearing
After budgetary measures

Examination of
the project plan

Faculty/school(Low)

Inadequate
ReportConsultation

17

tion and advice by the SCMO regarding the design of a newbuilding for the Institute for Chemical Reaction Design andDiscovery (ICReDD) and the design of a new research andeduational buidling for the Research Center for Zoonosis
Control.

Rendering of a new building for the Institute for Chemical
Reaction Design and Discovery (ICReDD)

Rendering of a new research and educatonal building
for the Research Center for Zoonosis Control

Talk with the President

Hokkaido University × SDGs
Hokkaido University × COVID-19

Research and
Education Topics

Movements toward the Creationof a Sustainable Campus

Major survey results for the School of Veterinary
general research building (simple tabulation)

Facility satisfaction survey
Hokkaido Univesity formulated the Hokkaido University Facility
Satisfaction Survey Implementation Manual in 2016 and has been
conducting a survey on buildings with a total floor area of 1,000 m2
or more for which at least two years have passed since construction completion.
In FY 2020, a survey of the general research building of the Schoolof Veterinary Medicine was conducted. There were many opinions
regarding the indoor and outdoor environment and the ease of use.
This survey is an activity that is positioned as the “C” (check) in the
PDCA cycle for facility management, and it will be reflected in the
Hokkaido University Facility Design Standards.

Comparison of comprehensive
evaluation by category
Ⅵ. Overall satisfaction
with the entire building

Ⅴ. Comprehensive
evaluation of thebuilding and its
surroundings

Ⅰ. Comprehensive
evaluation ofindoor work

Ⅳ. Comprehensive
evaluation of safety
and security

Ⅱ. Comprehensive
evaluation oflaboratory work

Ⅲ. Comprehensive evaluationof common spaces< Outline >The Hokkaido University Facility Satisfaction Survey Implementation Manual was established (March 2016)
・A survey on buildings with a total floor area of 1,000 m2 or more
for which at least two years have passed since construction
completion
・Targeted at faculty members and graduate students who use
the building on a daily basis
The resuls will be reflected in the Hokkaido University Facility
Design Standards to realize high-quality facility design.

School of Veterinary Medicine
general research building
Average of all facilities■ Previous surveys
FY 2016: Institute for International Collaboration building
FY 2017: School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, management and experiment building
FY 2018: School of Fisheries Sciences, management andresearch building
FY 2019: School of Engineering, civil engineering researchbuilding

Preservation of historic properties
and preparation of long-term repair plans
Hokkaido Univeristy, which boasts 150 years of
tradition, has formulated a long-term repair plan forimportant cultural properties and registered tangible
cultural properties based on the national Basic Plan
for Life Extension of Infrastructure.
In the long-term repair plan for FY 2020, priorities are
set in terms of aging and damage, importance as acultural property, and repair costs.

The Old School of Entomology

Furukawa Hall

Former School of Agriculture Library

Sapporo Agricultural College's Farm No. 2

Update of “Policy on Ecosystem Preservation and Management”:
Designation ofJapanese elm
preserved trees
In front of the Secretariat
2
In front of the Schol ofAcer miyabei
The Policy on Ecosystem
Preservation and Management has been formulated. In FY 2020, trees that
represent the landscapeof Hokkaido University,
rare trees, and venerable
trees were designated aspreserved trees.

Name

Location

No. oftrees

donated by Mrs. Nitobe

In front of the Information Center3

Red maple, sugar maple, South side of theJapanese elm
Centennial Hall

Name

Location

Economics and BusinessNo. oftrees

1

3

Painted maple

East side of the Faculty ofEnvironmental Earth Science

1

Japanese alderWest side ofCentennial Hall

1

Poplar Avenue

East side of the Field Science Center
for Northern Biosphere buiding

72

Amur cork tree

Central Lawn

3

Ginkgo Avenue

Kita 13-jo-dori Avenue

70

Japanese lime,
Tilia maximowicziana

West side of
Furukawa Hall

2

Heisei Poplar Avenue West Gate

Japanese elm in
Elm Forest

Around Elm Forest (Including thearea in front of Furukawa Hall)

3

Japanese elm

Sapporo Agricultural College's
Farm No. 2 (Model Barn)

70
2

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

18

Movements toward the Creation of a Sustainable Campus

Assessment of Hokkaido University in FY 2020 using ASSC
The Assessment System for Sustainable Campus (ASSC),
developed by Hokkaido University in 2013, is a questionnaire format for evaluating standards that are needed torealize sustainability of a campus.
FY 2020 saw a year-on-year increase in scores for threeout of the four categories, and the total score reached83.25%, which was equivalent to “gold” certification. The

Ⅰ. Management

Ⅰ
‐1

91.86
86.05

Ⅰ
‐2

Ⅰ
‐3

84.88
83.72

Policy and overall plan

Organization to consider sustainability
Financial resource management
Ⅰ
‐4
Ⅰ
‐5

88.22
85.28

Ⅰ
‐6

Ⅰ. Management

91.86

university has been awarded “gold” every year since FY
2016.
The university has been conducting evaluations using
this assessment system every year since FY 2013. As
seen from the gradual upward trend in the radar chart
below, campus management has been reviewed andimproved based on the assessments.

Asset management
Facility management

Network to enhance sustainability
Ⅰ
‐7

74.99
74.96

Personal trainingⅠ‐8 Procurement and contracts
Ⅱ‐2

89.69

Ⅲ‐1

Land

Ⅲ‐4

Landscape
Ⅲ‐5

Ⅲ‐6

Waste

Energy and resources
Ⅲ‐7

74.81

Ⅲ. Environment

Ⅲ‐3 Public Space

75.94
69.79

72.34
74.78

Students
Ecosystem
Ⅲ‐2

78.81
75.78

61.25
63.72

Research

Ⅱ‐3

Ⅱ. Education
and Research

Ⅱ. Education
andresearch

Ⅱ‐1 Education

88.22

Ⅳ. LocalCommunity

Basic Equipment
Ⅲ‐8 Facilities

Ⅲ‐9

Ⅲ. Environment

Ⅲ‐10

Use of historical assets on campus

Ⅳ‐1

Results of Hokkaido University in FY 2016

Collaboration between industry,
academia, and government

Ⅳ‐3

Results of Hokkaido University in FY 2018

Community service

Dissemination of information
Ⅳ‐4

Ⅳ‐5

Ⅳ. Localcommunity

Ⅳ‐2

Results of Hokkaido University in FY 2017
Results of Hokkaido University in FY 2019

Transportation

Disaster prevention

Role of university after a disaster

Results of Hokkaido University in FY 2020

0%

Figure 1. Score rates of Hokkaido University
in the four categories

20%

Efforts for Energy Saving

The Sustainable Campus
Management Office conducted a questionnaire on powersaving in summer and hassummarized the results.

100%

What actions, if any, were taken after the
power saving alert in summer? (2,215 responses)
26.8％

Turn off unused lights.
Review the temperature setting of the air conditioner(28°
C is a guide in summer), and shut off the
air conditioning in unnecessary spaces.

22.0％

Put computers into sleep mode
when not using them.

16.1％

For the warm water and the toilet seat,turn them off or turn down the temperature setting,and close the lid after use.
Set the temperature of the electric
kettle to 80°
C or lower, and unplug it
when not using it for a long time.
Set ventilation equipment toheat-exchange ventilation.

8.2％
5.8％
3.6％

Change the refrigerator temperature setting to
weak or power-saving mode.

2.5％

Other

2.7％

Unanswered

0％

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

80%

Part of the questionnaire results

11.5％

Do nothing.

19

60%

Bar graph indicating the results of HU in FY 2020
★ Average of 19 national universities in FY 2014

Goals associated with the selection of finalists at the International Green Gown Award 2019

Saving Electricity
questionnaire

40%

Figure 2. Score rates of Hokkaido University by assessment area

0.8％
5％

10％

15％

20％

25％

30％

Talk with the President

Research and
Education Topics

Hokkaido University × SDGs
Hokkaido University × COVID-19

Movements toward the Creationof a Sustainable Campus

Energy-saving proposals for research and education
Adopted project: Survey on power consumption reduction achieved by cleaning and taking other measures
for air-conditioning systems that compensate for outdoor air exhausted by the fume hood
Changes in power consumption of air conditioners
35
30

Power consumption (kWh/day）

At the Institute for Catalysis, there is one vacant roomwith an air-conditioning system that includes two outside
air-treating air conditioners, four Lossnay ventilation units,
and four exhausters, and these had not been cleaned. The
reduction in power consumption achieved by cleaningthese units was measured.
The results have revealed that a decrease in the power
consumption of the ventilation units shows a decrease in thevolume of air supply and exhaust (dirt on the filters).

25
20

Increased power
consumption isconsidered to bea decline infunction of air
conditioner due
to unclean filter.

15

26.2

25.9

After airconditioner
filters arecleanedAfter airconditioner
filters are
replaced

29.3

29.3

Additional
exhauster
operation

Mediumefficiency
air filters are
replaced.

12.3

10
5

4.5

0
BeforesurveyAfter
maintenance(After V-belts
are replaced)

Energy-saving measures that utilize the centralized
controller of air conditioners
ment Office has positioned “the utilization of centralized
air conditioner controllers” as a university-wide measurefrom FY 2021 and plans to implement it widely for campus
facility operations.
Comparison of power consumption prediction and actual results
Monthly power consumption (kWh/month)
Prediction for FY 2020
Results for FY 2020
Dec.

７５，
９５７

５９，
０３３

Jan.

９０，
９４１

７５，
４２８

Feb.

７９，
００７

６３，
０５９

２４５，
９０５

１９７，
５２０

Total from Dec. to Feb.

−２０％

Reduction

Electricity Power reduction
Air-conditioning power consumption(kWh /Dec.-Feb.)

As part of the creation of a sustainable campus, a university-wide promotion was made to utilize a centralized air
conditioner controller (avoiding unncessary energy loss bytimer-controlled air conditioners), which can be expectedto achieve a steady reduction without incurring special
costs. The timer of the existing centralized air conditioner
controller was set at the Faculty of Health Sciences (Buildings A to E) in December 2020. The centralized controller
was used to set the heating/cooling schedule (preheating
operation, stop signal), change the temperature setting,and set the upper and lower limits of the set temperature.
A comparison between the predicted power consumption
when the centralized controller is not used and the power
consumption when the controller is used showed thepower consumption to be reduced by 48,385 kWh, orapproximately 20%, in the three winter months (Dec. toFeb.). Assuming the same reduction for the period when
the air conditioner is used in summer, it was estimatedthat the cost of heating and cooling could be reduced byapproximately 1.5 million yen annually in the Faculty of
Health Sciences (Buildings A to E).
Based on these results, the Sustainable Campus Manage-

300,000
250,000

Prediction for FY 2020

245,905

200,000

Results for FY 2020

197,520150,000
100,000−20％

50,0000

Schedule setting example
Use and day of the week

OfficeWeekdaySat., Sun.,national holiday
Preheating operation (set temperature 20°C only in winter)

Automatic stop (stop with timer)
HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

20

Movements toward the Creation of a Sustainable Campus

Changes in Environmental Data
Primary energy
consumption

Sapporo Campus

26.0

1,000

1,178,150GJ
Heavy oil
21,832GJ
Kerosene
3,048GJ
Gas
535,132GJ

2.35
500

Electricity

0

511
26.6
2.30

496

488
22.0
2.21

3.42

3.04

527

24.0

21.8

6

4

2.28

2.26

2

2.21

2.18

2.14

2.11

2.08

1,189

1,165

1,129

1,156

1,140

2016

2017

2018

2019

0
2020（Year）

Electricity
Gas

Heavy oil

Per area

40

0.001

0.001

3.75

7.68

7.92

0.001
30
20
10
0

Kerosene

6.96

1.44

3.0
2.25

1.42

1.33

1.36

1.37

1.35

1.32

1.31

1.29

37.0

36.9

35.0

36.0

37.6

2016

2017

2018

2019

0
2020（Year）

Gas

Electricity: 9.76 MJ/kWh

7.48

7.02
0.008

1.42

Electricity

Target value

Conversion factor by type of energy

0.005 0.0006 0.001（GJ/㎡）
4.5

50
Energy consumption

526

3.51

3.59

（10³GJ）
60

Heavy oil: 38.9 MJ/ℓ

Heavy oil

Per area

1.5
0.75

Energy consumption per total floor area

1,500

2.69

（GJ/㎡）
8
Energy consumption per total floor area

Energy consumption（10³GJ）
2,000

Hakodate Campus

Kerosene

Target value

Kerosene: 36.49MJ/ℓ

Gas: 45.0MJ/m3

Note) 2018: Usage decreased due to the impact of the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake
The energy target is to reduce the basic unit for primary energy consumption on the Sapporo and Hakodate Campuses by 1.5%
annually. (Source: Action Plan 2016 for Building a Sustainable Campus)

Greenhousegas emissions

Sapporo Campus（ton-CO₂/㎡）（10³ton-CO₂）0.18
6

CO2 emissions

0.147

0.142

0.133

0.116

0.09

60
40

107

109
86

105

98

101,542t-CO2

0

0.06
0.03

20

Carbon dioxide

0.12

2016

2017

2018

Emissions

5

0.15

4

0.12
0.09

3
2
1

0
2020（Year）

2019（ton-CO₂/㎡）
0.18

0

0.090

0.094

2.82

2016

Per area

0.088

0.087

2.97

2.79

2.73

2017

2018

2019

Emissions

0.086
2.69

0.06
0.03

Emissions per total floor area

80

0.144

Emissions per total floor area

0.15

100

CO2 emissions（10³ton-CO₂）
120

Hakodate Campus

02020（Year）

Per area

Note 1) The adjusted electricity-derived CO2 emission factor [kg-CO2/kWh] used for calculation was 0.640 in FY 2016 and 0.678 in
FY 2017. In FY 2018, it was 0.511 (new electric power company) for the Sapporo Campus and 0.678 for the Hakodate
Campus. In FY 2019, it was 0.673 (Apr. ‒ Jun.: new electric power company) and 0.656 (Jul. ‒ Mar.: HEPCO) for the
Sapporo Campus and 0.656 for the Hakodate Campus. In FY 2020, it was 0.601.
Note 2) 2018: Emissions decreased due to the impact of the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake

Water
consumption

Sapporo Campus

500

300

200

583

573

594

591

541

30.6

30.3

30.3

30.7

28.1
132
0
2020（Year）

250

0

100

149

152

138

142

2016

2017

2018

2019

Municipal water

Well water

Water consumption

Water consumption

Well water

153,470m3
782,175m3

750

750

500

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

300

241
204

233

235

239

237

234

240

250

Per person

Note) Per capita consumption figures include temporary faculty/staff.

21（㎥/person）
400

100

241
0

200

206

22.5

21.9

22.2

26.0

2016

2017

2018

2019

Municipal water

Well water

20.5

02020（Year）
Per person

Per full-time faculty/staff member or student

Municipal
water（㎥/person） （10³㎥）
1,000
400
Per full-time faculty/staff member or student（10³㎥）
1,000

Hakodate Campus

General and otherwaste generation

General and other waste generation

0.254

0.247

0.242

（㎥/person） （10³㎥）
1.8
1.5

0.221

1.5

12.5
10

2.76

7.5

1.48

3.37
1.13

1.2

2.45

2.75

0.80

0.98

0.69

5
2.5
0

2.23

0.481

0.508

0.441

0.419

6.99

7.44

7.16

6.03

2016

2017

2018

2019

Burnable waste

Waste for fuelBottles, cans and PET bottles

0.333
4.80

0.9
0.6
0.3

0
2020（Year）（㎥/person）
1.8

1.25

1.5

1

1.2

0.75

0.9

0.5
0.25
0

0.6

0.585

0.537

0.545

0.499

0.656

0.597

0.622

0.551

2016

2017

2018

2019

General and other waste

Kitchen waste

0.419

0.3

0.456

0
2020（Year）

Per full-time faculty/staff member or student

0.263

Hakodate Campus

Per full-time faculty/staff member or student

8,418m3

Movements toward the Creationof a Sustainable Campus

Sapporo Campus（10³㎥）
15

General and other waste

Research and
Education Topics

Hokkaido University × SDGs
Hokkaido University × COVID-19

General and other waste generation

Talk with the President

Per person

Per person

Note 1) “Kitchen waste” refers only to that generated by the University Hospital’s food preparation facilities.
Note 2) Per capita generation figures include temporary faculty/staff.
Note 3) General and other waste for the Hakodate Campus includes bottles and PET bottles.
Note 4) The waste compaction project started with a phased approach in FY2016.

Industrial
waste generation

Sapporo Campus

Hakodate Campus

（t）
4,000

3,000

（t）
40

2,739

2,637
276

2,000

Industrial waste
Infectious waste

1,849t309.2t

2,361

1,000

0

2016

2017

30

2,262
306

1,955

2018

Industrial waste

1,902
311
1,591

2019

2,144
309

1,835

2020（Year）

0.05

0.03

0.03

0.03

20

15.0
10

0

Infectious waste

8.99

6.69

8.96

6.64
2016

2017

2018

Industrial waste

12.36
12.33
2019

14.23
14.20

2020
（Year）

Infectious waste

Note 1) The figures for the Sapporo Campus exclude items under the Act on the Recycling of Specified Kinds of Home Appliances.
The figures for the Hakodate Campus include discarded electrical appliances.
Note 2) Infectious waste is shown separately in the data of FY 2017 and onward.

Experimental waste
fluid generation

Sapporo Campus（ℓ）
160,000

120,000

141,591 138,780
20,86018,237

Hakodate Campus
（ℓ）
9,000

128,031

122,641 118,494
17,23816,723 16,102

80,000Inorganic

105,338ℓ
16,644ℓ

120,543

110,793

105,918

40,000

0

6,750

7,070
590

2016

2017

2018

Organic

2019
Inorganic

102,392

2020（Year）

7,231

6,480

2,250

0

6,139
4,869
743

4,500

120,731

Organic

7,929
698

4,126

2016

2017

2018

Organic

1,024

5,114

3,488
542
2,946

2019

2020（Year）

InorganicNote) Including local facilities

HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Sustainability Report 2021

22

The Trillium ﬂower is symbolic of Hokkaido University
and used as its ofﬁcial logo. In this design, the ﬂower
symbolizes ʻʻhumanʼʼ by combining intelligence,individuality, and diversity. The overlapping elegant
lines of the ﬂowers represent human relationships andknowledge. The ﬂowersʼ silhouettes reﬂect academic
and contemporary values, suitable for Hokkaido
University.

Hokkaido University Sustainability Report 2021
Published by: Sustainable Campus Management Ofﬁce
Address: Kita 8, Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0808
Tel.: +81-(0)11-706-3660
Fax: +81-(0)11-706-4884
E-mail: osc@osc.hokudai.ac.jp
Website: https://www.osc.hokudai.ac.jp/en/
Published: September 2021 (next issue scheduled for September 2022)
Editorial policy
This Sustainability Report was compiled in line with the Law Concerning the Promotion ofBusiness Activities with Environmental Consideration by Speciﬁed Corporation, etc., by
Facilitating Access to Environmental Information, and Other Measures (also known as theEnvironmental Consideration Act) with reference to the Japanese Ministry of theEnvironmentʼs Environmental Report Guidelines 2018.
Organizations involved
Hokkaido University
Sapporo Campus (incl. contracted commercial operators on campus)
Hakodate Campus
PeriodApril 2020 ‒ March 2021
Field
Environment

This Sustainability Report is available on
the Sustainable Campus Management
Ofﬁce website.
See the two-dimensional code below.

Note: This report is prepared as a report equivalent to an Environmental Report under theEnvironmental Consideration Act.
Until 2019, this report was published as the “Environmental Report,” but it has been renamed
as the “Sustainability Report” in order to comprehensively disclose the universityʼssustainability efforts.

Printed with environmentallyfriendly vegetable oil ink.