Environmental Report 2019
Abridged Edition

Message from the President

TAKEDA Hiroshi, University President
April 2003: Dean of Kobe University Faculty of Science
Director of Biosignal Research Center
April 2007: Director of Kobe University Library
April 2009: Executive Vice President of Kobe University
April 2015: President of Kobe University

We are now living in an age in which climate change,
natural disasters, and other global issues are having a significant impact on the economy, the environment, and oursociety. On top of that, we are also encountering other new
challenges such as rapid urbanization and aging populations. In facing these numerous challenges, it is clear thatcoordinated initiatives must be taken throughout the international community. At Kobe University, we are employing
the traditions and distinguishing features outlined in our
university charter to advance cutting edge, interdisciplinary research. In addition, we are fulfilling our duties as ahigher learning institution by breaking into new academic
fields and cultivating capable individuals who will go on toplay leading roles in solving global issues. Accordingly, we
have adopted an initiative entitled Transforming Our World:
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, whichsets forth universal goals for the international community(spanning Japan and other developed and developing
countries) to work together in tackling. In order for Japan
to implement effective and comprehensive initiatives toachieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a

range of actors in the private sector are working together
alongside the government to create a system that will beable to achieve these goals. Against this backdrop, we are
re-examining the role the university will need to take toachieve the SDGs. We are working to promote SDG-related initiatives across a wide range of academic fields acrossthe university while incorporating recent achievements ininterdisciplinary and new academic fields. Partnering withlocal communities and industries, we are working to share
the principles of the SDGs, and widely publicize the resultsof our initiatives domestically and overseas. University
initiatives include sustained, long-term activities relating to
the 3Rs (which aim to reduce the environmental impact ofwaste), managing harmful substances, spreading awareness about energy conservation, educating students tocontribute to environmental improvement, and promoting
environmental research projects. To all members of theuniversity, related enterprises, and the local community, we
ask for your longterm and widespread support in assisting
Kobe University’s environmental activities.

Environmental Charter
Basic Philosophy
As a world-class center for research and education, Kobe
University strives to advance initiatives that address two
crucial modern day issues: environmental conservation andsustainable society creation.
The university is committed to building pathways to achievea sustainable society, something that remains a shared goalfor humanity. To do this, we are utilizing the local mountains
and seas to cultivate capable, environmentally aware individuals. We regularly publicize academic information fromthe cosmopolitan city of Kobe to the rest of the world, and weare leading the way in environmental conservation efforts.

Basic Policies
1. Cultivate and Support Environmentally Aware
Individuals
2. Promote Research to Maintain and Support the
Global Environment
3. Take a Leading Role in Environmental Conservation
Established September 26, 2006

Environmental Education, Research and Topics
TopicsPDF, P.7

Founding and Sustaining Gomi-jp, a Kobe
University organization working to Reduce
Waste.
KOJIMA Risa, (Gomi-Japan Director),
Project Associate Professor, Graduate School of Economics
The objective of the organization is source reduction of waste,especially, containers and packaging. From 2016 we have also
focused on reduction of household food loss and waste.

Gomi-Japan “Heraso”
Reduction Mark

Student “Heraso” Heroes

Topics

Education

PDF, P.10

Building A Wood Stove to Encourage
Experience with FireTANAKA Takanao, Vice Principal,
Kindergarten Attached to Kobe University
We carefully maintain the rich natural environment of the school
grounds, fully incorporating it into the children’s play and activities.

A Warm Wood Stove

PDF, P.8

FY2018 Seikyo Gakusei Iinkai (GI)
Environmental Activity Report
SAKAI Mai, Year 2, Faculty of Science
Poster campaigns and A/B surveys were conducted in order
to increase interest among students in collecting and recycling
used paper.

Education

Clock-Shaped Wood Stove

PDF, P.11

ESD and Ethics Exercises (Joint Projectwith Faculty of Economics NPO Practical
Course): Next Generation Energy Workshop
MATSUDA Tsuyoshi, Professor, Graduate School of Humanities
Builds an academic forum for thorough deliberations on the
future of power and energy in Japan, the present and future ofscience and technology, political and economic trends, social
issues in local communities (such as population decline), values,
concepts, and other complex factors, andhow to build a consensus across society.

Today’s A/B survey is complete!
By a narrow margin, the results show
you have a clean record!
Everyone seems to be in the clear.
The next survey will be next month!
Be sure to fill it out.

Two Survey Examples

TopicsPDF, P.9

Using Environmental Reports to Educate
on the Environment
We widely publicize the university’s environmental report, creating future reports and conducting environmental conservation
activities that reflect student opinions.

Education

PDF, P.12

Proposals to Redevelop Mountainous Regions
through Faculty of the Agriculture’s Practical
Agronomics Agricultural Development Group
KURODA Keiko, Professor, Graduate School of Agricultural Science
It provides practical resolutions through dialog with the local
community. Uses scientific data to determine issues related toconserving the forest ecosystem.

Tree composition and thickness in an abandoned mountainous region (Kita-ku, Kobe)

Thinning and Utilizing an Abandoned
Bamboo Forest (Sasayama)*For details, see the environmental report on the Kobe University website. (Japanese version)(The page number at the top indicates the page number in the PDF.)

Environmental Education, Research and Topics
Research

PDF, P.13

Research

PDF, P.16

On-Site Testing How to Recycle Resources using Small Anaerobic Digesters at a Dairy Farm

Reducing Sludge Emissions from wastewater of laboratory origin by magnetic force

IHARA Ikko, Associate Professor,
Graduate School of Agricultural Science

MAKI Hideshi, Associate Professor, Center for Environmental Management
IHARA Ikko, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Agricultural Science

Two small anaerobic digesters are on-site testing for generating
biogas as renewable energy. The digesters are fed with livestockand food biomass at a small-scale dairy farm in urban areas tocontribute to sustainable and recycling farming.

Emissions reduction of heavy metals in wastewater from laboratory origin on campus depends on the ways to reduce the volume
of sludge. We investigated the feasibility of separating the sludge
using magnetic force.
TS removal (%)

100
80
60
40
with magnetite (250 mg/L)
without magnetite

20
0

0

20

40

60

80

100

Separation time (min)Small digester before
being buried

Buried small digesters

Research

PDF, P.14

Estimating economic costs of household
food loss and waste
KOJIMA Risa, Project Associate Professor, Graduate School of Economics
The objective of this research is the reduction of household foodloss and waste. In order to achieve the objective, we divided theresearch program into three parts, which are: (1) development of ahousehold FLW diary app, (2) economic evaluation of the benefit of
avoidance of FLW generation, and (3) constructionof a base for a nationwide
municipality network forthe reduction of FLW.

Main Screen of Food Loss Diary App

Research

PDF, P.15

Research in Neuroethology and Chemical Ecology toControl Invasive Ants Like Red Fire Ant or Argentina Ant
OZAKI Mamiko, Professor, Graduate School of Science
Researched methods to disturb society of invasive ants via
chemical communication, by identifying important odor substances (pheromones) for their communication, and using those
substances to give false information to them.
1. Prevent intrusion and colonization ofants through shoreline operations

2. Fragment ant societies

3. Clearly separate ant habitats
from human habitats

Stopping the encroachment of invasive ants

Figure 1 Effect of Fe3O4 addition on sludge separation. The magnetic separator removes approximately 90% of magnetically-seeded sludge within 10 minutes.

Conservation Activities

PDF, P.17

Considering Both Economy and Environmental
Conservation in the Ministry of Environment’s
Environmental Growth Engine Research Group.
OZAKI Hiroyuki, Professor, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation
Examines numerous businessexamples in which innovation
has allowed for the creation of
growth alongside environmental
conservation. A study analyzing Vessel coated with fuel-efficient paintthe results is released each year. Source: Nippon Paint Marine Coatings Co., Ltd.

Seagull Fan modelledon seagull feathers
Source: Doshisha
Corporation

Airyshade, a fractal sunshade that
artificially reproduces the coolness ofa wooden umbrella
Source: Sekisui Heim Supply Co., Ltd.

Conservation Activities

PDF, P.18

Renovation plan of heat supply system using
renewable energy in large hospital
TAKEBAYASHI Hideki, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Engineering
NAGAHIRO Tsuyoshi, Special Project Researcher,Oﬃce for Academic and Industrial Innovation
Contents:
The followings are considered:- Heat and electricity
demands in target
buildings- Geothermal andsolar heat potential- Heat supply system using renewableenergy- Benefits of the system- Practical plan

Figure: Heat sharing system using renewable energy*For details, see the environmental report on the Kobe University website. (Japanese version)(The page number at the top indicates the page number in the PDF.)

Kobe University Environmental Performance
Environmental Management

Basic Policy to Encourage Environmental
Management During the Third Mid-Term Goal Period

Environmental Management Policy
Based on the Kobe University Basic Policy on Environmental and Facility

I Promote the 3Rs

Management, in March, 2016 we established the Basic Policy to Encourage

By promoting the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) among all university members, we will take assertive action to reduce waste while simultaneously
reducing resource consumption.

Environmental Management During the Third Mid-Term Goal Period (FY2016
to FY2021). Our environmental conservation activities are based on this policy.

II Sensible Energy Usage Initiative
By promoting effective energy usage practices, we will work to reduce theaverage yearly energy consumption rate* by more than 1%, and reduce
CO2 emissions throughout the university.
(*) Consumption rate measured according to the total floor area of buildings.

III Execute and Maintain Environmental Management Cycles
To encourage environmental management, we will develop an ongoingaction plan and implement a PDCA cycle.

Paper Waste Reduction Initiative
To encourage environmental management, we promote the 3Rs for paper and trash sorting.
Posters on trash separation and recycling are put up in each department in order to spreadawareness regarding proper separation and disposal of recyclables (cans, glass, PET bottles),combustible trash, non-combustible trash, miscellaneous trash, and confidential documents. In

Please Cooperate in
Recycling Leftover Paper
Recyclable Paper

addition, uniform stickers for separated bins were designed and distributed across all schools.
Magazines, Pamphlets,
Catalogs, Posters

Calendars, Sketchbooks, Paper Filers(Remove Metal Fittings)

Paper Boxes, Wrapping
Paper (Candy, Food
Packaging, Medicine, Etc.),
Tissue Paper Boxes (Not
Including Cellophane andOther Non-Paper Parts)

Envelopes (Not Including
Cellophane from Transparent
Bordered Envelopes), Money
Envelopes, Gift Envelopes,
Postcards, Business Cards,
Letters, DM (Not Including
Vinyl)

Paper Bags (Not
Including Non-Paper Handles)

Used Books (Paperbacks,
Pocket Books), Dictionaries (Not Including Vinyl
Coverings or Other
Non-Paper Items), Catalogs, Posters

Shredded Paper(If Recyclable)

Cardboard Tubes (Toilet
Paper and Wrapping
Paper Tubes As Is), Paper
Egg Crates

Copy Paper, Memo Paper(Not Including
Thermo-Sensitive Paper)

Textbooks, Notebooks,
School Printouts,
Origami, JapaneseWriting Paper, Drawing
Paper (Including Paper
with Ink or Paint)

Card Stock for Mounting Shirts or Stockings,
Paper Clothing Tags

*Cellophane, vinyl, and plastic is burnable trash.

Collection Methods
Distribute trash bins
and bags in rooms tocollect recyclable
paper in the course ofdaily life.

Place unneeded
paper bags,
envelopes, etc.
inside.

Stack magazines and tie
with a cord.

Wrap up an
unneeded
paper with a
cord.

etc.

*Illustration is taken from Kobe City pamphlet entitled “Do You Know? Leftover Paper Can Be Recycled.”！

The items to theright dissolve inwater, so theycannot be recycled!

●Water Proofed or Specially Processed
Paper (Vinyl Coated Paper, Paper Cups,
Waxed Paper Used for Detergent Boxed,Etc.) (Items With Lots of Attachments)●Thermal Paper (Faxed Paper, Etc.)●Carbon Paper (Shipping Slips, Receipts,
Etc.)●Photos●Paper with Adhesives (Stickers, PhotoAlbums, Etc.)●Synthetic Paper (Braille Books, Etc.)●Iron-On Transfer Paper●Paper Soiled with Food●CDs and DVDs Included with Magazines

Center for Environmental Management

Disposal bin setup(stickers indicate waste separation)

Leftover paper container configuration(old paper and magazines separated)

Created November, 2016

Poster about recycling leftover paper

Material BalanceMaterial balance refers to the energy and resource volume (input) required for business activities, and the environmental impact (output) that
results from those activities. With a basic environmental management policy that incorporates the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), Kobe University
is taking the assertive initiative to reduce waste and resource consumption.

INPUT
Total Energy

Electricity Consumption MWh
City Gas Consumption

1,000m3

Heavy Oil Consumption kL
Paper Usage

University Overview

2018

861,934

Student Body (Undergraduate)

Students 11,596

CO2 Output Volume

t-CO2

33,962

68,828Student Body (Graduate)

Students

4,660

4,155

Study Body (Affiliated Institutions) Students

1,427

t

305.7

1.11

Foreign Student Body

Students

1,303

Waste Material (OA Paper,
Newspaper, Cardboard,
Confidential Documents, Etc.)
Waste Material (Raw Garbage)t

4.6

Waste Material(Combustible Waste)

t

526.3

Waste Material(Non-Combustible Waste)t

0.1

Waste Material (Large Items)t

Sewage1,000m3

2018
GJ

t

195.16Students on Academic Scholarships Students 10,700

Tap Water Usage

1,000m3

283.802

Teaching Faculty

People5,211

Well Water Usage

1,000m3

122.934

Foreign Exchange Programs with OverInstitutions
seas Universities (University Partnerships)

170

Foreign Exchange Programs with Overseas
Institutions
Universities (Department Partnerships)

239

OUTPUT2018

201.1
406.736

Kobe University Environmental Performance
Energy Conservation and Climate Change Prevention(1) Energy Consumption(3) Electricity Consumption

In FY2018, energy consumption from electricity, gas, and heavy oil totaled approximately 860,000 gigajoules. CO2 emissions from this energy
totaled approximately 33,900 tons. Energy consumption decreased by
2.1% from FY2017. Energy consumption per total floor area of eachbuilding also decreased by 2.1%. To date, we have worked to conserve
energy across all university campuses, and will continue to work toconserve energy going forward. In addition, after facing difficult financial
conditions, we publicized the need to transition to updated air conditioning systems and LED lighting both within and outside the university, buthave yet to receive the necessary funds to make these changes. Goingforward, we will work to secure the required funding to make these lowenergy improvements.

Electricity use at our 11 main building complexes for FY2018 decreased
1.7% from the prior fiscal year. This is believed to be a result of climaterelated impacts and our energy conservation initiatives.

（GJ）

885,878

800, 000

880,038

890,869

866,306

900, 000

72,00068,000239,791

600, 000
500, 000

233,805

229,554
9,814
7,533
26,547
13,591
17,79826,731
40,3100503,763

400, 000

24,172
7,401
25,215
13,29817,743
26,04540,023493,824495,596482,855

27,175
7,661
24,49012,786
15,812
24,33839,584
488,539

Fukae
Myodani
Tsurukabuto 2

300, 000

Tsurukabuto 1

200, 000

Rokkodai 1

2015

2016

2017

1,746 GJ/1,000m

t-CO2(CO2 emissions)

Total

Consumption Rate

2

3,800

35,00034,000

73.3

69.7

85
80

34,68068.8

33,962

75

67.4

70

33,00065

32,00060

31,000
0

55
2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

0

Figure 2 CO2 emissions

81.94t- CO2 /1,000m2

17.7% Reduction

FY2018(m³/m²)

Consumption Rate (m³/m²)

4,512

4,420

4,385

4,081
9.15
8.10

8.77

10
4,155

8.70

9
8

8.24

7

3,000

6

5
0

2014

2015

2016

2017

0

2018

Figure 4 Gas Consumption(5) Heavy Oil Consumption
Heavy oil consumption for FY2018 decreased 91.7% from the prior fiscal year. This is a result of demolishing the fuel tank of an absorption
type water cooler/heater in the Fukae region in FY2017, changing to gas
sources, and adopting electric heat pumps.
(kℓ)
50
41.12
40

Initiatives comprising students and faculty have been implemented withthe aim of reducing total floor area emissions by 1% annually, with thebase level implemented in FY2004 (the year the university became a “national university corporation”). Initially, CO2 emission sources increased asa result of various activities. These include activities conducted to ensure
necessary functions for new education and research projects (establishing
animal and chemical experimentation facilities), and initiatives to provide
advanced medical treatment (minimally invasive treatment, strengthening
cancer treatment capabilities, offering treatment environments that are accommodating to women). Despite this, energy conservation activities haveallowed us to achieve our targets, with CO2 emissions per total floor area
(504,131 m2) falling 17.7% (down 33,962t- CO2 from the base year).
FY2004

0

2018

90

35,354

70.1

2017

3,400

t-CO2/1,000m²(Consumption Rate)

36,15635,112

2016

City gas use at our 11 main building complexes for FY2018 decreased
5.3% from the prior fiscal year. This is believed to be a result of climaterelated impacts and energy reduction initiatives.

Both CO2 emissions at our 11 main building complexes, and CO2 emissions per unit area have been decreasing since FY2017.

36,0002015

135(4) City Gas Consumption

4,200

1,710 GJ/1,000m

140

138.9

Figure 3 Electricity Consumption

4,600

FY2018

2.1% Reduction

2

68,828

Total (1,000kWh)(2) CO2 emissions

37,0002014(1,000m³)

2018

Figure 1 Energy Consumption
FY201770,021

140.1

Kusunoki2014(kWh/m²)
145

136.5

Port
Island 3
Akashi,Okubo,
Sumiyoshi 1

70,64670,153141.9

33221,549
28,594
8,321
25,188
12,966
16,98925,426
40,66069,92564,000861,934

228,070
27,531
8,204
26,052
13,14917,872
26,57542,085

Consumption Rate (kWh/m²)

139.3

Rokkodai 2

700, 000

100, 000
0Total (1,000kWh)(1,000kWh)

67.4t- CO2 /1,000m2

0.082

44.49

Total (kℓ)
Consumption Rate (ℓ/m2)
49.92
0.099

(ℓ/m2)
0.10

0.088

0.08
0.06

30
20
10
0

0.04

12.10
0.024

2014

2015

2016

2017

Figure 5 Heavy Oil Consumption

0.02
1.11
0.002

2018

0

Kobe University Environmental Performance
Resource Conservation and Recycling70

2018 FY

Waste
Waste volume from FY2014-2018 is shown in Figure 7. Waste volume for FY2018 decreased 6.53% from FY2017. Waste recycling
volume per department for FY2018 is shown in Figure 8. The recycling volume (in the legend) shows how much of the waste (t) was
recycled. The recycling rate for FY2014 was 12.7%. University-wide
recycling initiatives resulted in a recycling rate of 27.9% for FY2018.
Recycling Rate(%)
30

Waste Volume
Recycling Volume
Recycling Rate

2,500

25

2,000

20

1,500

15

1,000

10

500

5

0

FY2014FY2015FY2016FY20170

FY2018Figure 7 General Waste Disposal Volume

(t)
150

Recycling Volume

Waste Volume

100

50

International Clinical Cancer
Research Center

Integrated Research Center

Graduate School of
Maritime Sciences

Rokkodai #1

BT Incubation

Graduate School of Science,
Technology and Innovation

Graduate School of Science

Graduate School of
Health Sciences
Sumiyoshi School Attached
to Kobe University
Graduate School of
Agriculture Science

Graduate School of Humanities

Graduate School of Human
Development and Environment

Library

Graduate School ofEngineering

Administrative Building

Tsurukabuto #1

Graduate School of Medicine

0

Figure 9 FY2018 Recycling Rate by Waste TypeOﬃce Consumption Across Departments

284

Figure 6 Water Usage (11 Main Campuses)

Waste Volume
(t)
3,000

0.0
Other

2017

0.0
Non-Combustible
Waste

2016

0.0
Large Items

2015

PET Bottles

221

Bottles

230

0.0
Cans

241

0.0

Combustible
Waste

117

407
29
94

0.0

Raw Garbage

2014

115

0

Other Paper

266

63

10
Confidential
Documents

133

401

65

32.0

20

Cardboard Box

114

410

40.5

30

Magazines

82

40

54.0
42.0

Newspapers

84

50

Miscellaneous
Water
Well Water
City Water
Total

3

456

60

OA Paper

Total water usage for FY2018 was approximately the same as theprior fiscal year (407,000 m3). In the Rokkodai area, we plan toconserve resources by using river water from Mt. Rokko for toilets
and experiments. In addition, in February 2012, we began using
well water in Kusunoki. We will continue working towards efficient
use water resources.
464

100.0 100.0 100.0

95.6

90
80

Water Usage

1,000m
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0

%
100

Changes in consumption of office paper from FY2014 to FY2018
are shown in Figure 10. Office paper usage volume for FY2018
decreased 7.70% (16.29t) from the prior fiscal year.
Going forward, we will work to reduce our paper usage by making conferences and lectures paperless, introducing double-sided
printing, aggregate printing, and reusing the backs of alreadyprinted paper.
(t)
250
207.49195.16185.73150
100

FY2014FY2015FY2016FY2017FY2018Figure 10 FY2014-FY2018 Office Consumption Across Departments

Green Purchasing, Procurement andEnvironmentally Friendly Contracts
Green Purchasing and Procurement
Based on the Act on Promotion of Procurement of Eco-Friendly
Goods and Services by the State and Other Entities (Green Purchasing Law), Kobe University created a policy for procuring ecofriendly materials. The university procures materials based on thispolicy, publicizes its results, and provides reports to the Ministry ofEnvironment and Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Scienceand Technology.
The university conducted a study on procurement results for 275
items across 21 fields. Among these, results for 9 major fields areshown in the table below. In FY2018, we achieved a 100% procurement rate for the designated items.
We will create procurement policies based on the green purchasing
law, and assertively work to procure eco-friendly materials.
Achievements in Green Purchasing and Procurement in FY2018
Total
Procurement
VolumeProcurement
Rate forSpecific Items

Copy Paper

194,330kg

100%

Toilet Paper

26,675kg

100%

Field

Paper

Figure 8 Waste Recycling Volume for FY2018 By Department

The recycling rate by waste type for FY2018 is shown in Figure 9.
According to this figure, it is clear that the recycling rate for OA paper, newspapers, magazines, and cardboard has not improved. If
the recycling rate for paper reaches 90%, the total recycling rate for
all waste will increase from approximately 27.9% to 39% (calculated
according to FY2018 waste volume). Kobe University will follow its
basic policy to encourage environmental management, and work tofurther improve the recycling rate moving forward.

211.45206.84200

Stationery

Item

Other

918kg

100%

Ball Pens

9,478

100%

Envelopes (Paper)

263,860

100%

Other

154,583

100%
100%

Office Furniture

Chairs, Desks

2,919

OA Equipment

Copy Machines, Printers

4,678

100%

Lighting

Fluorescent Tubes

11,925100%

Interiors

Curtains

123

100%

6,548

100%

Blue Sheets

78

100%

Printing

622

100%

Work Gloves
Other Fibers
Services
Average100%Outside Opinion
I am happy to have the opportunity to provide an outside opinion
on Kobe University’s 2019 Environmental Report. It has given me achance to learn about the consideration the university gives to theenvironment.
For this mission, I have looked at other past reports as well. Since
2006, Kobe University has been opening its environmental reports
to the publics through the web, and this year marks the 14th edition.
Publication of this report requires tremendous efforts on collecting
and sorting from a large amount of data, and I realized that Kobe
University is diligently working to be an eco-friendly institution.
I respect that the university has continued this work, thoroughly
gathering and organizing information for over 10 years, despite
facing difficulties of budget cuts, and external pressure on continuation of the same work more than 5 years, which are often seenin current national universities. The efforts can be seen not only inwhole university’s approach on waste reduction and greenhousegas emissions cut-off, but also in many attempts at various levels,
such as the launch of Gomi-Japan, environmental education basedon Kobe University environmental report, and a biogas demonstrative experiment. As seen in the environmental performance figures,the university has continued to steadily reduce CO2 emissions andother targets for the five years spanning FY2014 to FY2018. The
results showed that three indicator rates of solid waste generation,water consumption, and electrical consumption per area were reduced by 5-10%.
The university has made several achievements in reducing its
environmental impacts, but I believe incorporating a comparative
insight may allow the university to strengthen its capabilities and to
take even further initiatives. For example, it was difficult for me tounderstand whether solid waste generation rates in the university
were high or low although these values was shown in the report.
These would be easily understood if there was an explanation withother comparative values in related activities. One of the comparison ways would be to look at data outside of the university (otherbusinesses and universities), or the past data. Fortunately, thereport has been published since FY2006, so that we can check the
differences during the last decade. In fact, waste generation rate
fell 37% from 2006 (1,600 tons) to 2018 (1,000 tons), but we cannot
see this unless seeing the past data. In case there are similar enterprises such as the university CO-OP and 7-Eleven, it is possible to

make comparison across the university. It would be helpful to offera cross check on good practices for each. For example, the CO-OP
notes collection of cans, but there was no description for 7-Eleven.
Moreover, it is easy to collect information on water usage and waste
generation rates from public organizations. A comparison between
these and the university’s values would allow one to see impact
periods (heat waves, energy crises), and would make the achievements of the university’s activities clearer.
As a university member, I really understand how it is difficult for
us to tackle several environmental issues under serious economic
conditions in universities, but I hope the above comments will prove
useful, and that Kobe university will continue to sustain its efforts
moving forward.

Name: FUJII Shigeo, Kyoto University, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Department ofTechnology and Ecology, Professor
ProﬁleCompleted Masters and Doctorate in Engineering at Kyoto University
Associate Professor, Asian Institute of Technology (1991-1993)
Associate Professor, Ritsumeikan University (1993-1998)
IWA (International Water Association) Fellow, Distinguished Adjunct
Professor of AIT (Asian Institute of Technology)■Specialized Fields: Water Management (Watershed Pollution Mechanisms, Control) Water Sanitation■Major Committees:
Chair, Environmental Engineering Committee, Japan Society of
Civil Engineers (April 2017 - March 2019)
Vice-Chair of Society of Environmental Conservation Engineering■Major Writings:
Natural Purification Mechanisms (Gihodo Shuppan, Co-Author,
1990), Lake Biwa: Environment and Water Quality Composition(Gihodo Books, Co-Author, 2000), Dictionary on Practical Water
Treatment and Utilization (Research Institute of Economy, Tradeand Industry, Encyclopedia Center, Co-Author, 2014)

About the CoverIn order to further publicize this environmental report to our students (who comprise the majority of those in the university), we createdthe cover by soliciting photos from undergraduate and graduate students at the university, along with students at our affiliated schools.
The cover photo was selected by the environmental planning and assessment committee, withthe below piece receiving the grand prize.
We would like to express our thanks to all those who applied.
Photo by TSUKAGAWA Keisuke, 1st Year at Kobe University
partment of Computer Science and Systems Engineering

Faculty of Engineering

De-[Photo Comment]
I recently purchased a mirrorless and am always taking photos while commuting to school. A friend
told me about the campaign and suggested I participate, so I went ahead and made a submission. I
saw these red seeds on the way home, and quickly snapped this photo. I am thankful to all those who
maintain the campus every day. They were the ones who made this photo possible.

■Report Year: FY2018 (April 2018 - March 2019)■Date of Issue: September 30, 2019
■Created by the Center for Environmental Management■Inquiries: Kobe University Facilities Department, Equipment Division,
Environmental Management Group
1-1, Rokokodaicho, Nada-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo Prefecture 657-8501
TEL 078-803-6653 E-mail: shis-kankyo@office.kobe-u.ac.jp
URL: https://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/about_us/charter/environment.html

Photo taken midway along Uribo Road