1996
Foreword

Dr. Takeshi Usami Director-General, NIRE

The rapid consumption of energy and resources by human activities has brought stress on the global environment and the impoverishment of natural resources. Both of these issues have the same cause -- human beings demand a better quality of life. The demand for industrial products and chemicals and the disposal of waste products have placed a heavy burden on the environment.

To find a solution for these issues, the National Institute for Resources and Environment (NIRE) proposes a novel concept in the field of science and technology, "ecotechnology" that will promote "sustainable development" -- the pursuit of human prosperity while protecting the environment from degradation. The concept of Ecotechnology combines "technology" with "regeneration and mutualism". Mutualism, in the broad sense, is the essence of ecology. In October 1991, NIRE reorganized and is now pursuing R&D efforts to ensure "Sustainable development". NIRE wishes not only to advocate a policy for global warming control and countermeasures for environmental pollution, but also to develop technology for extensive total utilization of energy and resources, such as effective use of energy, recycling materials, and renewable energy. All NIRE researchers are firmly resolved to engage themselves in such extensive research.

I am pleased to that we could publish NIRE Annual Report 1996 to show our recent research efforts.