Next-generation Material Stock that Realize the Full Potential of Resources

This research focuses on material stocks, in particular infrastructure and buildings which together form half of Japan’s material stock. The objective is to provide a chronological and geographical overview of wealth and... [ view full abstract ]

This research focuses on material stocks, in particular infrastructure and buildings which together form half of Japan’s material stock. The objective is to provide a chronological and geographical overview of wealth and establish utility and recyclability values for these in-use materials. The approach utilizes a system based on human activities, i.e. stock with high resource value in support of minimizing economy-wide material flows. Furthermore, this project develops tools for evaluating strategies to promote the recyclability value of stocks, and includes indicators of the utility value of stocks by considering socio-economic trends and geographical conditions. On an international level, this research will enable a road map to be proposed as a leapfrog scheme for material cycles which lead to optimal material stocks. This will showcase a strategic move demonstrating, especially to rapidly developing nations in Asian and African nations, how to strive towards a next-generation sustainable society.

Material Stock Analysis of urban infrastructures and buildings is not only focus on its stocked weight but on its in-flow and out-flow which includes hidden material flows. As to in-flow of construction materials, anthropogenic disturbance by extracting sand, gravel and limestone should be considered due to huge flow of materials. As to out-flow, recyclability and cascade use of demolition material should be taken into considerations. Furthermore, for stocked material as a fundamental service provider, we need to consider stock/flow productivity and material saturation –how much material we need- with change of population, development of society. This study shows the scheme of material stock analysis and its possibilities with case study of Japan by using statistic and 4d-GIS database. This database provides the material stock of building and infrastructure classified by region, materials and construction types. Furthermore using this database, the relationship of material stock and economic growth and it disparity was analyzed. 4d-GIS database are established for several cities in Japan, U.K. and China. One of the results of this study showed about 21.8 billion tons, and that material stock growth contributes to improved productivity.

This research project is supported by the Ministry of Environment of Japan, 1-1402, 2015-2017.