Initiatives of the Tomohiro Ichinose Research Group
Approach to the "Natural Environment"
The Tomohiro Ichinose Research Group conducts research divided into two projects, tackling research from multiple perspectives to improve sustainability at SFC.
Two projects are currently active: the SatoFC Project (*1), which investigates biodiversity using SFC as its field, and the Biomass Project, which investigates effective ways to utilize biomass.
(*1) Formerly the Nursing Biotope Project
SatoFC Project
This project began in 2015, taking over the management of the Nursing Biotope, which had been abandoned, leading to a decline in biodiversity. From 2022, the Soukan Campus was also added to its area of activity, and the project name was accordingly changed from the Nursing Biotope Project to its current name.
Biomass Project
This project began its activities in 2023 with the goal of effectively utilizing the biomass resources generated within SFC. The activities primarily involve creating and developing materials such as charcoal and compost.
To date, 474 species have been confirmed at SFC, including 59 rare species (*1) and 41 indicator species (*2).
The SatoFC Project has been active since 2015. Surveys to date have revealed that the natural environment within SFC is one of the richest in biodiversity in Fujisawa City.
(*1) Species designated on the Ministry of the Environment Red List and the Kanagawa Prefecture Red List
(*2) Species selected as indicator species in the Fujisawa City survey ("Indicator species" refers to species that depend on favorable, conservable environments for their growth and habitat, viewed from the perspective of the "richness of life in green spaces.")
Since fiscal year 2023, initiatives have been underway for the effective utilization of biomass resources generated at SFC.
The Biomass Project began its activities in 2023. Surveys to date have revealed that approximately 270 tons of biomass resources at SFC go unused annually, and the project is working on creating and developing charcoal and compost for the effective utilization of these resources.
Research Background
Green space management is conducted at SFC, and in the process, biomass such as wood chips, branches, leaves, and mown grass is generated.
All of this is incinerated, which incurs significant disposal costs.
Additionally, a large amount of food and drink waste is generated and discarded at on-campus convenience stores, cafeterias, and restaurants.
Strengths of Conducting Research at SFC
Biomass resources are easy to secure.
There is land available to build a composting facility.
An environment is in place where the compost can be utilized.