Sugiyama-Badr Laboratory

Life cycle engineering for sustainable consumption and production

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was adopted by the United Nations in 2015, which established pursuit of sustainable society as a global goal. Also, Paris Agreement in the Conférence de Paris de 2015 sur le climat (COP21) set a worldwide legal framework for SDGs. However, there are many problems in developing sustainable society, which we have to consider them all in an integrated manner. To do so, multiple stakeholders such as producers, consumers and governments have to not only consider their own fields but also cooperate with other stakeholders in the societal systems. In our laboratory, we study varieties of products and services based on life cycle engineering, where our research exploration began with evaluating recycling process of PET bottles. Our current research scope has expanded to integration of life cycling thinking in product design and consumer behavior analysis.

Research motivation and objective

In our laboratory, we conduct research to support producers with designing environmentally-conscious products and consumers with their decision-making process. In the former topic, we develop methods for producers to evaluate environmental impact of production processes and to improve their design for environmental sustainability. In the latter topic, we develop supporting tools of environmentally-conscious consumer behavior by examining the way we offer environmental information of products to consumers. Our method also aims to support stakeholders to ultimately change consumers’ understanding (of environmentally-conscious products) and behaviors. We focus on consumer product design and consumer’s decision-making because one-third of greenhouse gas emissions is sourced from consumer actions in households and offices in Japan. Thus, our ultimate goal is to make pragmatic recommendations on environmental policies from the results derived by the methods, as well as to support consumers and producers in effect.

Research approach

It is necessary for environmentally-conscious actions and products to consider not only individual fields but also their entire life cycles. To make environmentally-conscious design throughout product life cycle, we construct design-aided methodologies employing life cycle thinking. We conduct interviews to private companies and questionnaires to consumers to examine decision-making processes in our society. We aim to contribute to the entire life cycle of a product by considering various points of view. In addition, environmentally-conscious actions and products may not necessarily contribute to developing a sustainable society. To develop sustainable society, it is necessary to consider various points of view such as societal acceptance, payment balance as business, and safe use. In short, our society needs methodologies that employ life cycle thinking and consider social, economic and environmental aspects. These three aspects are known as a triple bottom line for sustainable development.

Research topics

I.

Development of support systems for sustainable consumption and production
We analyze environmental impacts of diversifying consumption activities and assess the change of consumer behavior as a result of offering environmental information to consumers. Nowadays, consumption structures such as product sharing is widely spreading through the technological improvement and enhanced online platforms for P2P sharing. In our research, we classify consumption activities and assess their environmental impacts to identify what type of product should be consumed in what way to reduce environmental impacts. Also, we can clarify what information influences consumer behavior in what way by face-to-face interviews and surveys, and then analyze mechanisms of consumer understandings and trust for environmental information of products. By means of this, we set out to make suggestions for sustainable consumption activities, environmental communications, environmental education, and environmental policies targeting consumers.

II.

Development of methodologies for life cycle design focusing on product functions
Packaging for food and household products has useful functions for various scenes in its life cycle such as display and usability, but they are disposed of after its contents are consumed. Thus, packaging must be designed with consideration for processes in the life cycle such as recycling process. In response to the need for environmentally-conscious packaging design, we analyze and assess factors which satisfy requirements for the environment and the functions throughout the product life cycle with considerations for the contents as well as packaging. By means of this, we are constructing support tools of designing sustainable products for all stakeholders.

III.

Construction of environmental impact assessment methodologies
It is very difficult to grasp the environmental impacts of chemical products, because there are diverse types of chemical products and the number of registered chemicals is increasing daily. To assess the environmental impact of chemical products whose data is unavailable, we are constructing scaling methods to formulate large-scale production data from experimental data of new chemical products.

Our research target diverse types of products, but we have a common goal for our methodology development: contribute to the development of sustainable society through application of life cycle thinking.

Journal papers


84.

Naoki Yokokawa, Eri Amasawa, Masahiko Hirao "Design assessment framework for food packaging integrating consumer preferences and environmental impact" Sustainable Production and Consumption, accepted, DOI: 10.1016/j.spc.2021.03.027

83.

Eri Amasawa, Tomoki Yamanishi, Jun Nakatani, Masahiko Hirao, Shunsuke Sato "Climate Change Implications of Bio-Based and Marine-Biodegradable Plastic: Evidence from Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)" Environmental Science & Technology, 55, 3380–3388 (2021), DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06612

82.

Makiko Kohno, Masahiko Hirao "Information Flow System for Chemicals in Products (CiP) with Adequate Attention to the Social Dimension: The Japanese Challenge and the Way Forward" EcoDesign and Sustainability II. Sustainable Production, Life Cycle Engineering and Management., PP.191-204 (2021) DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-6775-9_13

81.

Dami Moon, Eri Amasawa, Masahiko Hirao "Consumer Motivation and Environmental Impact of Laundry Machine-Sharing: Analysis of Surveys in Tokyo and Bangkok" Sustainability, 112, 9756 (2020) [open access]
DOI: 10.3390/su12229756

80.

Naoki Yokokawa, Yutaro Masuda, Eri Amasawa, Hirokazu Sugiyama, Masahiko Hirao "Systematic packaging design tools integrating functional and environmental consequences on product life cycle: Case studies on laundry detergent and milk" Packaging Technology and Science, 33, 445–459 (2020)
DOI: 10.1002/pts.2526

79.

Felix M. Piontek, Eri Amasawa, Koji Kimita "Environmental implication of casual wear rental services: Case of Japan and Germany" Procedia CIRP, 90, 724–729 (2020),
DOI: 10.1016/j.procir.2020.01.076

78.

Eri Amasawa, Mikiaki Hasegawa, Naoki Yokokawa, Hirokazu Sugiyama, Masahiko Hirao "Environmental performance of an electric vehicle composed of 47% polymers and polymer composites" Sustainable Materials and Technologies, 25, e00189 (2020),
DOI: 10.1016/j.susmat.2020.e00189

77.

Eri Amasawa, Tsubasa Shibata, Hirokazu Sugiyama, Masahiko Hirao "Environmental potential of reusing, renting, and sharing consumer products: systematic analysis approach" Journal of Cleaner Production, 242, 118487 (2020),
DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118487

76.

Dami Moon, Eri Amasawa, Masahiko Hirao "Laundry habits in Bangkok: Use patterns of products and services" Sustainability, 11(16), 4486 (2019),
DOI: 10.3390/su11164486

75.

Naoki Yokokawa, Emi Kikuchi-Uehara, Eri Amasawa, Hirokazu Sugiyama, Masahiko Hirao "Environmental analysis of packaging-derived changes in food production and consumer behavior" Journal of Industrial Ecology, 23(5), 1253–1263 (2019), DOI: 10.1111/jiec.12918

74.

Makiko Kohno, Masahiko Hirao "Towards a Holistic Legal Framework for Chemical Management Based on Life-cycle Thinking 　 - Picking Best Practices to Provide Guidance for the Asian Countries -" Japanese Journal of Risk Analysis, 28(2), 107–122 (2018), DOI: 10.11447/sraj.28.107

73.

Dami Moon, Nana Ishikawa, Jun Nakatani, Masahiko Hirao "Proposal on the provision of environmental information focusing on the flow of information collection and the buying decision process —Targeting home appliances consumers—" Environmental Science, 31(5), 217–226 (2018), DOI: 10.11353/sesj.31.217

72.

Eri Amasawa, Tomohiko Ihara, Keisuke Hanaki "Role of e-reader adoption in life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of book reading activities" The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 23(9), 1874–1887 (2018), DOI: 10.1007/s11367-017-1417-5

71.

Eri Amasawa, Yurie Suzuki, Dami Moon, Jun Nakatani, Hirokazu Sugiyama, Masahiko Hirao "Designing interventions for behavioral shifts toward product sharing: The case of laundry activities in Japan" Sustainability, 10(8), 2687 (2018),
DOI: 10.3390/su10082687

70.

Naoki Yokokawa, Emi Kikuchi-Uehara, Hirokazu Sugiyama, Masahiko Hirao "Framework for analyzing the effects of packaging on food loss reduction by considering consumer behavior" Journal of Cleaner Production, 174, 26–34 (2018),
DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.10.242

69.

Thuy T. H. Nguyen, Shogo Teratani, Ryuzo Tanaka, Akira Endo, Masahiko Hirao "A framework for developing a structure-based lumping kinetic model for the design and simulation of refinery reactors" Computers & Chemical Engineering, 106, 385–395 (2017),
DOI: 10.1016/j.compchemeng.2017.06.025

68.

Emi Kikuchi-Uehara, Satoshi Hatanaka, Jun Nakatani, Yasunori Kikuchi, Yukiko Takaoka, Masahiko Hirao "Development of environmental information provision approaches for enhancing consumers' life cycle thinking skills: Based on scenario analysis between disposable and reusable shopping bags" Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, Japan, 13(4), 332–348 (2017), DOI: 10.3370/lca.13.332

67.

Yasunori Kikuchi, Yuko Oshita, Kazuya Mayumi, Masahiko Hirao "Greenhouse gas emissions and socioeconomic effects of biomass-derived products based on structural path and life cycle analyses: A case study of polyethylene and polypropylene in Japan" Journal of Cleaner Production, 167, 289–305 (2017), DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.08.179

66.

Michael Tsang, Emi Kikuchi-Uehara, Guido Sonnemann, Cyril Aymonier, Masahiko Hirao "Evaluating Nanotechnologies' Opportunities and Risks Through Integration of Life-Cycle and Risk Assessment" Nature Nanotechnology, 12, 734–739 (2017), DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2017.132

65.

Eri Amasawa, Tomohiko Ihara "The right place to grow for the Japanese market: comparative analysis of greenhouse gas emissions of rice cultivation in Japan and the United States" International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 15(4), 406–417 (2017), DOI: 10.1080/14735903.2017.1334182

64.

Thuy T. H. Nguyen, Shogo Teratani, Ryuzo Tanaka, Akira Endo, Masahiko Hirao "Development of a structure-based lumping kinetic model for light gas oil hydrodesulfurization" Energy Fuels, 31(5), 5673–5681 (2017), DOI: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.7b00360

63.

Kotaro Ouchida, Yasuhiro Fukushima, Satoshi Ohara, Akira Sugimoto, Masahiko Hirao, Yasunori Kikuchi "Integrated design of agricultural and industrial processes: A case study of combined sugar and ethanol production" AIChE Journal, 63 (2), 560–581 (2017), DOI: 10.1002/aic.15374

62.

Yasunori Kikuchi, Emi Kikuchi-Uehara, Hiroki Matoba, Takao Wada, Tsutomu Odagiri, Junichi Doi, Masahiko Hirao "Design support for VOC control in SMEs by simulation-based life-cycle engineering Part 2: Case study of metal cleaning process" Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan, 50, 68–78 (2017), DOI: 10.1252/jcej.15we250

61.

Emi Kikuchi-Uehara, Yasunori Kikuchi, Takao Wada, Tsutomu Odagiri, Junichi Doi, Masahiko Hirao "Design support for VOC control in SMEs by simulation-based life-cycle engineering Part 1: Framework" Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan, 49, 776–784 (2016), DOI: 10.1252/jcej.15we249

60.

Emi Kikuchi-Uehara, Jun Nakatani, Masahiko Hirao "Analysis of factors influencing consumers' proenvironmental behavior based on life cycle thinking. Part II: Trust model of environmental information" Journal of Cleaner Production, 125, 216–226 (2016), DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.03.011

59.

Emi Kikuchi-Uehara, Jun Nakatani, Masahiko Hirao "Analysis of factors influencing consumers' proenvironmental behavior based on life cycle thinking. Part I: Effect of environmental awareness and trust in environmental information on product choice" Journal of Cleaner Production, 117, 10–18 (2016), DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.12.030

58.

Thuy T. H. Nguyen, Yasunori Kikuchi, Masaru Noda, Masahiko Hirao "Impact of local conditions on bio-based chemical process design: selection of input feedstock and production scale and scenario" Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 35(1) (2016), DOI: 10.1002/ep.12188

57.

Haruna Ishikawa, Jun Nakatani, Yasunori Kikuchi, Masahiko Hirao "Recycling system design that incorporates robustness and flexibility against variation risk" Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 26, 1–15 (2015), DOI: 10.3985/jjsmcwm.26.1

56.

Teruyuki Shimizu, Yasunori Kikuchi, Hirokazu Sugiyama, Masahiko Hirao "Design method for a local energy cooperative network using distributed energy technologies" Applied Energy, 154, 781–793 (2015), DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.05.032

55.

Thuy Nguyen Thi Hong, Yasunori Kikuchi, Masaru Noda, Masahiko Hirao "A new approach for design and assessment of bio-based chemical processes toward sustainability" Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 54(20), 5494–5504 (2015), DOI: 10.1021/ie503846q

54.

I-Ching Chen, Yasunori Kikuchi, Yasuhiro Fukushima, Hirokazu Sugiyama, Masahiko Hirao "Developing technology introduction strategies based on visualized scenario analysis: application in energy systems design" Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 34, 832–840 (2015), DOI: 10.1002/ep.12064

53.

Emi Kikuchi-Uehara, Yasunori Kikuchi, Masahiko Hirao "Multi-viewpoint activity model of environmental and health risk management for middle-stream industrial processes in the supply chain" Kagakukogakuronbunshu, 40(3), 174–186 (2014), DOI: 10.1252/kakoronbunshu.40.174

52.

Yasunori Kikuchi, Masahiko Hirao, Hirokazu Sugiyama, Stavros Papadokonstantakis, Konrad Hungerbühler, Takashi Ookubo, Akinobu Sasaki "Design of recycling system for poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Part 2: process hazards and material flow analysis" International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 19, 307–319 (2014), DOI: 10.1007/s11367-013-0625-x

51.

Yasunori Kikuchi, Masahiko Hirao, Takashi Ookubo, Akinobu Sasaki "Design of Recycling System for Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) (PMMA) Part 1: Recycling Scenario Analysis" International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 19, 120–129 (2014), DOI: 10.1007/s11367-013-0624-y

50.

Yasunori Kikuchi, Masahiko Hirao "Risk Classification and Identification for Chemicals Management in Process Design" Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan, 46(7), 488–500 (2013), DOI: 10.1252/jcej.12we281

49.

Tomoichi Sato, Masahiko Hirao "Optimum budget allocation method for projects with critical risks" International Journal of Project Management, 31(1), 126–135 (2013), DOI: 10.1016/j.ijproman.2012.04.002

48.

Yasunori Kikuchi, Masahiko Hirao, Kenji Narita, Eiji Sugiyama, Sueli Oliveira, Sonia Chapman, Mariana M. Arakaki, Claudia Madrid Cappra "Environmental Performance of Biomass-Derived Chemical Production: A Case Study on Sugarcane-Derived Polyethylene" Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan, 46(4), 319–325 (2013), DOI: 10.1252/jcej.12we227

47.

Makoto Kato, Masaru Noda, Kazuhiro Takeda, Yasunori Kikuchi, Masahiko Hirao "Plant alarm signal selection under assumption of the best alarm generation" Kagakukogakuronbunshu, 38(6), 408–414 (2012), DOI: 10.1252/kakoronbunshu.38.408

46.

Katsuyuki Nakano, Masahiko Hirao "Manufacturing and life cycle assessment" Journal of information and management, 33(1), 85–93 (2012), DOI: 10.20627/jsim.33.1_85

45.

Alireza Banimostafa, Thuy Thi Hong Nguyen, Yasunori Kikuchi, Stavros Papadokonstantakis, Hirokazu Sugiyama, Masahiko Hirao, Konrad Hungerbühler "Safety, health and environmental assessment of bioethanol production from sugarcane, corn and corn stover" Green Processing and Synthesis, 1, 449–461 (2012), DOI: 10.1515/gps-2012-0042

44.

Emi Kikuchi, Yasunori Kikuchi, Masahiko Hirao "Monitoring and Analysis of Solvent Emissions from Metal Cleaning Processes for Practical Process Improvement" Annals of Occupational Hygiene, 56(7), 829–842 (2012), DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mer115

43.

I-Ching Chen, Yasuhiro Fukushima, Yasunori Kikuchi, Masahiko Hirao "A graphical representation for consequential life cycle assessment of future technologies. Part 2: Two case studies on choice of technologies and evaluation of technology improvements" The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 17(3), 270–276 (2012), DOI: 10.1007/s11367-011-0359-6

42.

I-Ching Chen, Yasuhiro Fukushima, Yasunori Kikuchi, Masahiko Hirao "A graphical representation for consequential life cycle assessment of future technologies. Part 1: Methodological framework" The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 17(2), 119–125 (2012), DOI: 10.1007/s11367-011-0356-9

41.

Katsuyuki Nakano, Masahiko Hirao "Collaborative activity with business partners for improvement of product environmental performance using LCA" Journal of Cleaner Production, 19(11), 1189–1197 (2011), DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2011.03.007

40.

Yasunori Kikuchi, Kohjiro Kurata, Jun Nakatani, Masahiko Hirao, Yoshito Oshima "Analysis of Supercritical Water Oxidation for Detoxification of Waste Organic Solvent in University Based on Life Cycle Assessment" Journal of Hazardous Materials, 194, 283–289 (2011), DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.07.107

39.

Thuy Thi Hong Nguyen, Yasunori Kikuchi, Hirokazu Sugiyama, Masaru Noda, Masahiko Hirao "Techno-economic and environmental assessment of bioethanol based chemical process: A case on ethyl acetate" Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 30, 675–684 (2011), DOI: 10.1002/ep.10517

38.

Kojiro Kurata, Masaru Noda, Yasunori Kikuchi, Masahiko Hirao "Extension of event correlation analysis for rationalization of plant alarm systems" Kagakukogakuronbunshu, 37(4), 338–343 (2011), DOI: 10.1252/kakoronbunshu.37.338

37.

Jun Nakatani, Kana Suzuki, Masahiko Hirao "Problem-solving among stakeholders in the plastic containers and packaging recycling system: Application of life cycle assessment" Journal of Japan Society of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 22(3), 210–224 (2011, Paper Award), DOI: 10.3985/jjsmcwm.22.210

36.

Jun Nakatani, Masahiko Hirao "Multicriteria Design of Plastic Recycling based on Quality Information and Environmental Impacts" Journal of Industrial Ecology, 15(2), 228–244 (2011), DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-9290.2010.00316.x

35.

Jun Nakatani, Asako Okuno, Minoru Fujii, Masahiko Hirao "Life-cycle assessment of material recycling based on market substitutability: A case study of PET bottle recycling" Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, Japan, 7(1), 96–107 (2011), DOI: 10.3370/lca.7.96

34.

Emi Kikuchi, Yasunori Kikuchi, Masahiko Hirao "Analysis of risk trade-off relationships between organic solvents and aqueous agents: Case study of metal cleaning processes" Journal of Cleaner Production, 19(5), 414–423 (2011), DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2010.05.021

33.

Jun Nakatani, Masahiko Hirao "Recycling of plastic containers and packaging and its effect on environmental load reduction" Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 21, 309–317 (2010), DOI: 10.3985/jjsmcwm.21.309

32.

Akiko Miki, Jun Nakatani, Masahiko Hirao "Scenario analysis of drinking water usage applying life-cycle assessment for customers" Environmental Science, Japan, 23(6), 447–458 (2010), DOI: 10.11353/sesj.23.447

31.

Yasunori Kikuchi, Masahiko Hirao "Local risks and global impacts considering plant-specific functions and constraints: a case study of metal parts cleaning" Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, Japan, 6(4), 310–326 (2010, Outstanding Paper Award), DOI: 10.3370/lca.6.310

30.

Kazuya Mayumi, Yasunori Kikuchi, Jun Nakatani, Masahiko Hirao "Decision support for plastics recycling system design based on individual fossil resource consumption" Kagakukogakuronbunshu, 36(4), 243–254 (2010), DOI: 10.1252/kakoronbunshu.36.243

29.

Jun Nakatani, Minoru Fujii, Yuichi Moriguchi, Masahiko Hirao "Life-cycle assessment of domestic and transboundary recycling of post-consumer PET bottles" The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 15(6), 590–597 (2010), DOI: 10.3370/lca.4.324

28.

Yasunori Kikuchi, Masahiko Hirao "Local Risks and Global Impacts Considering Plant-Specific Functions and Constraints: A Case Study of Metal Parts Cleaning" The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 15(1), 17–31 (2010), DOI: 10.1007/s11367-009-0137-x

27.

Thuy Thi Hong Nguyen, Hirokazu Sugiyama, Masaru Noda, Masahiko Hirao "Structural framework supporting selection of extraction processes under sustainable criteria" Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan, 43, 186–195 (2010), DOI: 10.1252/jcej.09we121

26.

Hirokazu Sugiyama, Ulrich Fischer, Elena Antonijuan, Volker H. Hoffmann, Masahiko Hirao, Konrad Hungerbühler "How do different process options and evaluation settings affect economic and environmental assessments? A case study on methyl methacrylate (MMA) production processes" Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 87, 361–370 (2009), DOI: 10.1016/j.psep.2009.08.002

25.

Yasunori Kikuchi, Masahiko Hirao "Hierarchical Activity Model for Risk-Based Decision Making Integrating Life Cycle and Plant-Specific Risk Assessments" Journal of Industrial Ecology, 13(6), 945–964 (2009), DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-9290.2009.00180.x

24.

Hirokazu Sugiyama, Masahiko Hirao, Ulrich Fischer, Konrad Hungerbühler "Activity modeling for integrating Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) consideration as a new element in industrial chemical process design" Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan, 41, 884–897 (2008, Outstanding paper award), DOI: 10.1252/jcej.07we263

23.

Hirokazu Sugiyama, Ulrich Fischer, Masahiko Hirao, Konrad Hungerbühler "Decision framework for chemical process design including different stages of Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) assessment" AIChE Journal, 54, 1037–1053 (2008), DOI: 10.1002/aic.11430

22.

Jun Nakatani, Minoru Fujii, Aya Yoshida, Atsushi Terazono, Yuichi Moriguchi, Masahiko Hirao "Comparison of domestic and bilateral recycling of post-consumer PET bottles" Journal of the Japan Society of Waste Management Experts, 19(5), 328–339 (2008), DOI: 10.3985/jswme.19.328

21.

Jun Nakatani, Minoru Fujii, Yuichi Moriguchi, Masahiko Hirao "Life-cycle assessment of domestic and transboundary recycling of post-consumer PET bottles" Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, Japan, 4(4), 324–333 (2008), DOI: 10.3370/lca.4.324

20.

Katsuyuki Nakano, Masahiko Hirao "Introduction of LCA into Design Process on SME" Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, Japan, 4(3), 237–243 (2008), DOI: 10.3370/lca.4.237

19.

Yasunori Kikuchi, Masahiko Hirao "Practical Method of Assessing Local and Global Impacts for Risk-Based Decision Making: A Case Study of Metal Degreasing Process" Environmental Science & Technology, 42(12), 4527–4533 (2008), DOI: 10.1021/es7024164

18.

Yasunori Kikuchi, Masahiko Hirao "Life cycle assessment of metal parts cleaning considering plant-specific functions and constraints" Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, Japan, 4(2), 147–160 (2008), DOI: 10.3370/lca.4.147

17.

Ramon Mendivil, Ulrich Fischer, Masahiko Hirao, Konrad Hungerbuehler "A New LCA Methodology of Technology Evolution (TE-LCA) and its Application to the Production of Ammonia (1950-2000)" The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 11(2), 98–105 (2006), DOI: 10.1065/lca2005.08.222

16.

Hirokazu Sugiyama, Masahiko Hirao, Ramon Mendivil, Ulrich Fischer, Konrad Hungerbühler "A hierarchical methodology for chemical process design based on Life Cycle Assessment" Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 84, 63–74 (2006, Top 75 most cited award, 2006-2009), DOI: 10.1205/psep.04142

15.

Hirokazu Sugiyama, Yasuhiro Fukushima, Masahiko Hirao, Stefanie Hellweg, Konrad Hungerbühler "Using standard statistics to consider uncertainty in industry-based Life Cycle Inventory databases" International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 10, 399–405 (2005), DOI: 10.1065/lca2005.05.211

14.

Yasuhiro Fukushima, Mayuko Yamashita, Masahiko Hirao "Function and information flow model of an adaptive environmental management system in households: a progressive use of customized environmental balance sheets" 環境科学会誌, 18(2), 103–113 (2005), DOI: 10.11353/sesj1988.18.103

13.

Masatoshi Shimada, Kyouichi Miyamoto, Masahiko Hirao, Takashi Nakamura "Life cycle inventory and cost analysis of waste plastics utilization in the steel industry" Tetsu-to-Hagane, 91(1), 184–191 (2005), DOI: 10.2355/tetsutohagane1955.91.1_184

12.

Hiroshi Uesugi, Tomohiro Suginaka, Masashi Fujiwara, Yuki Kuwauchi, Masahiko Hirao "Development of an Inter-Process Linkage Technology for Fluoro-Nitric Acid Washing Agent and Its LCA Evaluation" Applied Energy, 80(2), 213–223 (2005), DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2004.04.002

11.

Soorathep Kheawhom, Masahiko Hirao "Decision support tools for environmentally benign process design under uncertainty" Computers & Chemical Engineering, 28(9), 1715–1723 (2004), DOI: 10.1016/j.compchemeng.2004.01.005

10.

Y. Fukushima, M. Shimada, S. Kraines, M. Hirao, M. Koyama "Scenarios of solid oxide fuel cell introduction into Japanese society" Journal of Power Sources, 131(1–2), 327–339 (2004), DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2003.11.093

9.

Soorathep Kheawhom, Masahiko Hirao "Environmentally Benign Separation Process Synthesis" Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan, 37(2), 243–252 (2004), DOI: 10.1252/jcej.37.243

8.

H. Uesugi, T. Suginaka, M. Fujiwara, Y. Kuwauchi, M. Hirao "Use technology for fluoro-nitric acid cascade with washing chemicals and its LCA evaluation" Energy and Resources, 24(1), 56–60 (2003)

7.

Masahiko Hirao, Hirokazu Sugiyama "Integrated information infrastructure for environmentally conscious process design" Journal of Computer Chemistry Japan, 2, 79–86 (2003), DOI: 10.2477/jccj.2.79

6.

Yasuhiro Fukushima, Masahiko Hirao "A Structured Framework and Language for Scenario-Based Life Cycle Assessment" The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 7(6), 317–329 (2002), DOI: 10.1065Bca2002.06.085

5.

Soorathep Kheawhom, Masahiko Hirao "Decision Support Tools for Process Design and Selection" Computers & Chemical Engineering, 26(4–5), 747–755 (2002), DOI: 10.1016/S0098-1354(01)00798-0

4.

Shinya Muramatsu, Masahiko Hirao "Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Interactions of H Radicals with a Hydrogenated Si(001) Surface" Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, 41, 1507–1514 (2002), DOI: 10.1143/JJAP.41.1507

3.

Shinya Muramatsu, Masahiko Hirao "Ab Initio Study of MetastableStructures on a Hydrogenated Si(001) Surface" Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, 41, L171–L173 (2002), DOI: 10.1143/JJAP.41.L171

2.

Yasuhiro Fukushima, Masahiko Hirao "Distributed Information System for Environmentally Conscious Process Design" Computer Aided Chemical Engineering, 41(8), 895–900 (2000), DOI: 10.1016/S1570-7946(00)80151-0

1.

Yasuhiro Fukushima, Masahiko Hirao "Lifecycle model for PET bottle recycle system evaluation" Trans.IEE of Japan, 118-C(9), 1250–1256 (1998), DOI: 10.1541/ieejeiss1987.118.9_1250