The most important problem imposed on human being is to achieve "sustainable development". The rapid consumption of energy and resources by human activities has brought stress on the global environment and the impoverishment of natural resources. If we find the way for "economics" to be consistent with "environment" by applying our knowledge and technologies, we will be able to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life in the 21 century.

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 concept of ecotechnology combines "technology" with "renewable" and "ecologically" sound resources development. NIRE is now pursuing R & D efforts to ensure "sustainable development". NIRE wishes to contribute in the following three field:

1. to pursue technologies for global environmental control including global warming control and counter-measures for local environmental pollution,
2. to develop technology for extensive total utilization of energy and resources, such as the effective use of energy, recycling of materials, and utilization of renewable energy and
3. to assess and evaluate the technologies which are developed to achieve "sustainable development".

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