| 研究実績の概要 |
In line with its initial aims, the study has produced: (1) the first Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of studio ceramics, conducted with Prof. Xiaoyu Yan of Exeter University (UK). Making 1kg of pottery mugs is responsible for 3.24kg of carbon emissions (Damage category = Climate change). In the workshop analysed, energy accounts for 73.8% of carbon emissions, with 46.8% due to the kilns for firing the ceramics and 21.2% to run the studio, equally split between lighting and heating. Notably, the plastic-free packaging material chosen by the pottery to reduce their impact on the environment was instead responsible for 18.6% of the emissions, while the materials used to make the mugs produced less than 6%. (2) a systematic critical literature review on sustainable pottery practices worldwide. The study screened 115 documents and fully reviewed 84 English-language specialist books, articles, and blogs (in press). (3) sustainable studio materials. The study was informed by systematic tests of sewerage solids (in collaboration with Cross Lab at Tokyo Tech), recycled glass and commercial waste wood ash. (4) firing tests with biodiesel was replaced by woodfiring experiments in 2024 at a kiln in Hyogo prefecture. (5) interviews with practitioners to assess feasibility. The study included visits and interviews with potters in Mashiko, Tochigi, and fieldwork in the UK to collect data and validate results from the study. (6) public and academic discussions and dissemination through publications and events, including 3 talks, 2 academic articles (ongoing) and 1 chapter (in press).
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| 現在までの達成度 (区分) |
現在までの達成度 (区分)
2: おおむね順調に進展している
理由
The study has successfully delivered on its initial aims with some adjustments. The research led to two major contributions to knowledge in the field of sustainable pottery: the first Life Cycle Analysis of a studio pottery workshop worldwide and the first systematic critical review of 20 years of literature. These primary aims were completed and disseminated through talks, conference papers and a book chapter. Further dissemination is currently ongoing (academic papers, panel discussion, research website).
The collaboration with Prof. Cross on biodiesel was interrupted due to a PhD student leaving the lab, and replaced with experiments with woodfiring with alternative fuels and methods to be conducted in Hyogo in 2024. The study is also informing the new Kaken research by the PI.
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| 今後の研究の推進方策 |
The PI continues to conduct research in this field, also as part of a new Kaken study. In addition to their academic importance, the findings are directly informing the building of a new Leach Pottery studio as part of the redevelopment of the site.
The study is now informing the next research project “Assessing the Sustainability of Best Available Technologies (BAT) for Craft Ceramics” to be carried out in 2024-27. The new study will build on the results of the analysis conducted to date through further LCA studies, material experimentation in the workshop set up at the university, interviews with practitioners and ethnographic fieldwork.
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| 次年度使用額が生じた理由 |
The grant was used to purchase materials and equipment to set up a new ceramic studio at the university and conduct experiments with sustainable alternatives to commercial products. Due to a change in staff in another laboratory collaborating with the PI, the experiments with firing ceramics with biodiesel could not be conducted. Material expenses related to this part of the project were reduced and will be utilise to conduct woodfiring experimentation at a commercial pottery site in Hyogo prefecture. This will include purchasing of clay and glaze materials, machinery for crushing waste materials (for inclusion in clay bodies) and travel expenses to conduct research on the kiln site.
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