Creating a sustainable future by developing earth friendly Kuroge Wagyu “decarbonized beef” and Mathane-Fermentation Biogas power generation from organic waste.

Description

We are establishing a circular economy-based ranch, the “Yaeyama Islands Carbon-Free Farm,” in Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan. The first phase of this initiative, the Yaeyama Islands Carbon-Free Farm, will embody a circular (bio) economy, delivering solutions for carbon neutrality and addressing environmental pollution from livestock manure on Ishigaki Island.

Story

1. Challenges and Vision for Ishigaki City
Ishigaki City, Japan’s southernmost city, is renowned for its rich natural environment and livestock industry. However, severe environmental issues related to unmanaged livestock waste impact the region’s sustainability. Through our nature-positive project, we are committed to facing this reality, protecting biodiversity, and building a sustainable future.

2. Development of Decarbonized Beef
Our goal is to create "decarbonized beef" to mitigate climate change. We collaborate with Kogakuin University and other research institutions to reduce methane emissions from cattle burps through developing and feeding cattle with methane-inhibiting seaweed-based feeds.

3. Methane Fermentation Biogas Power Generation
We will collect organic waste, including livestock manure and food scraps, in Ishigaki for methane fermentation-based biogas power generation. The fermentation residue from this process will be repurposed into high-quality compost certified as a special fertilizer, which will be returned to local farmers and primary industries. This will foster regional resource circulation, making Ishigaki City a model of circular (bio) economy.

4. Toward a Circular Economy
Using biogas generation-derived digested liquids, we plan to develop a plant factory and aquaculture business on-site, minimizing waste and promoting sustainable resource cycles. We believe this will open new pathways for local economic growth, employment, and harmonized environmental, social, and productive development. Our vision of a circular local society includes building a stable, closed-loop energy infrastructure, creating resilient communities, and realizing a "Jimotofirst" society where people and industries co-exist respectfully.

Link

• https://jprsi.go.jp/ja/member/648

Images

Judge’s Comments

David Benjamin

Founding Principal of The Living and Associate Professor at Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation

Carbon-free Farm Prize

Like gluten-free food, a carbon-free farm involves subtle changes that create a huge impact. This project involves decarbonizing beef through seaweed-based foods that serve to reduce methane emitted by cows. It also involves energy and fertilizer produced from methane and organic waste. And it incorporates composting and aquaculture. More broadly, the project inspires us by expanding the boundaries of design. It aims design intelligence at dynamic systems rather than static objects. And along the way, it encompasses everyday living and connects the personal and the collective with an exciting new direction for society.