The Research Center for Sustainable Manufacturing (RCSM) was established in 2003 and based on School of Mechanical Engineering and Key Laboratory of High Efficiency and Clean Mechanical Manufacture, Ministry of Education, P. R. China.  In 2017, the center was recognized  as the provincial key laboratory of green manufacturing.

 Focusing for ‘Cleaner, Healthier, Safer and Sustainable Manufacturing’, RCSM is committed on the innovative research on both fundamental theories and applied technologies for green and high efficiency manufacturing. The center is also devoted on the promotion and practical application of advanced concept and technology on energy saving, low-carbon and environmental protection in manufacturing industry. The mission of the center is to attract and build a high level academic and innovative research team based on interdisciplinary integration and to educate our graduates to become outstanding scientific and technological personnel with comprehensive skills and excellent creative ability.

 Currently, the center is undertaking research projects at the value of more than 15 million RMB supported by both government and companies. The center has been awarded 3 second prizes of science and technology progress from Shandong Province, granted more than 20 patents and published more than 200 high level scientific papers.

 The center is teamed with 10 teachers and more than 50 Ph.D and Master students. The center is directed by Prof. Jianfeng Li (Taishan Scholar) who is also the director of the library of Shandong University. Prof. Fangyi Li is positioned as the vice director of the center and also the vice dean of the School of Mechanical Engineering. Other teachers are Prof. Song Zhang (Taishan Scholar), Prof. Jie Sun, A/Prof. Xiujie Jia, A/Prof. Panling Huang, A/Prof. Liming Wang, A/Prof. Yanle Li and Senior Engineer Jianyong Li.