Hitachi High-Tech Group is promoting systematic activities to reduce energy-induced CO2 emissions as a response to climate change. Specifically, we are making efforts to reduce CO2 emissions throughout the value chain through ongoing efforts such as use of renewable energy, promotion of environmental investment, improvement of manufacturing processes, and environmentally conscious design, aiming at the creation of a decarbonized society.
In order to enhance the credibility of this report, FY2019 figures marked with have received independent assurance from SOCOTEC Certification Japan Co., Ltd. in accordance with the International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000 and ISO14064-3.
Approximately 70% of the energy used in Hitachi High-Tech Group business activities both inside and outside Japan is electric power used in manufacturing sites in Japan. In order to more efficiently reduce CO2 emissions, we have assigned top priority to switching over to renewable energy for the power supplied to manufacturing sites in Japan, with the aim of achieving zero CO2 emissions by FY2030. Going forward, we will promote this as a global activity to include CO2 reduction at sites in other countries.
Scope 2 emissions were reduced to zero by switching over to renewable energy sources for electric power and making active use of renewable energy value at the Hitachi High-Tech head office (April 2020), at Hitachi High-Tech Fine Systems (April 2020), at the Hitachi High-Tech Manufacturing & Service Corp. head office (April 2020) and No. 6 Works (May 2020), at the Hitachi High-Tech Science Fuji Oyama Works (April 2020), and at Hitachi High-Tech Kyushu (February 2019).
We also utilize renewable energy source at our sites in other countries, five of which are supplied with electricity from hydroelectric power. Going forward, we will continue to expand our utilization of renewable energy on a global basis.
At the Hitachi High-Tech Group, fuel is consumed by cargo handling equipment at manufacturing sites and by commercial vehicle operations. In order to realize a decarbonized society , we are promoting the switch to electric power for cargo handling equipment and to EV and hybrid models for company vehicles. Our aim is to achieve zero CO2 emissions by FY2030.
Hitachi High-Tech Group established the Environmental Investment Guidelines in FY2016 to improve the ease and efficiency of environmental investment. Since the investments made in FY2017, these guidelines have contributed to the growth of environmental investment and improvement in the reduction effect in the amount of electricity consumed versus investment. In FY 2019, the amount of environmental investment declined 21% versus the previous fiscal year, but the reduction effect in electricity consumption versus investment was at the same level as greater than that of the previous year. We are shifting to investments in initiatives with high cost-effectiveness. In addition, starting in FY 2019 we work to introduce Internal Carbon Pricing aimed at further encouraging environmental investment. We will apply it to the investments to be made after FY 2020.
We are also actively working to conserve energy in conjunction with our rationalization of manufacturing processes.
At the Hitachi High-Tech Group, we have worked to introduce LED floor lighting in offices and communal areas, etc.
In addition, we are replacing transformers and air-conditioning units with highly efficient equipment, and improving manufacturing processes, at our manufacturing sites.
Item | Measure |
---|---|
Renewable energy | Installation of solar panels on building rooftops |
Air Conditioning System | Improvement in air conditioner operation mode for clean rooms (Adjustment of the control accuracy for holidays and nighttime, discrete control of cleanliness for each compartment) Installation of controllers of the energy-saving type in air conditioner Installation of hybrid fans Installation of underfloor air conditioning systems |
Air Conditioning and Power utilization efficiency | Less power loss through installation of phase advance capacitors Installation of super-amorphous transformers Installation of automatic power factor regulators Reduction in current-on durations of products |
Various equipment and facilities | Installation of air conditioner compressors controlled by the number of air conditioner units in operation Installation of inverter-controlled cooling water supply equipment |
Lighting | Installation of a system for automatic selection of illuminance Installation of lights for automatic detecting the presence of persons Installation of LED lights Installation of inverter ballasts with luminaires Fewer lights are lit and unnecessary lights are turned off when not needed. |
Enlightenment activity | Handbills are distributed and signboards are installed in energy-saving months. Cool Biz and Warm Biz “Green” walls on building windows and walls |
In FY2019 our annual amount of CO2 emissions was 39,722 tons, against our target of 42,600 tons. This achievement was influenced by greater than planned progress in switching over to renewable energy sources for the electric power used as well continuous promotion of environmental investment and other such factors.
Based on these results, we will continue taking initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions and to save energy by installing equipment and facilities of an energy-saving type, by efficiently using energy, and by generating renewable energy.
We have responded to CDP climate change questionnaires at the Hitachi High-Tech Group. In FY2019, we were given a "Management level: B" evaluation indicating that we have achieved management that formulates and executes activities, policies, and strategies to address environmental problems in our businesses. The Hitachi High-Tech Group will disclose information in line with the disclosure framework set up by the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures*2 and work toward improvements in corporate value, while making effective efforts to address climate change risks, in particular.