In order to enhance the credibility of this report, FY2017 figures marked with have received independent assurance from KPMG AZSA Sustainability Co., Ltd. in accordance with the International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000 and ISAE 3410.
At Hitachi High-Tech Group companies, efforts are made to reduce the volume of waste that is generated in their business activities as well as to promote recycling of resources by maximizing recycling of generated waste.
In FY 2017, activities seeking to reduce the volume of waste generated per unit by 37.3% (base : FY 2005) realized a reduction of 39.5%, meeting the target.
As to the volume of waste generated at overseas subsidiaries, since FY2017 we have only been tracking hazardous wastes that are regulated in the country concerned. Going forward, we will consider activities to reduce those wastes.
Polyethylene garbage bags
As part of our efforts to achieve a recycling-based society, our Naka Division is actively engaged in the recycling of waste within Japan. Vinyl used in the packaging of components delivered to us is used to manufacture polyethylene garbage bags and plastic folders made entirely from this recycled material, which are then used by the Naka Division. Seeing vinyl materials separated from other waste in the workplace come back to be used again in a different form makes the concept of recycling more tangible for staff, thereby helping to increase the environmental awareness of each and every employee. Going forward, we will continue to strive to reduce waste by expanding the scope of items subject to recycling and promoting the reuse and recycling of materials used to package components.
Hitachi High-Tech Group companies are not operating in water-stressed environments, yet they are taking measures for effective utilization of water resources. These measures include recirculation of cooling water and reduction of the volume of water used through initiatives including the achievement of higher productivity and upgrading to water-saving equipment. In FY2017, activities were conducted with the target of "45.5% Reduction of Water Usage per Unit (Base Year FY2005)," and the result of 45.0% did not achieve the target. The reason that the target was not met was water leaks and related phenomena that accompanied equipment malfunctions. In the future, we will make every effort to conduct periodic water risk evaluations in order to avoid this kind of risk.