Hi tachi introduced Assessment for DfE (Design for Environment) into product development as a way to reduce the environmental impact at every stage of the product lifecycle. The assessment looks at eight criteria, including resource reduction, product longevity, resource recycling, and ease of decomposition.
New products that outperform existing products in these criteria are called Eco-Products.
Some Eco-Products are designated as Super Eco-Products when they achieve an environmental efficiency at least 10 times greater than existing products, or when they are industry leaders or highly regarded. Environmental efficiency is an index of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, resource use and boosting product or service value. Hitachi is working to expand its Super Eco-Product lineup. As of March 2008, 1,057 Hitachi Group products (6,216 models) were certified as Eco-Products. The certification rates were 97 percent for Hitachi's information and telecommunications systems, digital media and consumer products, and 84 percent for electronic devices, power and industrial systems, high functional materials and components, logistics, services and others. Of these, 74 products and 184 models are Super Eco-Products, or about 12 percent of Eco-Products by sales. The intention is to boost this ratio to more than 30 percent by fiscal 2010.
Eco-Product Certification Trends
![[Image] Eco-Product Certification Trends](/environment/activities/images/ecoproducts01.gif)
To use chemicals safely, we comply with the REACH regulation,*1 which promotes the safe use of chemicals. REACH compliance means registering chemical substances exported to the European Union (EU), as well as notifying and providing information on substances contained in products covering thousands of chemical types. Because we see registration and notification under the REACH regulation as a task for the whole supply chain, we are using our participation in JAMP*2 to develop a more effective information exchange system.
For even better communications, we will link REACH compliance with the Group's Integrated Management System for Chemical Substances Contained in Products, which contains information on 480,000 parts (March 2008)
Integrated Management System for Chemical Substances Contained in Products
![[Image] Integrated Management System for Chemical Substances Contained in Products](/environment/activities/images/ecoproducts03.gif)
In accord with the Green Mark Guidelines regarding Specific Chemical Substances for Electrical and Electronic Equipment issued in January 2008 by three associations—the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Association, the Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association, and the Japan Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Association—J-Moss Green Mark labeling has been implemented for the following electrical and electronic equipment shipped within Japan.
In April 2008, we compiled eco design management guidelines in line with Europe's EuP Directive,*3 used for assessing product designs from an environmental perspective. To minimize the environmental impact, Hitachi product guidelines require every operational unit to design products with less environmental impact in all phases—including planning, design, procurement, manufacturing and quality control—and to maintain clear design records. Based on these new guidelines, we will both meet regulatory requirements and lead the industry in lowering product environmental impact.
Detailed data and the activity report are here. Search category index.
![[Image] Sustainability Compass logo](/environment/activities/images/greencompass_mark_n.gif){kind=small}
