Super Eco-Factories & Offices

Super Eco-Factories and Offices

The Hitachi Group has introduced Super Eco-Factory Certification as a way to promote industry-leading environmental action and develop pioneering best practices.
In fiscal 2007, eight factories and one office were certified Super Eco-Factories. Hitachi aims to raise the total to 30 by fiscal 2010.

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CO2 Reduction in Production Processes

We are taking a global approach to reduce the amount of energy used and greenhouse gases generated in the production process, as well as transportation-related energy.

Reduction of CO2 Emissions in Japan

The Hitachi Group is striving to achieve two CO2 emission reduction targets: cutting total CO2 emissions to 7 percent below the 1990 level by fiscal 2010; and in the same period, either meeting specific emission targets set by industry groups, or reducing CO2 emissions per unit of production by 25 percent (in offices, hospitals, etc.).
In fiscal 2007, as a result of investing 6.4 billion yen in energy saving, Hitachi reduced CO2 emissions by 102,000 tonnes. The Group's total CO2 emissions fell to 2.802 million tonnes, or 86 percent of the 1990 level.
Alongside energy saving, we are using alternative energy conversion as a way to cut CO2 emissions, including reducing the use of heavy oil by changing to natural gas as a fuel. Hitachi Cable has installed a natural gas pipeline at the Tsuchiura Works, reducing CO2 emissions by 5,000 tonnes per year.

Reduction in Waste Generation

CO2 Emission Reduction outside Japan

With greater production volume, the construction of new factories, and other changes in the business environment, the Hitachi Group has set the target of reducing CO2 emissions per unit of production to 5 percent below the 2003 level by 2010. In fiscal 2007, we cut total CO2 emissions per unit of production by 3.3 percent over the 2003 level.

Trend in CO2 Emissions outside Japan

Modal Shift Saves Energy on Transportation

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Efficient Use of Resources

Applying the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle) concept, Hitachi is working to meet the fiscal 2010 goals of cutting total waste to 20 percent below the 2000 level and increasing the resource recycling rate by 10 percent over the 2005 level.
To reduce waste, Hitachi classifies facilities into two groups based on the characteristics of their operations: One group reduces the total amount of generated waste, while the other cuts waste per unit production. In fiscal 2007, the first group cut total emissions by 22 percent, and the second cut total waste per unit production by 24 percent. The combined goal for total waste reduction across the Hitachi Group is 10 percent.
Hitachi also boosted the resource recycling rate by 5 percent by using waste disposal methods that reduce the environmental impact and by focusing on ' zero emission' technology.

Reduction in Waste Generation

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Management of Chemicals

By fiscal 2010, Hitachi intends to cut domestic VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions to 45 percent below 1990 levels and to lower the ratio of VOC emissions overseas by 10 percent from 2005 levels. In fiscal 2007, VOC emissions fell 49 percent in Japan and the ratio was lowered by 4.1 percent overseas.

Trend in VOC Emissions (Japan)

Reduction of VOC Emissions Ratio outside Japan

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