We cooperate with institutional surveys to bring us closer to society’s ideal
To ensure that stakeholders receive the information that they require, we cooperate with SRI*1 ratings and other environmental surveys.
The Swiss asset management company Sustainability Asset Management (SAM) selects companies that are sustainability leaders and tracks their performance using the Dow Jones Sustainability World Indexes (DJSI World). In fiscal 2008, SAM launched the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index (DJSI Asia Pacific). Hitachi, Ltd. and Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. were in the top 20 percent of the 600 companies surveyed. Hitachi, Ltd. is rated highly—one of the top 40 companies—for environmental action, making the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific 40 Index.
Backed by 385 institutional investors with a total asset value of US$57 trillion, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) assesses the potential risks and opportunities that climate change poses for 3,000 of the world’s leading companies. We have submitted our philosophy, action program and achievements to the CDP. Out of 150 Japanese companies assessed by CDP, we were among the 21 companies selected for outstanding information disclosure.
In fiscal 2008, Hitachi placed third in an environmental management performance survey by Nikkei Inc. of Japan’s listed companies. Corporate ratings are based on the total score in five areas: environmental management, global warming prevention, resource recycling, product policies, and pollution prevention. We scored highly for preventing global warming and reducing our environmental burden through recycling.
| 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score*1(%) | 88 | 93 | 95 |
| Rank | 4 | 5 | 3 |
Looking for an Environmental Vision 2050
![[Image]Mr. Toshihiko Goto Chairman, Environmental Auditing Research Group](/environment/activities/images/stakeholder_collabo/assessment_01.jpg)
Mr. Toshihiko Goto
Chairman, Environmental Auditing Research Group
I applaud Hitachi’s strategic targeting of the environment, reflected in their environmental sustainability and CSR reports, and the commitment expressed in the Chief Environmental Strategy Officer’s message. However, what is needed now, I feel, is an Environmental Vision 2050 and the re-evaluation of medium-term and strategic goals for 2025 based on that vision.
This report precisely quantifies all environmental management items, including products, plants and activities, and I like the way the report and the Hitachi Web site are linked for ease of understanding. Hitachi makes a solid social contribution to biological diversity, but I would also like to be able to see what steps are being taken by the businesses of the Hitachi Group.
In closing, I would add that Hitachi should move quickly to create a system that accurately measures greenhouse gas emissions across the broad range of all Hitachi Group companies.
To Foster an Environmental Culture
![[Image]Dr. Mika Takaoka Professor, College of Business, Rikkyo University](/environment/activities/images/stakeholder_collabo/assessment_02.jpg)
Dr. Mika Takaoka
Professor, College of Business, Rikkyo University
I congratulate Hitachi for publishing an environmental report this year, in addition to a CSR report. This report takes a global perspective in providing analysis and information on the progress of Hitachi’s environmental management activities in 2008. One outstanding feature is that it highlights Japan’s role as an international environmental leader, and it includes environmental data from around the world to promote local partnerships with international stakeholders. Detailed evaluations used during the design phase show Hitachi’s commitment to global environmental conservation through manufacturing environmentally conscious products.
I look forward to seeing environmental actions by Hitachi based on fostering the type of environmental culture needed for consumers to make the transition to environmentally and socially conscious lifestyles.
Our Response
Shigeru Azuhata
General Manager, Environmental Strategy Office, Vice President and Executive Officer Hitachi, Ltd.
Thank you for your extremely valuable views on the release of our first environmental report since 2004.
At this stage, our environmental programs are directed toward fiscal 2025, but we would like to take on, as a future challenge, the suggestion that we look even further ahead to 2050 and create an environmental strategy that is oriented to that time. We also plan to strengthen our efforts to make environmentally and socially conscious lifestyles possible through our technologies, products and services, as well as to garner consumer understanding for what we are doing.
We will continue working to realize a sustainable society by paying close attention to the views of all our stakeholders.
