![[image]Environmental Action](/csr/csr_images/highlight/act0904_01.gif)
We have written the Hitachi Action Guidelines for Environmental Conservation, which outline the Group's environmental management policy based on Hitachi, Ltd. Standards of Corporate Conduct. Using these guidelines, we have adopted three pillars for our environmental vision: the prevention of global warming, conservation of resources, and preservation of the ecosystem. The target in our medium-term plan, Environmental Vision 2015 is to become emission neutral by fiscal 2015. Drawing on the Sustainability Compass, which lays out directions for environmental activities, we have developed an Environmental Action Plan with specific targets for fiscal 2010. The GREEN 21 evaluation system is used to assess the progress of our activities, verify the results, and ensure continual improvement.
In order to realize an environmentally harmonious and sustainable society through products and services, Hitachi is committed to meeting its social responsibilities by promoting globally applicable monozukuri (designing, manufacturing, or repairing of products), which is aimed at reducing environmental burdens of products throughout their entire lifecycle, ensuring environmental conservation.
This document lays out 10 specific guidelines that include a statement on meeting our social responsibilities through environmental protection activities, relevant business activities, and forging cooperative relationships with stakeholders.
To become emission neutral by fiscal 2015
Action items and targets have been set for each of the four axes of our Sustainability Compass.Action items encompass expanding our Eco-Product lineup, steps to counter global warming, efficient use of resources, and proactive communicationon environmental issues. Environmental Action Plan targets are reviewed and optimized to reflect, for example, the state of the global environment, requests from stakeholders, and early target achievement.
![[image]Environmental Action Plan](/csr/csr_images/highlight/act0904_02.gif)
GREEN 21 is an evaluation system designed to ensure steady implementation of the Environmental Action Plan and continual improvements, and to raise the effectiveness of environmental activities. GREEN 21 is an evaluation tool that numerically assesses the degree to which that year's Environmental Action Plan goals have been achieved, then displays the results in radar charts for easy viewing and use in environmental management. Version 3 was created in line with the Action Plan and has 55 items in eight categories based on the four axes of the Sustainability Compass. Assessments are made for each plant and office, and the results are also reflected in the overall performance evaluation of each business group and company. This reveals weak points in environmental action and shows improvements needed in the next fiscal year. In fiscal 2008, a Group average score of 1,108 Green Points (GPs) was achieved, exceeding the target of 1,024 by 84 points. Regarding green procurement in particular, efforts are being made to improve GP scores by providing individualized, visiting advisors to the procurement divisions and environmental promotion divisions of group businesses and companies, coupled with support for the environmental activities of procurement transaction partners.
![[graph]The GREEN 21 Evaluation System](/csr/csr_images/highlight/act0904_03.gif)
Our goal is to become emission neutral to help build a sustainable society. We are pursuing environmental protection based on actions designed to respond to environmental regulations and to reduce the environmental burden at all stages of the manufacturing process.from materials procurement, manufacturing, distribution, and product use, through to disposal.
![[image]Product Lifecycle](/csr/csr_images/highlight/act0904_04.gif)
![[image]Design](/csr/csr_images/highlight/act0904_05.gif){kind=small}
Develop and design products with a low environmental burden
Minimizing the environmental burden of products to the greatest possible extent means focusing on the impact at every stage of the product lifecycle. We have integrated Assessment for DfE (Design for Environment) into product development: We evaluate environmental burden using eight criteria, including resource reduction and product longevity. Based on these criteria, products having better environmental performance than previous models (before the latest major design change) are called Eco-Products. To implement proper and efficient Eco-Product development not only design divisions but also every operational unit, including planning, procurement, manufacturing and quality control, is required to integrate environmental consideration into their work. We will achieve this by incorporating ecodesign into our existing management system. The system will enable prompt responses to environmental laws and regulations, as well as environmental information disclosure requirements, to make products with outstanding environmental performance.
Integrating Ecodesign into the Existing Management System
![[graph]](/csr/csr_images/highlight/act0904_06.gif)
![[image]Procurement](/csr/csr_images/highlight/act0904_07.gif){kind=small}
Procure materials and products with a low environmental burden, share environmental information across the supply chain, and promote environmental protection with suppliers
We have promoted environmentally conscious product manufacturing across the entire manufacturing process, through product design, parts/materials procurement, manufacturing, sales and providing service. Accordingly, we have developed common rules for environmental CSR-compliant monozukuri and a framework for managing chemical substances contained in products. Since 2005, we have employed the Information Management System for Chemical Substances Contained in Products. We now have information on the chemical composition of more than 624,000 parts (March 2009) to ensure green procurement. We are also improving our compliance with the REACH*1 regulation, the compulsory registration and notification for chemical substances used in the European Union (EU).
Managing Chemical Content of Products
![[image]Managing Chemical Content of Products](/csr/csr_images/highlight/act0904_08.gif)
![[image]Production](/csr/csr_images/highlight/act0904_09.gif){kind=small}
Promote environmentally conscious manufacturing through energy saving, effective resource use, and management of chemical substances
We internally give Super Eco-Factory & Offices certification to facilities that achieve outstanding results and take pioneering steps in environmental burden reduction. By highlighting the initiatives taken by certified factories and offices, we are encouraging environmental action across the whole Group.
Assessment is based on six criteria, including energy efficiency, improvements in resource recycling and VOC*1 emission reduction to certify those facilities that achieve industry-leading environmental efficiency and a reduction in adverse environmental burden. Nine facilities have been certified as Super Eco-Factories & Offices up to fiscal 2008. Our goal is to raise this to 30 across the Hitachi Group by fiscal 2010.
Super Eco-Factory & Office Certification Criteria
![[image]Super Eco-Factory & Office Certification Criteria](/csr/csr_images/highlight/act0904_10.gif)
![[image]Distribution](/csr/csr_images/highlight/act0904_11.gif){kind=small}
Reduce the environmental burden of transportation with modal shifts and more efficient transportation
![[image]Use](/csr/csr_images/highlight/act0904_12.gif){kind=small}
Popularize products with a low environmental burden
![[image]Disposal and recycling](/csr/csr_images/highlight/act0904_13.gif){kind=small}
Resource recycling, proper treatment for disposal
(Published in July 2009)
Presenting Hitachi' s activities aimed at monozukuri in harmony with the environment, such as environmentally conscious products, eco-examples at offices and plants, and employees' activities.
![[Image]Report Download](/csr/csr_images/common/sf_download.jpg){kind=small}
