Eco-Mind & Global Environmental Management

Outside of Japan, the Hitachi Group is organizing environmental activities in these regions: the Americas, Europe, China, and the rest of Asia. In 2008, management in charge of environmental activities gathered in each region to understand Hitachi's policy and the world's environmental regulations, and to share information on their environmental activities, such as energy conservation. Through these conferences, regional networks were developed to deepen collaboration, clarify issues and provide encouragement for further action. We will continue to hold these events to develop our global environmental activities while reflecting regional characteristics.

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Next-Generation Products and Services

1,103 Hitachi Group products (6,961 models) were registered as Hitachi Eco-Products in 2008. These products have high external reputations.

Hitachi Energy Recovery System--Micro-Hydropower System

Agricultural Information Management System: GeoMation Farm

Hitachi Appliance's Drum-type washer-dryer (BD-V3100, BD-V2100)

Packaged Air Conditioner for Cold Regions (standard heating capacity of 8 kW–16 kW)

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Super Eco-Factories & Offices

Based on their 2008 performance, nine more facilities have been certified as Super Eco-Factories & Offices. The performances of previously certified facilities are reassessed yearly to determine whether they will retain their certification. Up to now, 26 facilities are recognized as Super Eco-Factories or Offices. For example, Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems' Narashino Division uses the business concept of "contributing to the environment and energy conservation." Accordingly, they develop and manufacture energy-saving products and actively implement energy saving at the plant. By introducing highly efficient amorphous transformers, inverter controls for production facilities, a power monitoring system, and ceramic metal halide lights, the Narashino Division has reduced annual CO2 emissions by 1,720 tonnes. The plant exploits natural and renewable energies as well, including a photovoltaic power generation system and micro-hydropower generation that uses surplus energy.

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Worldwide Environmental Partnerships

We introduced environmental activities and environmentally conscious technologies and products at exhibitions around the world. In 2008, we exhibited 31 products at Eco-Products 2008 in Tokyo--based on the theme of how Hitachi can contribute to protecting the earth. Outside of Japan, we showcased eight products, including home appliances and industrial machinery, at the Fifth Eco-Products International Exhibition in Manila, the Philippines. Visitors were invited to write messages about the global environment and Hitachi's environmental activities on cards, which were then pinned to a board to form an "eco tree." The Hitachi booths at these eco-products exhibitions in Japan and abroad attracted 34,000 visitors.

"Eco tree" covered with messages (Eco-Products International Exhibition)

(Published in July 2009)

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