Hitachi's CSR Vision

The Hitachi Group' s CSR activities are based on the Fundamental Credo as well as the future of society that we pursue, as expressed in the Hitachi Group Vision. Since our founding, we have tackled and resolved the social issues that arose in each age. Recently, various global problems have emerged, such as climate change and energy resource scarcities. By fully utilizing the empirical knowledge and technologies accumulated over our almost one century, we will continue to solve global issues by optimizing group synergy.

Method for Selecting Material Issues

At Hitachi, we view the participation of stakeholders as an essential part of the decision-making process for CSR materiality, in tandem with assessing the magnitude of issues from the viewpoints of management and social sustainability. In fiscal 2008, with the support of the global network BSR, we engaged in dialogues with stakeholders mainly on the themes of pressing global environmental problems and other issues that require high-level attention in our corporate business strategy. The chief executive officers of Hitachi and members of BSR also discussed global social issues and the long-term outlook of CSR activities. We report on the material issues defined through our analysis in our CSR reports and environmental reports. Various dialogues with external stakeholders are held regularly at a global level and, based on the deliberations of the CSR Promotion Committee-comprised of Hitachi executive officers-the most significant are then incorporated into CSR activities from the following fiscal year onward.

Summary of Issues That Hitachi Considers Important

CSR issues raised through dialogues with stakeholders are assessed and confirmed from two erspectives: importance for stakeholders and effect on business success. Activities that address especially important issues are detailed in CSR reports.

Dialogue with Stakeholders in North America

Hitachi places environmental projects at the core of our business strategy. During dialogues with stakeholders on global environmental strategy held in New York in March 2009, a wide-ranging exchange of views was made on activities expected of Hitachi. We will use these views to refine our environmental vision, and the methods that we use to participate in global discussions. The issues emerging from these dialogues will be incorporated into future programs as vital issues in our CSR activities.

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Fundamental Credo

The basic credo of Hitachi is to further elevate its founding concepts of harmony, sincerity and pioneering spirit, to instill a resolute pride in being a member of Hitachi, and thereby to contribute to society through the development of superior, original technology and products.
Deeply aware that a business enterprise is itself a member of society, Hitachi is also resolved to strive as a good citizen of the community towards the realization of a truly prosperous society and, to this end, to conduct its corporate activities in a fair and open manner, promote harmony with the natural environment, and engage vigorously in activities that contribute to social progress.

(Adopted June 1983, revised September 1996)

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Hitachi Group Vision

We will contribute to the solution of fundamental global issues, and pursue the realization of a better, more prosperous global society, in line with Hitachi's founding spirit, utilizing the group's knowledge and technology.

(Adopted November 2006)

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CSR Policy of the Hitachi Group

1 Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

The Hitachi Group, including all its executives and employees, recognizes CSR as a vital part of corporate activity and is therefore committed to a course of social responsibility in accordance with this CSR policy for the sustainable development of society and business.

2 Contribution to Society through Our Business

The Hitachi Group will contribute to the building of a prosperous and vibrant society by providing safe, high-quality products and services through business activities based on its excellent research, technology and product development.

3 Disclosure of Information and Stakeholder Engagement

The Hitachi Group will disclose information openly and transparently in order to maintain and develop a relationship of trust with its various stakeholders, and act responsibly towards them through various means of communication.

4 Corporate Ethics and Human Rights

The Hitachi Group will undertake its business based on the principles of fairness and sincerity, act with the utmost respect for human rights and pursue a high sense of corporate ethics in the global business market which encompasses diverse cultures, morals, ethics, and legal systems.

5 Environmental Conservation

The Hitachi Group will strive to minimize environmental effects and utilize resources towards the development of a sustainable society that is in harmony with the environment.

6 Corporate Citizenship Activities

The Hitachi Group will promote social contribution activities as a good corporate citizen in order to realize a better society.

7 Working Environment

The Hitachi Group will make every effort to create a pleasant and motivating working environment for all its employees and to fully support those employees who desire self-fulfillment and self-development through their work.

8 Responsible Partnership with Business Partners

The Hitachi Group will make every effort to promote fair and sound business practices among our business partners by fostering a common awareness of social responsibility.

(Adopted March 2005)

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