Hitachi Ltd. has been awarded the highest score of "Grade A" by global environmental nonprofit charity CDP, in the categories of climate change and water security. CDP evaluated Hitachi's pioneering initiatives and disclosure of information for tackling climate change, as well as acting to protect water security. This is the first time Hitachi has simultaneously been included in an "A List" in two themes, and the third consecutive year that Hitachi has been included in water security.
Hitachi has set its long-term environmental targets, issuing its plan "Hitachi Environmental Innovation 2050," to help realize a sustainable society. In the area of climate change, the Hitachi Group as a whole has set a target of becoming carbon neutral in its business sites (factories and offices) by fiscal 2030 and of achieving carbon neutrality through its entire value chain by fiscal 2050. To achieve this target, the company has introduced its Internal Carbon Pricing system, starting with investments for fiscal 2019 and executive pay linked to environmental performance from April 2021. In addition, the company plans to invest 1.5 trillion yen in R&D over the next three years, focusing on decarbonization technologies, including energy-saving technologies, to help its customers reduce their CO2 emissions and environmental impact.
In terms of the use of water resources, Hitachi has set a target of improving the efficiency of internal water usage by 50% by fiscal 2050, compared to fiscal 2010. It aims to use the water resources necessary for business continuity appropriately and efficiently, and it has been working to identify and address risks related to water issues throughout the Hitachi Group. Externally, Hitachi provides water environment solutions using digital technology and improves water infrastructure to solve global water issues.
CDP is a global nonprofit charity that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts. The organization analyzes and evaluates the environmental initiatives and information disclosure of the world's major companies in the three themes — climate change, water security, and forests — and selects the best companies as "A list" companies each year.