At the global rail conference InnoTrans in Berlin on September 28, 2024, Hitachi Rail unveiled its latest Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, marking the fifth edition of this biannual publication. The report highlights impressive progress across various sustainability initiatives, demonstrating the company’s commitment to responsible business practices.
One of the key achievements highlighted in the report is the significant reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Hitachi Rail managed to achieve a 14% decrease, surpassing its annual target of 5% by a considerable margin. This success can be attributed to several factors, including increased utilization of renewable energy sources such as solar power and the strategic acquisition of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Furthermore, the company’s ongoing embrace of digital innovations has played a crucial role in enhancing energy efficiency and minimizing consumption across its operations.
Hitachi Rail is actively pursuing a circular economy model, taking notable strides in this direction. A prime example is the company’s successful acquisition of the groundbreaking BSI PAS 2080 certification for its HS2 UK train. This certification signifies a commitment to carbon management throughout the train’s entire lifecycle, from its initial production to its eventual end-of-life recyclability. A key requirement of this certification is the use of aluminum produced with renewable energy. In another groundbreaking move, Hitachi Rail introduced the rail industry’s first Sustainable Product Declaration (SPD) for its Masaccio Train. This declaration meticulously outlines the ethical aspects of the train’s lifecycle, providing transparency and accountability.
Hitachi Rail’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond its own operations to its supply chain. The company has engaged with the EcoVadis platform, a renowned platform for assessing supplier sustainability. This collaboration has resulted in a remarkable increase in the number of suppliers on Hitachi Rail’s sustainability monitoring platform. By the end of FY23, the platform featured 952 suppliers, a significant jump of 142 compared to the previous year.
Hitachi Rail’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has also yielded tangible results. In FY23, the company hired over 1,500 new employees, leading to a notable 7% increase in female representation at the executive level and a 10% rise in middle management roles. The company also achieved the ISO 30415 Certification for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, further solidifying its dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace. This commitment extends to employee development, as evidenced by a 21% increase in global training hours, with a particular focus on human rights education.
Looking ahead, Hitachi Rail has ambitious sustainability goals. The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality at its primary facilities by 2030 and targets net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. These aspirations underscore Hitachi Rail’s commitment to playing a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future for the rail industry and beyond.
