Hitachi Earns ‘Caught YOU Being Green’ Award in Northern Indiana

Hitachi Global Air Power US has earned the “Caught YOU Being Green” Award from the Michigan City Sustainability Commission in Michigan, Indiana.

The award recognizes environmental leadership, officials say, and the commission chose Hitachi’s compressed air division on account of “recent initiatives and accomplishments.” The commission cited the company’s native plant project, decarbonization efforts, and recent woodland restoration at the Friendship Botanic Gardens, as chief reasons for the award.

“In Michigan City and around the world, Hitachi is committed to advancing sustainability, human wellbeing, and economic performance through innovation and digital capabilities,” says Hideki Fujimoto, president and CEO of Hitachi Global Air Power. “We are proud to receive this honor from the Sustainability Commission.”

Hitachi Global Air Power’s Michigan City headquarters is currently undergoing a five-year environmental restoration effort, representatives say. The firm is currently converting about seven acres of traditional turf grass into a “native prairie ecosystem,” eliminating the need for both mowing and irrigation.

Additionally, the company has launched a five year long restoration effort to restore woodland ecosystems at Friendship Botanic Gardens.

“This project, also supported and funded in part by the LaPorte County Soil and Water Conservation District and a Clean Water Indiana grant, enhances the landscape and creates a new public experience,” Hitachi says.

Decarbonizing Hitachi manufacturing

Hitachi’s compressed air business unit has also achieved Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon neutrality across its global operations, as of the 2024 fiscal year.

The company has made decarbonization of its facilities a priority, it says, through maximizing operational efficiency and employing “land use strategies that support people and performance.”

“These initiatives reflect the strength of our team and community partners,” says Katrina Saucier, director of sustainability at Hitachi Global Air Power. “By integrating sustainability into our business practices, we can invest in our community while serving customers more efficiently and reducing waste.”

The company received its “Caught YOU Being Green” Award from the Michigan City Sustainability Commission during the commission’s April 7 meeting.