RACA Journal May 2020 | Page 15

International News MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC SETS GHG EMISSION REDUCTION TARGETS M itsubishi Electric Corporation has announced that it has set greenhouse gas reduction targets for 2030. These targets have been approved by the Science-Based Target initiative (SBTi) as measures that will help "keep global warming below 2°C compared to pre-industrial temperatures, a key objective of the Paris agreement. The SBTi is a joint initiative by CDP worldwide Group, the UN Global Compact (UNGC), the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) intended to increase corporate ambition on climate action by mobilising companies to set greenhouse gas emission reduction targets consistent with the level of decarbonisation required by science to limit warming to less than 1.5ºC / 2°C compared to preindustrial temperatures Mitsubishi Electric Group will continue the work started many years ago, helping to build a sustainable future by reducing greenhouse gases across all of its many industries. International initiatives and collaboration between CDP, the UNGC, WRI and the WWF are one of the commitments of the We Mean Business Coalition. The Coalition encourages the establishment of emission reduction targets in line with climate science findings, with the aim of containing the increase in global average temperature, due to climate change. EMISSIONS REDUCTION TARGETS BY MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC GROUP Mitsubishi Electric is committed to reducing the total direct emissions from the use of fuel within the company and indirect emissions associated with the use of electricity and heating purchased outside of GHG emissions by 18% by 2030, compared to 2016. Mitsubishi Electric is committed to reducing the total indirect emissions from the entire value chain relating to other areas of the business of GHG emissions by 15% by 2030, compared to 2018. ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES The group considers its contribution to the environment as a key management task and has published its ‘Vision on environmental sustainability for 2050’ setting out the ‘Key initiatives’ according to its ‘Environmental Declaration’ and its ‘Three environmental action guidelines' for 2050. By adhering to long-term goals based on international agreements, Mitsubishi Electric Group will strive to meet approved targets by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through its value chain, from the supply of raw materials to manufacturing, sales, distribution, use and disposal. RACA The targets set by the Group aim to form part of the overall plan of the Paris Agreement to reduce global GHG emissions. www.hvacronline.co.za RACA Journal I May 2020 13