Sustainable Business
Our vision is to be the trusted brand of financial services in the UK and across Europe. We realise our vision by supporting businesses that are making a sustainable difference in helping to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We have set an aspirational target of 20% of our assets being directly connected to climate action and affordable clean energy within the next five years. Our strategic focus is on sectors that have a positive impact on people and their lives including environment, energy, infrastructure and agriculture.
Energy and mobility
Our strategic partnership with GRIDSERVE is creating the infrastructure required for electric vehicle adoption on a large scale, using sustainable energy. Together we are developing technically advanced hybrid solar farms, in conjunction with a network of over 100 solar-powered Electric Forecourts® across the UK to provide ultra-fast charging for electric vehicles.
Vehicle electrification
Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions is a pioneer in alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs), helping fleets realise significant environmental and economic benefits through transitioning to lower and ultimately zero emissions. By 2030, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions aims to electrify 100% of the 62,500+ funded car & small van fleet (3.5t and under), and 50% of the funded van fleet (vehicles over 3.5t).
Optimise Prime
Led by Hitachi Vantara and UK Power Networks, Optimise Prime is the world’s biggest electric vehicle project. Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions is working alongside Hitachi Europe, Scottish & Southern Electricity, Centrica, Royal Mail and Uber to conduct a trial of 3,000 commercial electric vehicles (EVs) and accelerate the transition to low carbon transport.
Agriculture
Hitachi Capital Business Finance provides funding for the agricultural sector which supports the reduction of carbon emissions. During 2019/20, we provided more than £15 million of funding to farmers to invest in green energy projects such as biomass, solar panels and irrigation systems.
Infrastructure
Hitachi Capital European Vendor Solutions is facilitating significant road and rail infrastructure projects by lending to customers in the construction sector. Last year we financed £73 million of Hitachi Construction assets in the UK, which were used on road and infrastructure projects, to improve transport and future mobility and contribute towards economic growth.
Our bespoke finance solutions have helped Hitachi Rail to supply 122 Hitachi-made trains consisting of 866 carriages from 2017 to 2020. Hitachi Super Express trains on the Great Western and East Coast main lines of the UK rail network provide a faster service with increased capacity and reduced environmental impact.
Green Financing Framework
At Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC we intend to issue green debt instruments to demonstrate to investors our commitment and intentions around meeting our sustainability goals and accelerating the transition to low carbon transport. You can find out more about our sustainability strategy in our Green Financing Framework.