Tackling Carbon Emissions: A Smarter Path to Sustainable Compressor Operations
As global awareness of climate change grows, industry professionals are increasingly tasked with minimizing their carbon footprint. The industrial sector is responsible for nearly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. To align with net-zero pathways, the International Energy Agency (IEA) states that the sector must reduce its energy intensity by 26% between 2020 and 2030. This pressure compels industries to explore more sustainable and efficient operations.
Understanding the challenge: CO₂ emissions in industrial operations
Carbon dioxide emissions are a major contributor to climate change, and industries often find themselves at the forefront of this challenge. Traditional systems often increase operational costs due to inefficiency and hinder companies from meeting their sustainability commitments.
The European Union’s Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) is an example of a regulation that requires industries to minimize pollution using Best Available Techniques (BAT). This directive sets strict emission limits for pollutants like carbon dioxide, with non-compliance resulting in fines or operational restrictions.
Such regulations highlight the necessity for businesses to integrate efficient and sustainable technologies.
Hitachi Connected Service: A collaborative solution for efficiency
Chinese Hitachi Connected Service (hereafter, Hitachi Connected Service), designed with such challenges in mind, offers a solution that empowers industry professionals to optimize operations while maintaining environmental commitments. Air compressors typically account for around 25% of a factory's total electricity consumption.
Hitachi Connected Service enables more precise and data-driven management of air compressors, helping to reduce energy waste and emissions while improving operational reliability.
To help manufacturers reduce energy waste while improving reliability, Hitachi Connected Service provides the following core functions:
- Real-Time Monitoring: Track power consumption, load rates, and operating hours to prevent overload and inefficiency.
- Centralized Control & Remote Access: Adjust operations dynamically, reducing energy waste without system overhauls.
- Predictive Maintenance: Remote fault diagnosis enhances equipment reliability and safety, ensuring production stability.
Measurable Impacts from the Field
According to the GSMA, smart manufacturing processes enabled by IoT could achieve 16% of the carbon reduction required to reach net-zero targets, equating to approximately 1.4 gigatonnes of CO₂ by 2030.
While individual results vary, companies adopting Hitachi Connected Service have reported the following benefits:
- 10–15% energy savings through pressure control and load matching
- Up to 40% faster maintenance response, improving operational stability
- Around 8% energy efficiency gains by integrating compressors from different brands into a unified platform
Note: These figures are based on aggregated results from internal evaluations and customer feedback. Outcomes may vary by system configuration and usage conditions.
The impact on business and the environment
Adopting smart technology like Hitachi Connected Service offers companies a way to go beyond regulatory compliance. It strengthens business resilience in an increasingly competitive market while positioning companies as leaders in sustainable practice.
The system features a user-friendly, safety-focused interface that reduces risks and accidents. Its compatibility with various brands allows seamless integration, optimizing existing equipment. Real-time data backup, and online upgrades ensure uninterrupted productivity, while fast, precise processing of large volumes of IoT data supports real-time warnings and agile decision-making.
These features help manufacturers improve efficiency, streamline operations, and adopt sustainable practices, demonstrating that investing in innovative technology supports both sustainability and long-term business success.
Building a sustainable future, together
Achieving sustainability goals requires collaboration and innovative thinking. With tools like Hitachi Connected Service, companies have the opportunity to exceed regulatory standards and make a positive impact beyond their operations. As more organizations adopt smart solutions, the cumulative effect creates a powerful movement toward a future where industrial efficiency and environmental responsibility reinforce each other.
Join the movement toward smarter, greener operations
By embracing technologies that enhance efficiency and reduce emissions, industry professionals can drive meaningful change. Hitachi Connected Service supports these goals by offering the insights and control needed to make sustainable decisions that benefit both the bottom line and the environment. The future of sustainable industrial operations is within reach—let’s take the next step together.
Glossary
Energy Intensity:
A measure calculated by dividing final energy consumption or primary energy supply by the value of production or Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It indicates the energy efficiency per unit of economic output—the lower the number, the higher the efficiency.
Primary Energy:
Energy resources obtained directly from nature that have not been subjected to any transformation or processing. This includes crude oil, coal, natural gas, hydropower, wind, solar, and other natural sources.
- International Energy Agency (IEA). "Industrial energy intensity and pathways to net-zero"
World Resources Institute - "Directive 2010/75/EC on industrial emissions"European Environment Agency
- "Revised Industrial Emissions Directive (IED)"European Commission
- Mobile Enabling Net Zero Manufacturing.GSMA
Electrical Engineering Manager,
Hitachi Global Air Power (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.
