Committed to cooling the Earth

MITSUBISHI Electric Group's impressive track record in environmental sustainability stretches back over three decades, having started in the 1990s. In Singapore, Mitsubishi Electric Asia has been involved in green initiatives since 2007. For instance, it was a participant of the Clean and Green Singapore campaign, the global Earth Hour movement, and an active supporter of the Eco Action Day campaigns since 2018.

Established in 1977, Mitsubishi Electric Asia offers reliable, high-performance products and services ranging from home electronics, industrial and factory automation, space systems, public utility systems and semiconductors to households and businesses in Asia Pacific.

With around 300 employees today, the company is best known among consumers for its wide range of energy-efficient air conditioning systems created for homes, stores, offices and other buildings. It also supplies cooling systems for commercial applications, including cool warehouses and cold storage.

Mitsubishi Electric Asia works to realise its sustainability ambitions through all its business and social impact activities that are designed to create economic and social values, as well as address diverse social challenges. The starting point of this important journey involves integrating the concept of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the company's management strategy.

To guide its sustainability efforts, the Mitsubishi Electric Group the parent company of Mitsubishi Electric Asia formulated the Environmental Sustainability Vision 2050, which pledges to "Protect the air, land and water with our hearts and technologies to sustain a better future for all". "Sustainability is in our group's core values. Our corporate purpose is to contribute to the realisation of a vibrant and sustainable society through continual technological innovation and ceaseless creativity through all of our activities," says Frederick Goh, Director of Corporate Affairs at Mitsubishi Electric Asia.

Reducing environmental impact

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To achieve its sustainability goals, Mitsubishi Electric Asia has committed to utilising its technological capabilities across its various business units and value chain to solve environmental issues.

Mitsubishi Electric offers a wide range of air conditioners with the highest 5-tick energy efficiency label under the NEA requirement. One example of its commitment to sustainability can be seen in one of the company's latest product offerings: the Mitsubishi Electric Starmex R32 series. This series uses a more climate-friendly refrigerant called R32, which has a GWP (Global Warming Potential) that is two-thirds less than its predecessor.

The R32 is also easier to recycle, and uses around 20 per cent less refrigerant than its predecessor, thus helping to lower energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.

The group also aims to reduce the environmental impact from its own business operations in the areas of energy consumption, water consumption and waste generation, as well as through running social and environmental initiatives in the communities it operates in.

For example, Mitsubishi Electric Asia's premises features a roof top garden that saves energy by reducing the heat load on the roof, thus lowering the indoor ambient temperature. The garden also provides a space for recreation, social activities, and events for staff. The building also has a solar panel system with an installed capacity at 34kW. The electricity generated is used entirely by Mitsubishi Electric Asia with an estimated monthly output of 4MWh, enough to power 10 units of four-room apartments for a month.

To help build a strong eco-conscious corporate culture among employees, the company conducts extensive environmental activities, including adopting a 5R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, Refuse) approach in its business activities.

It also works closely with external organisations to promote eco-friendly causes. The company has partnered with Waterways Watch Society in two initiatives, "Cycling For A Cause" and "Riding Waves For A Cause", to raise awareness of preservation of Singapore's waters and the environment.

Company employees have also taken part in beach-cleaning exercises since 2018, and participate in an annual eWaste recycling drive. Finally, Mitsubishi Electric Asia works to publicise the importance of biodiversity preservation, to live in harmony with nature and foster environmental awareness through nature excursions, active dialogue, collaboration, and co-creation with all stakeholders.

"In this way, we contribute to resolve diverse social challenges and strive to create new economic and social value to the society. As our Mitsubishi Electric Group's commitment "Changes for the Better" advocates, we strive to continuously strengthen our environmental foundation, to preserve Mother Earth for our future generations," says Frederick Goh.

Mitsubishi Electric Asia's awards for sustainability

BCA Green Mark Building

Mitsubishi Electric Asia achieved the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award in 2014. It is a significant achievement for an existing building not originally designed for environmental performance. The building's green features include a roof top garden, building management system, motion sensors for lights, rainwater harvester and a water irrigation drip system.

The Community In Bloom (CIB) Awards 2021 for Silver Category

CIB recognises excellence in gardening efforts by community groups and aims to encourage gardeners to improve the standards of their gardens while enjoying gardening as a fun and healthy activity.