News Releases

Exclusive event will focus on creating sustainable business solutions for today’s environmental challenges

Austin, Texas, June 5, 2017 – Hitachi Group will participate as a Diamond Sponsor at the Economist Magazine 2017 Sustainability Summit, to be held on June 7^th, 2017 at the JW Marriott in Austin, Texas. The sponsorship is another example of Hitachi’s emphasis on Social Innovation for resolving society’s challenges, particularly in the area of environmental sustainability.

Along with editors from The Economist, the event will gather critical thinkers, policymakers and business leaders for a wide-ranging conversation on how to achieve sustainability across the spectrum of society’s needs in today’s challenging environment. Participants will address issues ranging from macro trends shaping the sustainability agenda to the new, breakthrough technologies that are encouraging a renewed sense of optimism and driving sustainability strategies being pursued by top companies.

“At Hitachi, we believe ‘THE FUTURE IS OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS’ particularly in providing sustainable solutions that improve the air we breathe and the water we drink, and better manage safe urban environments and utilize our energy resources,” said Ken Takaichi, President and CEO of Hitachi America, Ltd. “Because we want to collaborate with customers, municipalities and other organizations who are looking for solutions for today’s sustainability challenges, we are excited to participate in this event with The Economist.”

The 2017 Sustainability Summit will cover topics including understanding today’s infrastructure demands for sustainable solutions, as well as  leveraging new breakthrough technologies in a world of political change, considering water as the new carbon, achieving food sustainability, and squaring today’s circular economy.

Some of the confirmed speakers at this year's event include:

• John Podesta, founder, Center for American Progress, and former chief of staff U.S. government
• Carol Browner, leadership council, Nuclear Matters and former administrator, Environmental Protection Agency
• Ryan Popple, chief executive, Proterra
• Steve Adler, mayor, Austin
• Richard Waycott, president and chief executive, The Almond Board of California
• Trisa Thompson, chief responsibility officer, Dell
• Cyrus Wadia, vice-president, sustainable and business innovation, Nike
• Jason Bordoff, founding director, Center on Global Energy Policy

Follow the event on Twitter via #EconSustainability 

Hitachi is the event’s Diamond sponsor. Supporting associations include Global Sustain, Sustainability, Austin Technology Council, City of Austin Office of Sustainability, Texas Public Radio, RealLeaders, Security and Sustainability Forum, Austin CityUP, Earth Day Initiative, and Food Tank.