C&L, Cranes & Lifting, Features, International, Technology

Tadano: our mission, zero emissions

Tadano’s commitment to sustainability is more than a statement; it’s a mission. Facing the global challenge of climate change, Tadano is taking decisive steps to reduce their carbon footprint, aiming for zero emissions by 2050. Tadano’s path to this ambitious goal is guided by Tadano Green Solutions (TGS), a comprehensive approach designed to make a significant impact on both its operations and the products it offers.

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Tadano Green Solutions: Leading the Charge for a Greener Future

Product Developments: Hybrid Cranes Tadano’s journey towards zero emissions starts with innovation. The AC 4.070HL-1 hybrid crane is a testament to this commitment.

The superstructure is capable of running a full workday on battery power alone, this crane matches diesel operation in performance, speed, and lifting capacity, all while maintaining optimal energy efficiency.With a quick charging system that reaches 80 per cent capacity within an hour and the ability to operate while charging, the AC 4.070HL-1 is a true pioneer in sustainable crane technology.

Electrifying Technology 

The innovative AC 4.070HL-1 all terrain demonstrates that Tadano has already set the course so that customers can benefit from all the advantages of CO2-neutral crane operation in the future:

High Efficiency 

  • System efficiency of 85%, which is considerably higher than the 40% obtained with diesel
  • A significantly improved carbon footprint – on average 50% less CO2 emission
  • Working speed and lifting capacity correspond to those of the diesel drive

Reduced Maintenance Requirements 

  • Maintenance-free battery
  • Low-maintenance electric motor – compared to diesel a drive unit
  • Lower servicing requirements for the electrified superstructure as a result
Improved Health and Ergonomic for Operating Personnel 
  • No pollutants affecting crane operators or the environment during crane operation
  • Significantly lower noise emissions
  • Perceptible reduction in vibrations inside the cab as a result of the electric motor running smoothly
  • Lower total operating costs
Tadano’s solar panel installations at various plants are part of a strategy to harness renewable energy.
Images: Tadano

Electrified Advancements Across Tadano Beyond Hybrid Cranes

Tadano is pushing the boundaries of electrification. At the CSPI-EXPO 2024 in Japan, the company unveiled the prototype of a fully electric aerial platform, EVOLT-Rough Terrain, which garnered significant attention.

Alongside this, Tadano showcased other electrified aerial work platforms like the NUL07E-7, NUS21W-7, and the hybrid AT-100TTE, each demonstrating their drive to innovate in a range of work environments.

Tadano’s President & CEO Mr. Toshiaki Ujiie, emphasises the importance of collaboration in advancing decarbonisation. He notes that while Tadano is developing groundbreaking electric products, the support of local governments, users, and service distributors is crucial in establishing the necessary infrastructure, such as charging stations, to maximise the impact of these innovations.

*1= Applicable to all business locations in Japan (including group companies and plants, etc.)
*2= Applicable to production locations outside of Japan. The scope of calculation will be expanded to other group companies outside of Japan in the future.
*3= Intensity with the Tadano Group sales amount as the denominator is indicated (CO2: ton/sales:100 million yen).

Company-wide Initiatives: A Holistic Approach to Sustainability

TadanoPro App: Reducing Paper Waste

The TadanoPro app is another step towards sustainability.

By providing digital access to brochures and materials, we’re minimising paper usage, conserving trees, and reducing waste.

This app not only makes information more accessible but also aligns with our eco-friendly practices.

SmaGo Garbage Bins: Smart Waste Management

In partnership with Force Technology, Tadano has installed “SmaGo” smart garbage bins in Takamatsu City, Japan.

These bins, powered by solar energy, compress waste to maximise capacity and notify collection teams when they’re full. This initiative reflects our commitment to clean, liveable cities and underscores our role in building smart, sustainable communities.

Tadano’s President & CEO, Mr. Toshiaki Ujiie demonstrates the SmaGo Garbage Bin which, powered by solar energy, compresses waste to maximise capacity and notifies collection teams when they’re full.
Images: Tadano

Solar Panel Installations and Modal Shifts

Tadano’s solar panel installations at various plants are part of our strategy to harness renewable energy.

Tadano’s Shido, Kozai, and Tadotsu plants now benefit from significant solar power generation, reducing the reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

Additionally, the modal shift to sea transportation further cuts CO2emissions, enhances logistics efficiency, and supports global sustainability.

Collaboration with Vestas for Offshore Wind Power

In a significant move, Tadano has partnered with Vestas, a leader in wind power, to develop nacelle cranes for offshore wind turbines.

This collaboration marks Tadano’s entry into the renewable energy sector and strengthens its resolve to contribute to the global shift towards sustainable energy sources.

Power-Training Test Facility: Driving Innovation

Our Power-Training Test Facility, operational since 2022, is a hub for testing and developing new technologies aimed at carbon neutrality. This facility allows us to innovate with precision, ensuring that our future products meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and environmental responsibility.

Small Operations Measures: Every Action Counts

From encouraging recycling practices across sites and facilities to organising beach cleanups and tree planting activities, Tadano recognises that every action, big or small, contributes to our sustainability goals.

Tadano is also reducing its internal environmental impact by redesigning presentations to use less ink, encouraging the use of hybrid vehicles, and promoting virtual meetings to cut down on travel- related emissions.

In a significant move, Tadano has partnered with Vestas, a leader in wind power, to develop nacelle cranes for offshore wind turbines.
Images: Tadano

Tadano Vision: A Sustainable Tomorrow

Tadano’s commitment to zero emissions by 2050 is a reflection of the belief that we can make a positive change in the world.

Through innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast focus on sustainability, we are paving the way for a future where our operations and products are in harmony with the environment.

Together, we’re building a world that’s not just greener, but better for all.

How are we Progressing?

The Tadano Group’s long-term environmental targets, in comparison to FY2019, are to reduce CO2 emissions from business activities by 25%, CO2 emissions from product use by 35%, and a 50% reduction in industrial waste emissions from business activities by 2030.

Overall, Tadano continues to work to conserve and contribute to the global environment.

In order to define important sustainability issues in management and manage policies, targets, and promotions, Tadano has established the Sustainability Committee, which is chaired by the President and consists of all Executive Officers.

The members of the committee, such as the Management Committee and the Board of Directors report and discuss sustainability issues and important matters in their divisions at regular management briefings and meetings.

In addition, Tadano has established the Sustainability Promotion Group as a department dedicated to supporting initiatives in each department. In addition, the Risk Committee is a subordinate organisation of the Sustainability Committee.

There are specialised committees consisting of the Compliance Committee, the Environment Committee, and the Human Resources Committee, which work on company-wide themes.

In addition, in 2021, Tadano established the CO2 and Energy Reduction Subcommittee and the Waste and Chemical Substance Reduction Subcommittee as subordinate organisations of the Environment Committee to consider specific measures, share information with each department, and achieve long-term targets.

Tadano is working on continuous improvements for this purpose.

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