For the past three decades, global warming and climate change have become vital global issues, sparking intense debate and action worldwide. Words like ‘Sustainable,’ ‘Green,’ and ‘Environmentally Friendly’ are no longer trends; they reflect conscious decisions made by millions of people every day to live lower-impact lives.
By changing habits and choosing sustainable companies, people can make a meaningful difference.
Daikin’s story began in 1924 when Akira Yamada, a young Japanese engineer, founded a company in Osaka to manufacture aircraft radiators with a 15-member team. Over the past 100 years, Daikin has transformed into a global leader, providing future-proof solutions for heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water, air purification, and refrigeration. Today, with over 98,000 employees in 173 countries, Daikin continues its legacy of innovation, focusing on advancing low-carbon technologies while ensuring the highest level of comfort.
Our Path to Positive Impact
1. Commitment to the Environment Since the 1970s
Daikin Industries has been dedicated to environmental activities since the 1970s, with its first environmental report published in 1998. Daikin actively supports the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that addresses global challenges like quality education, affordable clean energy, and climate change.
The Daikin Group aims to focus on 6 of the SDGs, where we can make significant contributions, by identifying and implementing them in three themes: Earth, Cities, and People.
2. Shared Patents to Expand R32 Availability
Daikin is the only air conditioning company that develops and produces refrigerants for the wider HVAC industry.
In September 2015, Daikin made 93 patents for R32 refrigerant freely accessible to other manufacturers to promote its adoption worldwide as a low GWP alternative to conventional refrigerants. Today, that number has been increased to 419 patents, accessible to any party without fee or any need for prior permission.
3. Forest Conservation Initiatives
Daikin is committed to the movement to protect and nurture vibrant forests. Since 2014, Daikin has implemented the ‘Forests for the Air’ project to conserve the world’s valuable forests. Over the 10-year period to the end of 2023, the project has conserved 11 million hectares of forests and contributed to the reduction of more than 7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
In response to growing interest in biodiversity in recent years, we have decided to extend the project for another 10 years on the occasion of Daikin’s 100th anniversary in 2024.
4. Supporting Energy Efficiency Standards and Labelling Programs
Daikin champions regional standards and labelling helping governments around the world to promote energy conservation and customers to choose energy-efficient air conditioners.
In New Zealand, Daikin aligns its products with Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and Mandatory Energy Performance Labelling (MERL) requirements.
Find Daikin’s products energy ratings here: [ZERL Ratings] https://reg.energyrating.gov.au/comparator/product_types/64/search/?expired_products=on
5. Promoting Recovery, Reclamation, and Destruction of Refrigerants
Daikin acknowledges that refrigerant management throughout its lifecycle is crucial. In 2019, Daikin launched a refrigerant reclamation facility in Europe and introduced VRV Loop units that use reclaimed refrigerants, helping to comply with European F-gas regulations. Daikin continues to expand its efforts in life cycle refrigerant management with reclamation practices being introduced across Asia-pacific with Daikin New Zealand offering reclaimed refrigerant into the market in 2024.
6. Commitment to Net Zero Emissions by 2050
In line with the Paris Agreement, Daikin’s Environmental Vision 2050 outlines strategies to achieve net zero emissions across the entire lifecycle of its products by 2050. This vision includes solutions for emerging challenges like indoor air quality.
To manage the progress of our environmental activities we incorporate metrics and targets related to climate change:
- Scope 1, 2, 3: With base year set at 2019, we plan to reduce net GHG emissions from the entire Group by 30% or more by 2025, 50% of more in 2030 and achieve net zero emissions in 2050, compared to BAU scenario
- Scope 1 and 2: Reduce net GHG emissions resulting from manufacturing activities by more than 55% in 2030 compared to 2019.
Full Daikin Sustainability Report 2024: https://www.daikin.com/csr/report
7. Expanding the Green Heart Circle through ‘Green Heart Factory’ and ‘Green Heart Office’
Daikin believes small individual efforts can add up. The company has introduced the Green Heart certification system for its factories and offices, encouraging employees to reduce environmental impact and engage in local conservation efforts. For example, 196 Daikin employees have participated in reforesting Japan's Shiretoko Peninsula through the ‘Forest for the Air’ program.
In New Zealand, we are proud to be part of this global journey, offering innovative, low-carbon solutions to meet the country’s unique needs. Our commitment to a greener future aligns with Daikin’s worldwide vision, ensuring comfort and sustainability go hand in hand.
By sharing our sustainability journey, we hope to inspire you to bring these principles into your communities and daily life.
Feel free to reach out to us for more information or to get in touch with our team.
Together, let’s make a positive impact! Every action counts.
