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Future tech, innovation and avoided emissions

Future tech, innovation and avoided emissions

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What does real action mean to us? – Part 3 of 3

Panasonic is committed to going above and beyond our responsibilities when it comes to reducing our impact and addressing the urgent challenges presented by climate change. But what does that action look like? Read on to find out...

In part 3 of this series explaining the initiatives that make up Panasonic GREEN IMPACT, we’ll be discussing the need for sustainable innovation, development of future technologies, and our contribution to the emerging field of tracking avoided emissions.

If you missed our articles on our decarbonization ambitions or our approach to recycling and circular economy activities, be sure to check them out.

How can businesses contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future?

Every year, business leaders and state representatives from around the world come together at the United Nations COP summit to strategize and make plans – all with the aim of securing the best possible future for our planet.

Making this happen means taking decisive action today. It means businesses committing to significant and meaningful contributions to global decarbonization efforts and the responsible use of resources in the here and now.

It also means increasing our efforts over time, as sustainable solutions mature, electrification becomes more widespread and society embraces renewable energy sources.

Businesses like ours play a key role in the development of sustainable technologies that will change the way we live and work, long into the future.

Panasonic’s approach to future tech and sustainable innovation

Over 100 years ago, Panasonic’s founder Konosuke Matsushita’s vision was to “make today better than yesterday, tomorrow better than today.” To this day, we’re still seeking ways to enrich lives through innovation, contribute to the wellbeing of the planet, and secure a more equitable future for generations to come. 

Panasonic GREEN IMPACT includes a number of initiatives to develop sustainable technologies and help society embrace renewable energy.2

Developing the next generation of solar panels

Perovskite photovoltaic solar cells use proprietary materials, inkjet coating and laser processing properties for a next-generation solar power solution. The cells can be integrated with glass building materials and window panels to generate electricity with high efficiency, even where roof space is limited.

Currently, they have the world’s highest conversion efficiency level and their highly customizable design means they can easily harmonize with a city’s architecture and its citizens’ lifestyles.

To further expand the adoption of solar power technology, we have also developed a new installation technology for solar power systems by proving that high-speed splitting is possible at extra-high-voltage routes. Where traditional installation relies on significant modifications to a factory’s substations, our solution doesn’t require large-scale construction. Essentially, this means that powering factories with solar energy will be much easier and more cost-effective in the future.

Solar cells are intergrated with building (glass) materials for localized power generation
Accelerating renewable energy transformation

Accelerating renewable energy transformation

We will continue to embrace renewables and create innovative solutions for their use and storage. Panasonic is leading the way when it comes to producing electric vehicle (EV) batteries and promoting photovoltaic solar technology.

Plus, our hydrogen fuel cells are already contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Hydrogen fuel cells generate both heat and power through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The only by-product is water.

To promote this technology and grow renewable energy thought leadership, we opened our RE100 demonstration facility at our Kusatsu factory in Japan. All electricity for the factory is provided by renewable energy and there are more in the pipeline in Europe, the UK and at customer facilities.

How can businesses measure the impact of sustainable innovation?

How can businesses measure the impact of sustainable innovation?

Panasonic is leading the conversation when it comes to measuring avoided emissions – CO2 emissions eliminated from society indirectly through the use of a business’s products or services.

We believe it’s important for businesses to be able to quantify their ambitions when it comes to the volume of CO2 we can realistically help society avoid through our technologies. That’s why we’re volunteering our calculation methods to support the international standardization of avoided emissions calculations and criteria.