Hitachi Global Air Power launched a native plant restoration project at its Michigan City headquarters, converting turf into prairie habitat. The initiative aligns with environmental goals, reduces emissions, conserves water and fosters partnerships with local conservation groups for sustainability. Work begins in 2025 for a five-year transformation, showcasing Hitachi's commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Hitachi photo
Hitachi Global Air Power US LLC announced the launch of a native plant restoration project at the company’s Michigan City, Ind., headquarters.
Hitachi Global Air Power US LLC announced the launch of a native plant restoration project at the company's Michigan City, Ind., headquarters.
The project will convert a significant portion of the headquarter campus from traditional turf grass into a native prairie habitat.
The restoration project will span five years and transform nearly seven acres of lawn into a prairie ecosystem. The largest transformation will occur in year one, when 85 percent of the turf will be converted. The remaining 15 percent will be phased in over the following years. Areas where turf must remain for functional reasons will be replanted with low-maintenance grass species that require no mowing or irrigation, according ot Hitachi.
In addition to reducing approximately 94 percent of emissions associated with lawn maintenance, the project is expected to dramatically lower water usage across the property — eliminating the need for irrigation in restored areas, according to Hitachi.
"This project aligns with all three of Hitachi Global Air Power's core environmental goals: decarbonization by reducing emissions from mowing, resource efficiency by reducing water consumption for irrigation and harmonization with nature through habitat restoration for pollinators and improved water absorption with deeply rooted native species," said Katrina Saucier, director of sustainability of Hitachi Global Air Power. "This initiative demonstrates how Hitachi Global Air Power is embracing an innovative approach, using nature as a roadmap for sustainability."
This project is made possible through a partnership between Hitachi Global Air Power and the LaPorte County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), with partial funding provided through the Clean Water Indiana grant program. The grant covers professional expertise from a county conservationist, assistance with managing invasive species and 75 percent of the native plant and seed costs. Hitachi Global Air Power will fund all remaining project expenses.
The project reflects strong collaboration with local conservation and environmental leaders.
"The pollinator habitat establishment project at Hitachi Global Air Power in Michigan City is exactly the kind of bold environmental leadership we need right now," said Paul Vicari, county conservationist and stormwater management department director of LaPorte County SWCD. "What makes this initiative so exciting is how it brings together the sound science of ecological restoration with real-world impact. By embracing native plants at this scale, Hitachi Global Air Power is showing how businesses can make a genuine difference — not just in theory, but in creating lasting positive change for our local ecosystems and communities."
Work is set to begin in April 2025 with application of herbicide to remove the existing turf, making way for native seeding. Over the summer of 2025, project areas will be closely monitored to prevent the spread of invasive species. A second seeding — along with the introduction of native trees to further enhance biodiversity — is scheduled for 2026. The project is expected to reach full sustainability and maturity by 2030.
Hitachi Global Air Power acknowledged the many partners supporting this project, including:
• the staff of LaPorte County SWCD, its board of supervisors and its many summer interns, support partners, participants and volunteers;
• Clean Water Indiana, the Indiana State Soil conservation board and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture;
• Indiana Association of Soil and Water conservation district; and
• LaPorte County board of commissioners, including commission President Connie Gramarossa who actively support and promote these types of projects in LaPorte County
Hitachi Global Air Power's sustainability efforts align with Hitachi Ltd.'s long-term environmental target of achieving carbon neutrality throughout its entire value chain by fiscal 2050.
For more information, visit www.hitachiglobalairpower.com
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