A buzzing scene of the production line at Hisense Hitachi's Huangdao factory. [Photo/WeChat account: qdxihaianfabu]

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has recognized Hisense Hitachi Air-Conditioning Systems Co Ltd's Huangdao factory as a "Sustainability Lighthouse", marking a first for the global air conditioning industry. This latest recognition, following its designation as a Global Lighthouse Factory last year, makes the facility the world's only "Double Lighthouse" factory in the sector.

The Global Lighthouse Network, launched by the WEF and McKinsey & Company, highlights top-tier factories that excel in areas such as productivity, supply chain resilience, and sustainability.

As one of just 26 companies worldwide, a "Sustainability Lighthouse" represents the highest global standards in combining smart manufacturing with sustainable practices.

Hisense Hitachi's Huangdao factory attained this status by implementing a range of innovative solutions. On the production line, it introduced intelligent energy-saving controls for its major energy-consuming equipment — including air conditioners and air compressors — significantly reducing energy consumption. It also used AI to optimize new product testing, reducing the cycle for a single model by 20.3 percent.

Beyond its own operations, Hisense Hitachi has developed a comprehensive green ecosystem that spans R&D, procurement, production, sales, and recycling. The company has partnered with 315 green suppliers and entered into 55 green agreements. These efforts have resulted in a 20 percent reduction in carbon emissions for new product development and a 100 percent green electricity usage rate among its core suppliers, contributing to an annual reduction of 48.85 million metric tons in mineral extraction.