December 1, 2010
Kobelco receives 2010 environment ministry award for SK80H-2 hybrid excavator

Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. received the 2010 Minister of the Environment Award for the Prevention of Global Warming. The award was given for its SK80H-2 hybrid excavator in the technical development and product category.

Since 1998, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment has designated December to be Global Warming Prevention Month as a part of its activities. The award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made distinguished achievements to curb global warming.

SK80H-2 hybrid excavator

Kobelco’s 8-ton hybrid excavator is able to achieve a 40 percent reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, in comparison to conventional machines in the same class. The hybrid excavator was developed in cooperation with Kobe Steel’s corporate laboratories and went on sale in Japan in January 2010.

In addition to the hybrid excavator, Kobelco’s low fuel consumption technology is also applied in its standard excavator models. Kobelco’s 20-ton-class machines, for example, have achieved a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption.

Contributing to a low-carbon society, Kobelco will continue its efforts to reduce the CO2 emissions of its machines.