Driven by Purpose: How Cristina Vera is Making a Difference at Hitachi

For?Cristina Vera, making a difference isn't just a goal; it's a personal mission. As the Global Supply Chain Carbon and Circularity Manager at Hitachi Energy, Cristina's work is fuelled by a deep desire to leave the world better than she found it. This passion perfectly aligns with the spirit of Make a Difference Day, a day dedicated to inspiring individuals to take positive action in their communities and for the planet. Cristina’s story is a powerful testament to how personal commitment can lead to significant impact, especially within a global company like Hitachi.?

A Personal Commitment to Change?

Cristina's journey toward sustainability began long before her time at Hitachi. “I couldn’t ignore the consequences anymore,” she reflects. She realised that environmental issues, once pushed to the margins, were becoming increasingly urgent. "It’s in our hands to be part of the solution" Cristina states, emphasising the critical role individuals and businesses must play in reversing environmental damage.?

Her passion for sustainability is not just about doing her job well; it’s about making real, measurable change. "We’re running out of time," she says bluntly. "Companies are making essential commitments for 2030 and 2050. We need to get more companies on board and collaborate to achieve these goals. However, with the current trend, the world will already be different by then. The numbers don’t lie—we need to act now.". Cristina’s sense of urgency is palpable, driven by the visible effects of climate change, such as wildfires, floods, and tornados, which disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable sections of the population. For her, making a difference isn't optional; it’s essential.?

Finding a Place at Hitachi?

Cristina’s desire to make a difference is what led her to Hitachi. She saw in the company a kindred spirit, one that matched her passion for sustainability and her drive for results. "Hitachi has a great commitment to sustainability," she says. From the moment she joined, Cristina was impressed by Hitachi’s public decarbonisation goals and its openness to continuously challenge and evolve them.?

This ambition aligns with her personal values of pioneering change, respect, and collaboration. "As an engineer passionate about sustainability, I feel fully aligned with Hitachi’s values and ambition to positively contribute to society through pioneering technology." she says. For Cristina, Hitachi’s ability to take on large-scale sustainability challenges, such as decarbonising its global supply chain, means she can directly contribute to meaningful environmental progress.?

Making a Difference Through Action?

Cristina’s work at Hitachi centres on contributing to decarbonising the company’s extensive supplier network. "It’s going to take time to see results, but we are working to ensure our suppliers set their own sustainability targets and begin implementing decarbonisation actions, providing the necessary guidance along their decarbonisation journey" she explains. With a large number of suppliers globally, she and the team are focusing on engaging the largest suppliers first, driving them to adopt and accelerate sustainable practices that will have a cascading impact across industries.?

Her role also involves advancing the circular economy, she sees a resource-efficient society as the key to achieve decarbonisation and other sustainability aspects. " Circular economy practices are a very powerful business goal. I see a circular economy as the highest level of operational excellence. " Cristina explains. Her passion for resource efficiency is not just about meeting KPIs; it’s about transforming how materials are sourced and used, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.?

Leading with Passion?

Cristina’s leadership at Hitachi is deeply rooted in her personal values. " I’m very much aligned with Hitachi’s way of conducting business, with a strong focus on innovation, respect, integrity, and harmony”, she says. In a multicultural environment like Hitachi’s, she believes that collaboration and understanding are essential. "Sustainability is a global challenge, and we can’t leave anyone behind," she adds. For Cristina, creating sustainable solutions means not only focusing on environmental outcomes but also ensuring that these solutions work for different communities across the globe.?

Cristina’s passion for sustainability also extends beyond her professional work. She regularly volunteers in community activities and collaborates with universities, supporting courses on sustainability and mentoring the next generation of change-makers. "Creating awareness in someone else has a wider impact," she says, noting that even small actions, like embedding sustainable habits into daily life, can collectively make a big difference.?

A Call to Action for Everyone?

Cristina is clear that anyone, no matter their role or position, can contribute to making a difference. "Every role can have an impact," she insists. "It’s not just about environmental targets. Sustainability also means conducting business with integrity and respect for people and the planet".?

She believes that change should start within oneself and be enacted in collaboration. Cristina encourages individuals to act in ways that align with their personal values, even if those actions are small. "Regardless of your role, we all live in a society where we interact with others. If we transmit a sustainable mindset and are a positive influence on those around us, we can make a difference," she says.?

Hitachi’s Role in Empowering Change?

Cristina is proud of the impact Hitachi is making on a global scale. "We have the potential to drive change by collaborating with our customers and suppliers," she says, pointing to Hitachi’s leadership in enabling renewable energy and decarbonisation. From connecting offshore wind farms to modernising energy grids, Hitachi Energy is a key player in creating the infrastructure needed for a low-carbon future.?

Through Cristina’s work and the collective efforts of the Hitachi team, the company is not just meeting its sustainability goals—it’s paving the way for others to follow. Cristina’s journey, shaped by her personal commitment to making a difference, serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved when passion and purpose align with professional ambition.?

On Make a Difference Day, we celebrate not only Cristina’s contributions but also the broader commitment of individuals everywhere who are working to create a more sustainable, equitable world. Through small steps and large-scale projects alike, Cristina’s story shows us that we all have the power to make a difference—and the time to act is now.?