Much energy used today in the form of electricity or gas relies on the burning of coal, oil, or natural gas. These resources are the buried remains of plants and animals that lived many millions of years ago. It has taken a very long time, under conditions of intense pressure and heat, to create these fossil fuels.

When burned, fossil fuels release carbon dioxide (CO₂), seen as a factor of global warming and acid rain. These are limited resources that will one day be depleted.

For these reasons Sony practices energy efficiency in many ways. As we seek to reduce energy consumption, we are also actively introducing renewable energy sources free of CO₂ emissions.

Basic Sony stance of using renewable energy

Renewable energy is derived from sources that are essentially unlimited, including wind power, solar power, and energy from biomass (organic resources of biological origin other than fossil resources, such as trees and grasses). Additionally, less CO₂ is emitted by these sources of energy.

The Green Power Certification System in which Sony participates promotes electric power produced from renewable energy sources. Even users far from power plants can obtain certification as evidence of purchasing electric power generated using renewable energy. In Japan, many Sony Group companies have diligently used the Green Power Certification System since fiscal 2001.

In fiscal 2006, participating in this system and introducing green energy purchasing overseas helped reduce Sony's CO₂ emissions by approximately 13,000 tons. Looking ahead, by fiscal 2010, we intend to increase this savings four fold, to 50,000 tons.

Expanding Use of Renewable Energy, from Japan to Overseas

In Japan, Sony started participating in Green Power Certification for power generation from woody biomass, using timber including from forest thinning in Akita prefecture in October 2007. Including this amount, the Sony Group is currently contracted for 36.4 million kWh annually using the Green Power Certification System in Japan.

Committed to securing biomass fuel and protecting forests

Supporting forest conservation through the Green Power Certification System, Sony contributes to help offset costs to transport timber from forest thinning in northern Japan to a biomass power plant. In addition to securing a steady supply of fuel for a woody biomass power plant in Akita Prefecture, these efforts help clear forests of logging by-products and aid in thinning work, promoting forest conservation.

Overseas as well, offices including Sony Logistics Europe BV in the Netherlands and Sony United Kingdom also purchase power from renewable energy sources and participate in other ways. Sony DADC Austria has been operating with 100% renewable energy since November 2007. Sony Chemical Corporation's Kanuma Plant, Sony EMCS Corporation's Service Togane Site, and Stuttgart Technology Center have installed on-site solar power systems. Additionally, Sony Music Group even uses renewable energy at live events and in music studios.