*1 Reduction in the 2008 KDL-40F1 compared to the 2005 KDL-40V1000

Televisions are the main CO₂ emitters among Sony products, and some 90% of their emissions come from the electricity consumed during use. That's why making more efficient TVs is a priority for us. Although it's no easy feat to keep enhancing picture quality while controlling power requirements, we have applied a multitude of techniques to make spring 2008 Bravia models more efficient.

Intelligent features that save energy include auto adjustment of screen brightness using a light sensor and auto standby if left idle. Careful consideration of parts led to high-efficiency panel modules. In all, these refinements have cut CO₂ emissions by about 33% compared to first-generation Bravia sets released in 2005*1. The new sets achieve an efficiency rating*2 of up to 179% based on legal requirements in Japan. Of the 11 models introduced in spring 2008, all except one earn the top five-star rating for energy efficiency*3. We will continue taking innovative approaches in the pursuit of advancing picture quality and lower power consumption.

New Bravia models also represent success in lower CO₂ emissions during production. Advances in environmentally conscious design promoted at Sony for more than a decade facilitates disassembly and sorting of used Sony televisions and makes it easier to recycle parts.

Recycling of flame-retardant polystyrene components in particular had been challenging because of the difficulty in removing foreign objects after recovery of these plastic parts. As conventional Sony CRT TVs have been designed with recycling of plastic materials in mind since the early 1990s, disassembly and sorting has been much easier. These efforts are aided by specific policies such as changing and limiting the types of flame retardants in television products, labeling flame retardants and materials, and standardizing materials. Moreover, we have developed a technique of refining the polystyrene foam scrap generated during production of Bravia LCD televisions by applying our own additives to produce tough, flame-resistant recycled polystyrene material. Using recycled polystyrene from closed-loop recycling enables nearly 30% less CO₂ emissions compared to using new resources.
Our efforts to find ways to reduce CO₂ emissions are not finished. We will continue pursuing new possibilities and developing new production techniques. Just as our environmentally conscious designs more than a decade ago help us conserve resources today. The Sony vision of a greener future is well underway.

*2 Achievement based on Japanese energy conservation standards for 2008
*3 Rating under Japanese energy conservation standards for 2008