Sony applies an integrated perspective to environmental activities that covers all sites worldwide, whether they are involved in manufacturing activities or not, based on Green Management 2010 mid-term targets and policies issued by the department in charge of environmental functions at the Tokyo headquarters.
On the topic of greenhouse gases, Sony has spotlighted efforts to cut absolute greenhouse gas emissions, calculated in terms of CO2, from all sites by 7% or more from the 2000 level by fiscal year 2010. To this end, Sony is promoting energy-saving measures at its sites, introducing renewable energy as alternative power sources, and limiting the use of greenhouse gases, such as perfluorocarbons.
Production adjustments prompted by the worldwide economic downturn have actually enhanced the progress realized through emission-reducing policies. Total CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions at sites reached about 1.84 million tons in fiscal year 2008, down about 17% from fiscal year 2000. Waste generated at sites amounted to about 168,000 tons in fiscal year 2008, down about 39% from the fiscal year 2000 level. And water used by sites came to about 18.2 million m3, down about 32% from fiscal year 2000.
In addition, Sony seeks to maintain biodiversity through such approaches as site greening, undertakes environmental communications, embraces green technologies in manufacturing processes, promotes green purchasing, and assumes an environment-conscious perspective in the construction of its buildings.
Sony has set internal standards for and is an active proponent of green purchasing and makes a conscious effort to choose nonproduction materials such as for printing paper, stationery and OA equipment, among others. Sony employs the same parameters when purchasing finished products, and is mindful of making appropriate purchasing decisions in terms of volume, giving consideration to volume used and inventory levels. In Japan, Sony chooses from among recommended products, giving consideration to environmental impact at all stages of a product's life, from resource extraction through to production, distribution, use and disposal. Information on recommended products is included in Sony's purchasing system of nonproduction goods, making it possible for individuals in charge of purchasing decisions to give priority to environment-friendly products. In fiscal year 2008, Sony's green purchase rate for stationery and office supplies in Japan was 65.5%.*1
| *1 | Based on purchasing data for Sony Corporation and 11 Sony Group companies |
Environmental concerns were given a high priority in the construction of Sony's building.
Americas
The new Sony Pictures Entertainment office building currently under construction in Culver City, California, is being built in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. These standards were developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in order to improve the performance of buildings across all metrics, including CO2 emissions reduction, water efficiency, improved indoor environmental quality and stewardship of resources.
Trees selected for planting around the building can withstand dry conditions and are native to the area. More than 95% of wood waste generated in the construction of the building is being recycled. A wide variety of environmentally friendly features incorporated into the building include lighting with automatic sensors, low-flow toilets that use less water, and the installation of a rainwater filter system. Chemical-free products are being used for the building's exterior walls, paints and carpets, and construction materials are sourced locally to help reduce the amount of CO2 emissions produced in the transportation process.
This building will replace four less-efficient office buildings located across Los Angeles and is expected to save approximately 300 tons of carbon per year. In addition, the coinciding upgrade of the' central plant will reduce energy use by an estimated 894,000 Kwh per year (290 tons).
In the construction of its new head office building, which was completed in the summer of 2009, Sony Electronics Inc. (San Diego, California) followed LEED standards.
As an environmental initiative, the company worked with a local electric power utility to install solar panels on the parking rooftop to generate power. Also, considering how precious water resources are, the company opted for a system that routes water discharged by the air-conditioning system to the fountain in the atrium and has placed sensors in the toilets, among others. These efforts are expected to cut the use of water resources 47% more than that required for conventional buildings.
In addition, the company chose architectural features -- including a layout that allows natural light to filter in over 90% of the floor space -- that will result in a 17.5% reduction in energy consumption, which is more than that required in the State of California.
Furthermore, 20% of the materials used in construction were recycled materials.
Europe
Sony DADC Austria's Anif Plant takes advantage of its natural surroundings by utilizing abundant ground water for temperature management of facilities and to cool equipment. The water used in these processes is not polluted in any way and is ultimately returned to the river without causing harm to the environment.
Japan
Sony's headquarters building -- Sony City -- in Tokyo was completed in October 2006. It features several energy-saving technologies, including the office-oriented lateral application of a highly efficient integrated heating system developed in semiconductor facilities and other manufacturing operations, as well as a method for harnessing the untapped energy in wastewater.
Thanks to an environment-conscious approach right from the start of construction, Sony City generated 48% less CO2 than standard buildings in fiscal year 2007, its first year of occupancy.*6 In fiscal year 2008, Sony made some changes, primarily through a review of how equipment was operated, and achieved a 49.5% reduction in CO2 emissions.*6
Sony's efforts, particularly the introduction of new energy-saving technologies and active utilization of information technology, have earned high praise. This reputation was substantiated in December 2008 when it received the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Prize at the Green IT Awards 2008.
Other sites are also promoting environment-related initiatives. Sony EMCS Corporation Tokai TEC Koda site is promoting greening efforts on the roof of the structure that houses employees lockers. The roof can be seen from the corridor which employees pass through, and is expected to contribute to energy-saving efforts during summer, as well as to bolster employees awareness of environmental issues.
Concurrent with repairs to the roof, the site has also added an insulating coating to prevent absorption of radiant heat and minimize the use of energy for air-conditioning.
*6 Sony estimates
