Sony has established an integrated environmental audit system that combines three kinds of audits -- internal, corporate and external -- and aims to facilitate continual improvements to the Sony Group's environmental management system, prevent environmental accidents at sites, and ensure the reliability of environmental data.

Examples of Improvements Resulting from Audits

• Clarification of environmental management functions of Sony Group headquarters
  The position of the procurement departments--which play a key role in the management of chemical substances in products--was clarified.
• Reinforcement of performance review system
  The frequency and contents of performance reviews for site and product aspect for both the Sony Group headquarters and individual business units were improved.
• Facilitating application of best practices identified through audits
  By effectively applying the globally consolidated audit system, steps were taken to share best practices on environmental management such as environmental audit methods and environmental education, and to address common issues across the Sony Group.
• Administrative efficiency
  Management system document structure has been simplified, improving the administrative efficiency of individual groups.