Sharp 2009 Annual Report Download - page 29

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In fiscal 2004, Sharp announced a medium-term corporate
objective of becoming an environmentally advanced
company. To accomplish this goal, we established an
environmental vision for fiscal 2010 in which Sharp’s
energy-creating and energy-saving products are to more
than balance out Sharp’s greenhouse gas emissions. Under
this environmental vision, we reduce the amount of
greenhouse gases emitted in the course of our worldwide
business activities to the greatest extent possible, while
at the same time significantly increasing the reductions in
greenhouse gas emissions achieved through customer
use of Sharp’s energy-creating solar cells and energy-saving
products. The vision targets net reduction in greenhouse
gases that more than balances out the level of emissions
by fiscal 2010. Sharp will contribute to realizing a low-carbon
society by expanding solar cell production, making its
products more energy efficient, and pushing forward with
energy-saving measures in its business activities.
n Sharp’s Environmental Vision
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Photovoltaic power generation
Sharp started its research on solar cells in 1959 and now has
50 years of experience in R&D and promotion of this technol-
ogy. We have accumulated a broad base of technologies and
consumer trust. Demand for solar power is climbing rapidly.
To meet this demand, we are expanding our crystalline solar
cell operations, which are the main product in the current
market, as well as our activities involving thin-film solar cells,
a market sector with much growth potential. At the same
time, we are using joint development projects, alliances and
other forms of cooperation to become a total solutions pro-
vider in photovoltaic power generation.
Environmentally conscious products
In our AQUOS LCD TVs we achieved big improvements in
energy and resource conservation.*1 In our 32 inch class,
for example, we have cut annual power consumption by
more than 70% and reduced weight by more than half
over the past five years. In addition, we are using distinc-
tive technologies to make advances in cutting-edge envi-
ronmental designs including a plant-based resin paint and
a cabinet material that can be recycled repeatedly.*2
Meanwhile, in fiscal 2008 we entered the LED lighting
business. LED lights are environmentally friendly with
their long service life, low power consumption and
mercury-free design. Going
forward, Sharp will develop
distinctive LED lighting
equipment with a range of
characteristics, both for
industrial and household
applications, contributing to
energy conservation for the
home and office.
*1 Comparison between a fiscal 2003 model LC-32GD1 (annual power consumption
238kWh/year, weight 28.0kg) and fiscal 2008 model LC-32DE5 (66kWh/year,
13.5kg). Annual power consumption calculated in accordance with the Energy
Conservation Law in Japan.
*2 Plant-based resin paint and repeatedly recyclable materials for cabinets are used in
certain models.
Environmental friendliness at plants
Sharp has an environmental certification system based on
its own assessment standards. Plants that are environ-
mentally friendly are certified as Green Factories (GF) and
those with superior environmental performance receive
the Super Green Factory (SGF) designation. Thus far,
almost all Sharp plants worldwide have been designated
GF or above. 21 plants have achieved SGF certification,
including all 10 of Sharp Corporation’s plants. After accom-
plishing SGF we raised our target to SGFII to achieve even
higher environmental performance at our plants. Our 21st
Century Manufacturing Complex currently under construc-
tion in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, will be a next genera-
tion complex, truly suited for a low-carbon society. Plans
for the complex feature an environmental protection
system that surpasses even that of our SGF-standard
Kameyama Plant.
AQUOS LCD TV incorporating many
environmental features
"
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