Sony Assurance Introduces Green Power Certification System
Jul. 24, 2007
Sony Assurance Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Financial Holdings, today announced its participation in a green power certification system* from July 2007, as one of its environmental protection activities. Through its participation in this system, Sony Assurance receives "green power certificates" issued by the Japan Natural Energy Co., Ltd.
- Purchases of Certified Green Power
- Environmental Protection Initiatives
In FY2007, Sony Assurance plans to purchase 30,000 kWh of wind-generated electricity, approximately 6% of the power its headquarters consumes annually. This purchase equates to an effective reduction of 11 tons of CO2. From FY2008, the company plans to raise its green power purchases to approximately 10% of headquarters' consumption by purchasing green power certificates corresponding to 50,000 kWh per year.
Sony Assurance has a history of active participation in environmental protection activities. In October 2001, the company received ISO 14001 international environmental management system certification for its headquarters operations. Specifically, the company sets targets for the conservation of electricity and natural resources, as it works to reduce power consumption and use of copy paper. Sony Assurance also strives to raise the ratio of eco-products among its office equipment and promotes green purchasing of this equipment.
Sony Assurance considers global environmental issues some of a company's most important considerations. Going forward, the company will continue to promote environmental protection activities by using green power in various ways and saving energy and resources through its everyday efforts.
*Green Power Certification System
The certification of transactions involving electric power that is generated from solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and other natural energy sources encourages companies to consume this so-called "green power." Where distance to green generation facilities makes direct consumption of green power unfeasible, certification allows companies to consume green power indirectly. Certification consequently allows companies to contribute to the proliferation of natural electric power generation as part of their voluntary measures to conserve energy and protect the environment.
For more details on Japan's green power certification system, please refer to the website of Japan Natural Energy Co., Ltd.
Note: This is an English-language summary of a Japanese announcement made by Sony Assurance on July 24, 2007. The summary was prepared by Sony Financial Holdings Inc. solely for the convenience of non-Japanese readers.
