The EPA has recognizes Sony DADC as one of the U.S.'s leading Green Power purchasers. "The purchase of renewable energy is one of many critical initiatives we are doing to reduce our carbon footprint," said Michael Frey, President, Sony DADC Americas. "Purchasing green power helps our organization become more sustainable, while also sending a message to others across the U.S. that supporting clean sources of electricity is a sound business decision and an important choice in reducing climate risk."

Green power is electricity that is generated from environmentally preferable renewable resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biogas, biomass and low-impact hydro. These resources generate electricity with a net zero increase in carbon dioxide emissions, while offering a superior environmental profile compared to traditional power generation sources. Green power purchases also support the development of new renewable energy generation sources nationwide.

"America is shifting to a 'green culture,' with more and more businesses taking important steps to combat climate change," said Kathleen Hogan, Director of the Climate Protection Partnerships Division at the EPA. "EPA commends Sony DADC for making a long-term commitment to protecting the environment by purchasing green power."

According to the U.S. EPA, Sony DADC's green power purchase of more than 72 million (kWh) is equivalent to avoiding the carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions of nearly 11,000 passenger vehicles per year, or is the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power more than 8,000 average American homes annually.

In addition to the green power purchase, Sony DADC has over 100 projects aimed at reducing energy consumption, recycling water and material, controlling the use of chemical substances, and preserving the environment.

Sony DADC’s green power purchase is part of Sony’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental impact globally. Sony has committed to achieving a 7% absolute reduction in CO 2 emissions at its sites by 2010 compared to 2000 levels worldwide. To help accomplish this goal, Sony promotes the use of renewable energy worldwide, and has already reduced CO 2 emissions by applying approximately 307 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy purchased on a contractual basis in FY08.

About EPA’s Green Power Partnership

The Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program that encourages organizations to buy green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with purchased electricity use. The Partnership currently has more than 1,000 Partner organizations voluntarily purchasing billions of kilowatt-hours of green power annually. Partners include a wide variety of leading organizations such as Fortune 500 companies, small and medium sized businesses, local, state, and federal governments, and colleges and universities. For additional information, please visit http://www.epa.gov/greenpower.