Hsinchu, Taiwan, - (March 19, 2009)
"We very much appreciate USGBC's recognition, making AUO becomes the world's first TFT-LCD makers to earn LEED certification in gold level," said Dr. L.J. Chen, President and CEO of AUO. "This recognition is just a beginning for us; we will apply this green model to all of our existing and future Fabs, setting a green standard for site-construction, production equipment, as well as site facilities."
"We hope to create a collective force from all stakeholders in the industry, providing consumers solutions to enjoy a joyful digital lifestyle while protecting the Earth," he added.
The core of "AUO Green Solutions" is Green DNA, which has been extensively promoted and deeply rooted in the heart of every AUO employee. The Green DNA has been disseminated through various unique measures, such as daily green reminding broadcast and low food mile concept by purchasing food from the local farming Industry, hoping to raise green awareness among all AUO employees and to form a collective force that will influence others outside the Company to jointly protect the environment. By implementing all measures as envisaged in "AUO Green Solutions", AUO achieved an electricity saving amounting to 230 million KWH in Taiwan's operation sites. In addition, by voluntarily installing greenhouse gas abatement devices, 777,000 tons of carbon emission were reduced in total, which is an equivalent effect of afforesting 200 New York City's Central Parks. AUO also achieved 2,420 tons of water savings in 2008, about 1/8 of the volume of Shihmen Reservoir in Taiwan.
In addition, AUO also led the industry in establishing an ECO-Label Index for its products and pledges to reach Carbon Balance by the year 2010. AUO firmly believes company profitability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are mutually supportive. The Company is to fulfill its CSR while committing to the concept of sustainable management, leveraging innovations to reduce environmental impact in all business phases including product design, vendor selection, production and assembly and customer services. The AUO ECO-Label Index will provide more environmental and energy-saving products to its customers, substantially assisting them in raising their green competitiveness so as to seize and open up unlimited green business opportunities now and in the future.