Can you tell me about Sony's environmental plans, specifically the Road to Zero plan and the mid-term goals?
At Sony, our purpose is to fill the world with emotions through the power of creativity and technology. Recognizing that a healthy global environment is crucial for our activities, we've committed to fulfilling our responsibility to the earth by leveraging our technology and businesses. Sony has a long history of environmental initiatives, starting in the 1970s, and in 2010, we announced our Road to Zero plan. This long-term global environmental plan aims to achieve a sustainable society by achieving a zero environmental footprint throughout our product life cycles and business activities by 2050.
The Road to Zero plan is built on four pillars: climate change, resources, chemical substances, and biodiversity. Each of these areas has a comprehensive roadmap to guide our efforts. Given the urgency of climate change, we’ve accelerated our target to achieve a zero environmental footprint in the climate change area by ten years from fiscal year 2050 to 2040.
By fiscal year 2040, we aim to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with scope one and two emissions of our operations reaching net zero by fiscal year 2030. We are also part of the RE100 initiative, which commits us to operating with 100% renewable electricity by fiscal year 2030, bringing forward our previous target by a decade. Our medium-term goals, such as the Green Management 2025 targets, focus on improving energy and resource efficiency, increasing renewable energy use, and reducing environmental impact across our supply chain.
How does Sony address the challenges of renewable energy across different regions, given its global operations?
Globally, the availability and demand for renewable electricity vary significantly. For instance, we have switched to 100% renewable electricity consumed at our European sites since fiscal year 2008, and our operations in China achieved this status in fiscal year 2020. We converted all our manufacturing sites in the Pan-Asia region to 100% renewable energy in fiscal year 2022, although some offices are still transitioning. However, the biggest challenge lies in Japan, where renewable electricity is more expensive and less abundant.
In Japan, we are taking several measures to increase our use of renewable electricity. These include installing solar panels on our sites and engaging in power purchase agreements and virtual power purchase agreements, which were not available a few years ago. We also practice intracompany electricity transfer, which is transferring renewable electricity from one site to another within our group to maximize our renewable energy use. Through these efforts, we aim to overcome the challenges and achieve our renewable energy targets globally.
Can you elaborate on Sony's innovations, particularly in products like TVs, to enhance sustainability?
One of our key innovations is the development of SORPLAS™, a proprietary flame-retardant recycled plastic made from polycarbonate. This innovation came from our efforts to recycle water bottles and waste optical discs collected from factories and markets. SORPLAS™ offers excellent heat resistance, durability, and contains up to 99% recycled materials. This makes it a significant advancement in using recycled content in our products, starting with Sony products in 2011 and expanding to various products including TVs, vlog cameras and digital cameras, and smartphones.
Another innovative product is our BRAVIA TV series, which features several energy-saving technologies. The ambient light sensing adjusts the screen brightness based on the room's lighting conditions, optimizing energy consumption when the room is dark. By attaching a BRAVIA CAM to detect viewer presence and movement, the screen can be automatically dimmed to minimize power consumption when there is nobody in front of the TV, reducing energy use. Additionally, the TV optimizes energy use by adjusting the brightness of different parts of the screen based on the displayed content. These technologies ensure that users can enjoy energy-efficient viewing without compromising on quality or convenience, reflecting our commitment to sustainability through innovation.
How does Sony collaborate with other organizations to enhance its sustainability efforts?
Sony actively participates in various initiatives and partnerships to amplify its sustainability impact. For instance, we are part of the RE100 initiative and have a partnership with WWF to gain insights on urgent environmental issues. We also engage with governments to advocate for policies that support our environmental initiatives. In September 2023, we joined the Climate Pledge, although we are still in the early stages of this collaboration and do not have specific outcomes to share yet.
We believe that tackling climate change and other environmental issues cannot be done in isolation. Collaboration with other companies, value chain partners, and stakeholders is crucial. By working together under initiatives like the Climate Pledge, we can leverage our diverse portfolio of businesses—from Gaming, Music, Pictures, Products, and Semiconductors to Financial services—to drive significant environmental progress. This collaborative approach allows us to address the interconnected nature of global environmental challenges more effectively.
What is the most important message Sony wants to convey to its consumers regarding sustainability?
Different consumers have varied perspectives on sustainability, influenced by factors such as region and age. However, we observe that younger consumers, in particular, are looking for trustworthy products and services that are good for both their lives and the planet. Sony strives to be respected and accepted by these consumers through our commitment to sustainability.
We want consumers to recognize and appreciate our efforts to protect the environment. By choosing Sony products and services, we can together enhance the global environment. Our aim is to develop products that allow consumers to be environmentally conscious effortlessly, ensuring that their use contributes positively to sustainability. Together, we can make a significant impact on preserving the planet for future generations.
Can you share some final thoughts on Sony's sustainability journey and its importance to the company?
Sony's sustainability journey is deeply integrated into our corporate philosophy and operations. It’s not just about meeting targets; it’s about embedding sustainability into every aspect of our business. From product innovation to global collaborations, we are dedicated to making meaningful contributions to environmental conservation.
We recognize that the challenges we face require collective action and innovation. Our diverse business portfolio provides unique opportunities to address these challenges from multiple angles. By continuing to push the boundaries of technology and creativity, we aim to lead the way in sustainability and inspire other companies to join us in this vital endeavor. Our commitment to the environment is unwavering, and we will continue to strive towards a sustainable future for all.
