One of Japan’s Leading Tech Companies Claims Energy Star Award

Sharp Electronics Corporation, based in Osaka, has been selected to receive a 2012 Excellence in Energy-Efficient Product Design Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star program.

The award recognizes the electronic goods maker’s ongoing commitment to promoting energy-efficiency amongst the consumer electronics and business products’ trade and consumers, as well as the company’s efforts to lead by example in the execution of its business operations.

Each year, the U.S. EPA and the Department of Energy honor organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through supporting and promoting energy-efficiency.

Sharp was awarded at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 15, 2012.

“This is a great honor for Sharp,” said Bob Scaglione, Sharp USA’s chief marketing officer.

“The ideals upheld by the Energy Star program are consistent with those of our corporate vision to contribute to the world through environmentally-improved and health-conscious businesses, focusing on energy-saving and energy-creating products.”

“Our efforts in this area are diverse and go far beyond the products we manufacture.”

“This is demonstrated through our ongoing enhancements to our manufacturing facilities to reduce energy use, our waste recycling program, our comprehensive renewable energy educational program for elementary school students, our free nationwide Sharp TV and copier cartridge recycling program for consumers… and many other initiatives.”

Growing Line of Japan designed Energy-Efficient Products

The seven categories in which Sharp offered Energy Star qualified products in 2011 include air conditioners and purifiers, audio devices, copiers, DVD players and televisions.

Sharp’s latest AQUOS Quattron televisions, available from retailers such as Yodobashi Camera, boast energy efficiency levels of as much as 55 percent above Energy Star standards.

In 2011, 30 of Sharp’s LCD TV models were Energy Star qualified, as well as all of its Blu-ray Disc players. The company also introduced additional models of Energy Star qualified professional monitors, including its touch screen interactive display system.

Twenty Years of Energy Star

Energy Star was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency.

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, Energy Star offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations.

About 20,000 organizations are Energy Star partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses.

Over the past 20 years, Energy Star has saved nearly 230 billion USD on utility bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to those from more than 350 million vehicles.

“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Energy Star program, EPA is proud to recognize Sharp with the 2012 Energy Star Excellence in Energy-Efficient Product Design Award,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Sharp and all our Energy Star award winners truly demonstrate how the leadership and commitment from EPA’s partners has made a difference in the lives of Americans since 1992, saving them billions of dollars in energy costs and improving the health of our families, the planet and our future.”

“Sharp is committed to helping our customers save money and protect the environment with innovative Energy Star qualified products,” said Sharp’s Bob Scaglione.

“Our partnership with Energy Star is integral to our growing business.”

This September sees Sharp celebrate its 100th anniversary with a series of global programs. The company, founded by Tokuji Hayakawa in 1912, began life as a metal-work business in Tokyo and now employs 55,580 people worldwide.

As the world’s attention shifts away from Japan to other regional economies, this award proves that Japan-developed technology can still make a mark in an increasingly globalized world.

For more information about visit: www.sharp.co.jp/100th