AUO announces world's first carbon footprint verification on its PV module

HSINCHU, TAIWAN: AU Optronics Corp. has completed the carbon footprint verification on EcoDuo PM220P00, a multi-crystalline PV module, according to the international carbon footprint standard PAS2050. EcoDuo PM220P00 is the world's first PV module to have obtained carbon footprint verification, reaching a critical milestone on carbon footprint management of PV key components.

The product carbon footprint of EcoDuo PM220P00 refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions, including the raw materials, manufacturing and distribution stages.

By tracing the carbon footprint, AUO verified that raw materials took up around 82 percent of total carbon emission, manufacturing about 17 percent and distribution approximately 1 percent, among which raw materials led to the most emissions.

The findings inspired the adoption of innovative energy and materials-saving and replacement concepts in the early stage of R&D for solar cells, so that the overall amount of carbon emissions as well as product carbon footprint could be reduced substantially.

Through continuous supplier training sessions, AUO developed the carbon footprint management program with its own e-system to collect suppliers' carbon footprint data.

The initiative significantly increased efficiency in carbon footprint management. When managing the carbon footprint of the next generation PV products, the database with detailed carbon data of the supply chain will enable AUO to rise as a leader among its peers.

"AUO's multi-crystalline PV module that garnered the world's first carbon footprint verification again proves AUO's determination on Green Solutions," said James C.P. Chen, Senior Associate Vice President of AUO's Solar Photovoltaic Business Unit.

"The key to acquiring the certification lies in the profound experiences in employing high-precision technologies, carbon footprint tracing, and power-saving innovations of TFT-LCDs to the solar modules. This demonstrates the AUO strategy to develop the TFT-LCD and PV businesses concurrently, leading the global industry with the most advanced green technologies from both respects," he added.

AUO has actively invested in the solar business from the upstream to downstream, presenting the most competitive "total solutions" with the quality material from M. Setek, high-efficiency solar cells from SunPower, and the various PV system projects.

In the future, AUO will continue to serve as the main integrator of the solar value chain, developing markets around the world with its partners of the industry chain.

The company is dedicated to developing low carbon products with its innovative R&D capability and mature supply chain management system to assure due care to the earth when providing the maximum benefits for customers and consumers.