AU Optronics Corp. (AUO) has completed the carbon footprint verification on EcoDuo PM220P00, a multicrystalline 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, the company says.
The product carbon footprint of EcoDuo PM220P00 refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions during the raw materials, manufacturing and distribution stages. By tracing the carbon footprint, AUO verified that raw materials caused around 82% of total carbon emission, manufacturing about 17% and distribution approximately 1%.
The findings inspired the adoption of innovative energy- and materials-saving and replacement concepts in the early stage of research and development for solar cells, so that the overall amount of carbon emissions, as well as the product carbon footprint, could be reduced substantially, the company adds.
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, according to the company.
SOURCE: AU Optronics Corp.
