Sony claimed today that it has reduced power consumption within 90 per cent of its product categories during 2006.

With energy efficiency as one of its "core commitments", the firm said it is striving to make products that use less energy in homes and offices.

Issued on 30 July 2007, the latest Sony CSR Report details highlights of Sony's engagement to maximise the energy efficiency of its products.

As of February 2007, all Sony BRAVIA LCD televisions sold in Europe achieved a standby power consumption below 1 watt, while most models are below 0.3 watts, the study reported.

For the firm's VAIO PCs Sony has introduced its own 'Advanced VAIO Power Management' function to enable users to temporarily turn off devices (optical drive, i.LINK, audio, network) to save energy. In addition, a new White LED backlight has been introduced to certain VAIO screens, which "significantly reduces" power consumption.

Sony added that all its DVD player products operate at under 0.1 watts in standby mode to reduce power consumption, while its latest Home Audio range features a standby power consumption of just 0.3 watts.

"Sony is committed to continually developing new innovations and technologies that will further improve the energy efficiency and minimise the environmental impact of our products," says Serge Foucher, executive vice president Sony Europe.

In February 2007, Sony became the first consumer electronics and entertainment company to win the Sustainable Energy Europe Award from the European Commission.