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HSINCHU, Taiwan, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO) today announced it has completed the carbon footprint verification on its 32" LCD TV set according to international carbon footprint standard PAS2050: 2008. By succeeding in the third party verification by SGS, AUO's 32" LCD TV is the worldwide first LCD TV set to gain Carbon Footprint Verification, which establishes the benchmark on the carbon footprint management for consumer electronic products.

The 32" LCD TV is also included in the UKAS PAS2050 Pilot Project by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). AUO is the only IT Company in this project and will bring its experiences on the carbon footprint management for instituting the international verification standard.

Based on the definition of the life cycle of ISO14044, the carbon emission calculation of AUO's 32" LCD TV carbon footprint project includes each stage of the product life cycle from raw material, manufacturing, delivering, consumer using, discarding, or recycling. Through the indicator of carbon calculation, consumers will know well what the environmental impact is caused by the electronic products they use in the future.

"We are proud that AUO's 32" LCD TV has successfully completed the first carbon footprint verification on LCD TV sets in the world. It truly demonstrates AUO's continuous efforts on implementation of Green Solutions," Dr. L. J. Chen, President and CEO of AUO, said. "Since the manufacturing process of electronic products is very complicated and detailed, there are hundreds of suppliers in the whole supply chain. AUO conducted several suppliers' trainings to launch the carbon footprint management, and developed a carbon database management system to increase the carbon calculation efficiency. From here, AUO successfully built up a flawless program of carbon footprint management for the supply chain. When developing the next generation of eco products, the carbon database system with detailed carbon data of the supply chain will lead AUO to the leading position in low-carbon product innovation."

AUO's 32" LCD TV set that completed the PAS 2050 verification consumes 30% less electricity compared to other same-sized products. The product not only conforms to EuP regulations in 2010 but also complies with Energy Star 3.0 in the U.S. In addition, the cold cathode fluorescent lamps are diminished from 16 straight tubes to 4 u-shape tubes. By substantially decreasing mercury levels by 82%, the product reduces the environmental impact significantly.

AUO 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 consumers' amazing digital lives. Meanwhile, AUO strives to develop and provide every possible solution to improve our environmental footprint and offer our clients and consumers with the best benefits.

ABOUT AU OPTRONICS

AU Optronics Corp. (AUO) is the worldwide top 3 manufacturer* of thin film transistor liquid crystal display panels (TFT-LCD). AUO is able to provide customers a full range of panel sizes and comprehensive applications, offering TFT-LCD panels in sizes ranging from 1.2 inches to greater than 65 inches. AUO generated NT$423.9 billion (US$12.9 billion) in sales revenue in 2008 and now houses a staff of more than 40,000 employees throughout its global operations spreading across Taiwan, Mainland China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the U.S., and Europe. Additionally, AUO is the first pure TFT-LCD manufacturer to successfully list at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). For more information, please visit AUO.com.

    * DisplaySearch 2Q2009 WW Large-Area TFT-LCD Shipment Report dated August
      5, 2009.  This data is used as reference only and AUO does not make any
      endorsement or representation in connection therewith.  2008 year end
      revenue converted by an exchange rate of NTD32.76:USD1.

ABOUT UKAS PAS2050 Pilot Project

The UKAS has launched a pilot project for the accreditation of the assessment of the life cycle green house gas emissions of goods and services. Working with six separate certification bodies, the UKAS trial covers the certification of products and services to the new PAS 2050 standard and its accompanying Code of Good Practice. The pilot project is due to be completed in March 2010, when the results will dictate if any change in approach is needed.