Philips 2008 Annual Report Download - page 38

Reducing our environmental footprint
We continuously work on improving the
environmental
performance of our products across
their entire lifespan
by investing in EcoDesign, green
technologies and measures
to further reduce our
environmental footprint.
We make these investments because we recognize
the importance of considering, as architect and
designer William McDonough says, “all children, all
species, for all time.” We believe that our products
will not only become increasingly environmentally
friendly but also even more useful and attractive
for our customers.
The global warming challenge
Climate change has been recognized globally as
one of the most serious human-made threats to
our civilization. Today, however, as author George
Monbiot puts it, the risk is not that climate change
is not a subject of debate anymore but rather that
we keep on talking.
Commitment and action is required by all parts of
society including authorities, business and consumers.
In Tokyo in July 2008, the G8 leaders pledged
“to move to a carbon-
free society” through cutting
global emissions by 50% in 2050.
At Philips we are convinced that we can contribute
to the required transition to a low-carbon world, not
only with environmentally sound products, services
and technologies, but also by actively seeking the
dialogue with all stakeholders including our
customers and suppliers.
With the launch of our latest EcoVision program in
2007, we have therefore committed to reduce CO2
emissions with a sharp focus on energy-effi cient
products, green innovation and energy effi cient
day-to-day operations.
Philips Annual Report 200838
18
We care about...
8
Message from
the President
6
Performance highlights
14
Who we are
42
Our group performance