OSRAM Opto Semiconductors Focuses Corporate Initiatives on Eco-Friendly, Energy-Saving LED Lighting Solutions

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
OSRAM Opto Semiconductors is a subsidiary of OSRAM, one of the two leading
lighting manufacturers in the world. The semiconductor company`s strategy is
summarized by its mission statement: "We shape the future of light - with
advanced solutions for illumination, visualization and sensing." As a leader in
the initiative to deliver more eco-friendly lighting solutions, OSRAM Opto
Semiconductors continually develops and delivers new, highly efficient light
sources (LED and OLED) for today and tomorrow. These new technologies will play
a significant role in reducing the amount of electricity used for lighting as a
proportion of total energy consumption.

LEDs: The Light of the Future

At present, energy savings based on conventional lighting technologies include
compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) with integrated electronics, advanced linear
fluorescent lamps, halogen energy-saving lamps (HES) and high-intensity
discharge lamps, together with advanced control gear and light management
systems. As the adoption of these more energy efficient light sources becomes
more widespread in the coming years, the resulting energy savings will naturally
increase.

In terms of technology, economics and politics, the current conditions are ideal
for a paradigm shift to LEDs. Light emitting diodes have considerable potential
for increases in brightness and efficiency, and can deliver even more potential
energy savings than traditional light sources. Development work is ongoing and
light emitting diodes are already penetrating the general illumination sector.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs), called "the light of the future" by industry
experts, are among the most energy-efficient light sources available today. LEDs
can be five times more efficient than incandescent lamps, and are expected to be
ten times more efficient in the future. LEDs are point light sources, and their
directional light helps reduce light pollution, eliminating scattered, wasted
light and delivering light precisely where it`s needed. With artificial lighting
accounting for approximately 19% of global electricity consumption (2.4% of
primary energy consumption worldwide), replacing conventional light sources with
efficient light sources such as LEDs could cut global electricity consumption
for lighting in half.

Investing in Eco-Friendly Solutions

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors is continually investing in research & development and
has established a wide-ranging scientific network for the development and
production of eco-friendly lighting solutions. In 2008, OSRAM launched a project
at Lake Victoria in Kenya involving rechargeable batteries, solar power and
energy-saving lamps. As this concept is developed further, it will be possible
to use optical semiconductors to create even more efficient off-grid solutions.

For years, OSRAM has operated certified environmental management systems and
complied with the relevant standards at all of its sites worldwide. This applies
more and more in many areas of production, the selection of raw materials,
purchasing and health & safety. The company`s environmental management system
meets the requirements of ISO 14001:2004 (the international standard for such
systems, at all sites), and ensures compliance and continual improvement. This
covers not only the technologies for chips and associated products but also the
use of energy and resources.

When OSRAM expanded its headquarters in Regensburg, Germany - site of the
world`s most advanced optical chip fabrication plant - it constructed new
facilities and launched an energy program based on making the best use of heat,
reusing waste heat and reducing the generation of new heat to the absolute
minimum. The heat generated in the fabrication process is reused (compressed
air, process cooling water), and the use of solvents such as acetone has also
been reduced. To date, through these initiatives alone, OSRAM has eliminated
nearly 5.2 tons of CO2 emission each year.

Looking Ahead

LEDs are already being used in an extremely wide range of applications. They are
more than just "nice to have" and there is ample evidence that cost efficiency
and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive. LEDs combine
sustainability with cost efficiency.

Double-figure growth is forecast for the LED market in the mid-term. As the
technical performance of LEDs increases and their manufacturing costs decrease,
LEDs will come to dominate more and more applications for which they offer
significant energy savings and reduced overall costs. These applications include
consumer electronics, automobiles, public sector/street lighting and solar
energy applications.

For more information, please contact OSRAM Opto Semiconductors at
info@osram-os.com or call 866-993-5211.

ABOUT OSRAM OPTO SEMICONDUCTORS

OSRAM is part of the Industry sector of Siemens and one of the two leading
lighting manufacturers in the world. Its subsidiary, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors
GmbH in Regensburg (Germany), offers its customers solutions based on
semiconductor technology for lighting, sensor and visualization applications.
OSRAM Opto Semiconductors has production sites in Regensburg (Germany) and
Penang (Malaysia). Its headquarters for North America is in Sunnyvale, CA (USA),
and for Asia in Hong Kong. OSRAM Opto Semiconductors also has sales offices
throughout the world. In the 2008 fiscal year (to the end of September) OSRAM
Opto Semiconductors employed more than 4600 people and achieved sales totaling
529 million Euros. For more information go to www.osram-os.com.

Macrovision, Inc.
Charles Birkhead, 215-348-1010
charles@macrovis.com
or
OSRAM Opto Semiconductors
Kate Cleveland, 248-277-8018
kate.cleveland@osram-os.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009