Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ:JAVA) today announced it is being recognized for leading sustainability programs with the presentation of a 2009 Climate Protection Award from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Sun was given the accolade for its successful reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 23 percent between 2002 and 2007, five years ahead of its Climate Leaders goal year of 2012. Sun is continuing its climate change leadership by setting a new goal across its global operations of an additional 20 percent reduction from 2007 to 2015 under the EPA’s Climate Leaders program.

This achievement is the result of two major initiatives from Sun, its flexible work program, Open Work, and energy-efficient datacenter solutions. Sun’s Open Work program provides the tools and technology that allow employees the freedom to work wherever they want or need – at home, at one of Sun's flexible offices, or in a coffee shop near a customer's office. At the end of December 2008, nearly 19,000 employees (more than 56 percent of the workforce) were working away from the office at least two or more days per week. In 2007, the Open Work program prevented 31,000 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere and helped Sun to reduce its real estate holdings by 15 percent in 2007 alone. For more information about Sun's Open Work program, visit www.sun.com/openwork.

With Sun’s datacenter efficiency program, the company has utilized newer technology to consolidate its data center operations from 202,000 square feet across 152 locations to 76,000 square feet across 14 new, state of the art data centers. Sun develops energy-efficient data centers with innovative technology that can help businesses around the globe have a positive impact on the environment while reducing costs. For more details on Sun's Eco Innovation solutions, visit www.sun.com/ecoinnovation.

"We are honored to accept the EPA Climate Protection Award because at Sun, we believe our long term business success depends on a healthy planet and thriving communities,” said Dave Douglas, Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President of Cloud Computing at Sun Microsystems. “Prioritizing energy efficiency and carbon reduction continues to result in significant financial savings while at the same time reducing our impact on the environment. We see that as a great validation for making sustainability a core component of our business strategy."

"EPA applauds the leadership of Sun Microsystems in protecting our global environment and encouraging others to do the same," said Dr. Kathleen Hogan, Director of EPA's Climate Protection Partnerships Division. "You have set the bar high, and for that, we thank you."

Winners of the Climate Protection Awards are chosen by the EPA based on the advice of an international panel of judges representing government, industry, and non-governmental organizations.

About Sun Microsystems

Sun Microsystems develops the technologies that power the global marketplace. Guided by a singular vision -- "The Network Is The Computer" -- Sun drives network participation through shared innovation, community development and open source leadership. Sun can be found in more than 100 countries and on the Web at http://sun.com.

About the U.S. EPA Climate Protection Awards

The Climate Protection Partnerships Division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees the EPA Climate Protection Awards. This award program was established in 1998 to recognize exceptional leadership, outstanding innovation, personal dedication, and technical achievements in protecting the climate.

Candidates for the Climate Protection Awards are selected from all over the world. Winners are chosen on the basis of originality and public purpose; persuasive, moral or organizational leadership; global perspective and implication; and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Actual (as opposed to anticipated) results/reductions are preferred.

Thus far, over one hundred and fifty awards have been presented to outstanding individuals, dedicated companies, forward-thinking organizations, and government institutions from eighteen countries, including Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, France, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the United States. Last year, fifteen individuals and organizations earned the award by advancing climate science, slashing energy consumption, inventing technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and inspiring others to take action. More information about past winner accomplishments is available online at www.epa.gov/cppd/climateawards.

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