Avnet takes environmental protection seriously and was among the electronics industry leaders in the European Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) directives.

Those major initiatives led to Avnet's deeper involvement in the green movement, including our current ISO practices, HAZMAT transportation program, green products portal, cardboard and paper recycling programs, environmentally friendly product packaging, interior lighting improvements and various flex time, telecommuting and carpooling options. The company has created a Green Policy and Charter, and formed a Green Council with the chief financial officer as its executive sponsor. Further, our operations and individual employees across the world have joined in hundreds of efforts to support stewardship of the earth.

Developing a green approach to managing our business is not only socially responsible, but also good business in helping us become more efficient in our use of natural resources. While there is still much to be done, our efforts are already paying off in reduced energy consumption, corporate recycling programs and heightened involvement of individual employees."                                             - Roy Vallee, Avnet chairman and CEO

# 184 In September 2009 Avnet was recognized by Newsweek magazine in its inaugural Green Rankings of the 500 largest U.S. companies. Firms were ranked based on their actual environmental performance, policies and reputation as measured by leading environmental researchers KLD Research & Analytics, Trucost, and CorporateRegister.com.