Samsung Electronics apart from the new product and services launch conducts various CSR activities from time to time. One of the same is announced by Samsung Electronics today which is said to be a new environment strategy. This is an extensive initiative to join global efforts to tackle climate change.
The main motive of the new environmental strategy are as follows:
- Commitments to achieve enterprise-wide net zero carbon emissions
- Plans to use more renewable energy
- To invest in and research new technologies to develop energy-efficient products
- Increase water reuse and develop carbon capture technology.
To go forward with this initiative, Samsung Electronics has also joined RE100, which is basically a global effort to opt for 100 per cent renewable energy. And as committed, the South Korean giant plans to recognise all electronic needs of all international markets where it operates presently. The power needs outside of Korea with renewable energy within five years.
The new plan is intended to build with a focus on existing climate efforts. And this substantially enlarges the scope of its program as well as investment. Simultaneously it develops the new techs and implements the same practices to enable a brighter future for everyone.
“The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time. The consequences of inaction are unimaginable and require the contribution of every one of us, including businesses and governments,” said Jong-Hee Han, Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics. “Samsung is responding to the threats of climate change with a comprehensive plan that includes reducing emissions, new sustainability practices and the development of innovative technologies and products that are better for our planet.”
To analyse the needs for various innovative approaches and efforts for environmental sustainability. Samsung electronics will invest over KRW 7 trillion in its environmental initiatives by 2030. And it includes the following:
- Reducing process gases,
- Conserving water,
- Expanding electronic waste collection and
- Reducing pollutants
Net Zero Direct and Indirect Carbon Emissions by 2050
Achieve Net zero direct and indirect carbon emissions are one of the main goals to achieve for Samsung electronics by 2050. And the same goal is achieved with its DX Division by 2030. And by doing this, it could expect to reduce the equivalent of about 17 million tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e) emissions based on 2021 figures.
To drive these efforts with higher frequency, Samsung Electronics will invest majorly and greatly in innovative technologies for treatment facilities, especially those that reduce carbon emissions. At the same time, the company is majorly involved in developing new facilities to reduce process gases to a great extent. And this is basically a byproduct of semiconductor manufacturing. Whereas concurrently install treatment plants on its semiconductor manufacturing lines by 2030. Simultaneously, it will progressively expand waste heat utilization facilities.
Ultra-Low Power Products and Resource Circularity
To be a part of Samsung Electronics, they pledge to a healthier planet. It includes that ensures its products are energy efficient and consume less electricity. Whereas also ensure that the entire product lifecycle is more sustainable, with respect to raw material sourcing to disposal and recycling.
Ultra-Low Power Semiconductors and Energy-Efficient Electronics Products
Concurrently, Samsung Electronics also plans to route towards new low-power technologies to reduce energy consumption in everyday consumer electronics products. And it includes the development of new ultra-low power memory chips. Hence, aim to significantly reduce the annual power consumption of memory products used in data centres and mobile devices by 2025 as compared to current products.
At the same time, the company will also use to implement low-power technologies in major models of seven consumer electronics products. It includes smartphones, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, TVs, monitors and PCs. This has been aiming to lower the power consumption level by 30 per cent by 2030.
Maximizing Resource Circularity Across the Entire Product Lifecycle
Another great take for making the environment a better place to live is the maximising efforts of resource circularity of electronics over the entire lifecycle of a product. Whereas it also includes raw material sourcing to disposal and recycling. Also ensuring that each of its resources is used with as little impact on the environment as possible.
This also aims to have 50 per cent of plastic in its products by 2030. It encourages the use of recycled resin which is a material made from recycled plastic, such as water and beverage bottles and various packaging. One of the finest examples is the Galaxy Z Fold4, which has already been designed to incorporate plastics recycled from discarded fishing nets. The success seen here will soon be expanded to additional products as well.
Water Conservation and Pollutant Treatment Measures
As a part of the new environmental strategy, here it Samsung Electronics also plans to maximise resource efficiency. Whereas with the expansion of the domestic semiconductor manufacturing capacity. the routine water withdrawal needs from Samsung Electronics semiconductor operations in Korea are projected to double from current levels by 2030. Although the company is committing to maximising water reuse.
Parallelly, the DS Division’s goal is to apply new techs that help to reduce air as well as water pollutants. That is emitted while the semiconductor manufacturing processes. So treat them before being discharged to reduce their impact on the environment.
Invest in and Develop Innovative Technologies for a Sustainable Future
It also intended to apply the company’s leading technology in order to address global climate challenges. Specifically, the company will focus on developing carbon capture as well as the utilization technologies of the same. It helps to reduce carbon emissions and clean air technologies.
Apart from this, Samsung Electronics plans to identify and parallelly invest in startups that support the latest green technologies. Additionally, it fosters ideas and supports projects that tackle climate change through its C-Lab.
Accountability and Tracking Progress
Now in order to ensure accountability, Samsung Electronics will make their efforts in order to be objectively verified by designated organisations. And hence its performance will be assessed via participation in the Samsung Institute of EHS Strategy’s certification system. While it has been verified by a Carbon Reduction Verification Committee that includes third-party experts.
Now to propel all of the efforts, the company has developed implementation roadmaps for each environmental goal. It includes the net zero and circular economy targets. Also, track the progress and simultaneously ensure robust implementation through the Sustainability Council, chaired by the CEO, and the Sustainability Committee, consisting of outside directors.
