Leading the Way on Climate Protection

by David Isaacs, Vice President, Government Affairs

In 1998 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized the World Semiconductor Council (WSC) as part of its first Climate Protection Award, in recognition of the semiconductor industry’s efforts to commit to significant reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases used in the semiconductor manufacturing process.  Over the past decade numerous SIA member companies have received this award.

EPA, in partnership with several public interest groups, has now created a new award, the Climate Leadership Award, and again the semiconductor industry is leading the way.  An SIA member company, Intel Corp., has been selected for its Excellence in GHG Management Goal Achievement.

Semiconductors are one of the most advanced technologies in the world, and the manufacturing process requires the use of small amounts of certain chemicals and gases (perfluorocarbons or PFCs) that have been categorized as greenhouse gases.  These substances are essential to the manufacturing process, but the industry has made great strides in reducing emissions of these gases.  Under the umbrella of the WSC, the global industry has exceeded its initial 10 percent reduction goal for PFC emissions and achieved a 32 percent over a ten year period.  Additionally, the industry has set a new ten-year goal to implement state-of-the-art practices at all new semiconductor fabrication facilities, operated by members of the WSC, which is expected to result in a 30 percent reduction in normalized emissions by 2020.

Congratulations to Intel Corporation on their recognition in EPA’s Climate Leadership Awards.  We are hopeful that more SIA members will be recognized in the future for their ongoing work and environmental stewardship.

To learn more about Intel’s environmental programs visit download.intel.com/intel/environment/320738.pdf. For more information on EPA’s Climate Leadership Awards visit http://www.epa.gov/climateleaders/awards/index.html