Google, Microsoft, Samsung Among Founding Members of Semiconductor Climate Consortium

The 65 founding members of the new Semiconductor Climate Consortium (SCC) have been announced, including Google, Intel, Microsoft, Nikon, Samsung, Schneider Electric, and Western Digital.

SEMI, the industry association serving global electronics manufacturing and design supply chain, set up the SCC as the first global collaborative of semiconductor ecosystem companies to tackle the issue of reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain.

“I applaud all Semiconductor Climate Consortium founding members for their leadership in this critical initiative and for their continued support of global sustainability efforts,” said Ajit Manocha, SEMI president and CEO.

All 65 founding members have affirmed their support for the Paris Agreement and commitment to limiting global warming to 1.5°C – any higher could result in extreme heatwaves, oceans rising, and the destruction of up to 90% of coral reefs.

“While individual companies have taken significant steps to decarbonise, the industry must band together to develop green solutions and drive toward net zero. I encourage every company across the value chain to join the SCC and contribute to this crucial mission,” added Manocha.

The Semiconductor Climate Consortium is built on three pillars and objectives:

1. Collaboration by aligning common approaches, innovation and communication that continuously improve and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Transparency through publicly reporting progress and Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions annually.
3. Ambition to set near- and long-term decarbonisation targets with the aim of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

“As a founding member of the Semiconductor Climate Consortium, Samsung Electronics will strive to incorporate environmental sustainability into our business through Collaboration, Transparency and Ambition. More so, we will continue to lead the semiconductor industry by developing technology that makes technology sustainable and drive toward climate goals,” said Claire HyunJung Seo, Corporate Vice President for DS Corporate Sustainability Management Office at Samsung Electronic

The SCC was conceptualised by companies meeting under the SEMI Sustainability Initiative, which will also continue to focus on non-climate related Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) issues.

“The commitment and support of the Semiconductor Climate Consortium founding members is truly inspiring. SCC members recognise the climate impact of the industry and the need for a heightened focus on collaboration to drive sustainable growth across the value chain. We look forward to setting meaningful sustainability goals and helping ensure a healthy environment for future generations,” said Dr. Mousumi Bhat, Vice President of Global Sustainability Programs at SEMI.

A list of the Semiconductor Climate Consortium founding members

“Climate change cannot be tackled by a single company or institution working alone. Collaboration between like-minded partners is essential to the success of climate action. I believe that through the Semiconductor Climate Consortium, we can expedite our journey towards decarbonisation and amplify the impacts of our concerted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Bangsil Lee, Vice President – Head of ESG Strategy at SK hynix.

The next phase in the development of the SCC is the election of its governing council. Representing a broad cross-section of the value chain, the council will establish the Consortium’s priorities to be carried out by member-led work groups.