STMicroelectronics is one of the world’s leading semiconductor companies. Since 1987, ST designs and manufactures semiconductor products, empowering all businesses across the globe. As an independent device manufacturer with a strong sustainability culture, ST is the world first semiconductor company committed to become carbon neutral by 2027.

Rajita D’Souza shares how the semiconductor industry contributes to build a better future for all.

Q: How is ST taking the lead on sustainability in the semiconductor industry?

The semiconductor industry works behind the scenes, powering almost everything in our modern lives. Hence, ST plays an essential role in building a more sustainable way of living. Sustainability isn’t a whole new story for us — we created our first environmental policy in 1993 and released our first environmental report in 1997. In addition to protecting the environment, ST constantly aims to improve its social and economic impact. Putting people first and creating long-term value for our 200,000 customers and the local communities where we operate are equally important.

Q: How does ST’s technology help to create a sustainable world?

We innovate to support the transition of society to a more sustainable approach with low-carbon and energy-efficient products. From materials, design to manufacturing, ST masters the entire semiconductor value chain. In contrast to pure semiconductor foundries, this business model gives us the ability to act rapidly on all fronts. In 2021, 37% of our sales came from products that help cut greenhouse gas emissions across the product lifecycle according to the Euro pean taxonomy standard, and 69% of ST new products were labeled as responsible.

As a leader in sensing & radiofrequency solutions, ST regularly releases advanced products to enable smart manufacturing, prioritizing people’s safety at work while increasing the industry overall performance.

Q: What are ST’s key people-related initiatives and recent highlights?

In addition to its net-zero target, ST creates a workplace that reflects the world’s rich diversity. As a global company operating in more than 35 countries, we offer a diverse working environment with 115 nationalities working together as one team. In 2021, 83% of our employees said that they would recommend ST as a great place to work.

The semiconductor has a long history of being an industry with mostly men. In 2021, women represented 34% of our global workforce. While most tech companies hire around 25% of women, there is still work to be done in this area. But change takes time. To fast-track equity and inclusion and empower the communities in which we operate, ST launched the “STEM your way program in 2003. Sharing with young people — especially young girls — our passion for science and electronics, ST experts deliver more than 300 STEM sessions annually. So far, more than 70,000 young people benefited from this program.

Q: What are ST key environment-related programs and recent progress you would like to highlight?

We announced end of 2020 our intention to become carbon neutral by 2027. This includes all direct emissions, but also indirect ones from the energy we use, and all transportation emissions. In 2021, our greenhouse gas emissions dropped by 34% compared to 2018 in absolute terms — a feat considering the company increased its manufacturing capacities during this period.

To reach carbon neutrality, ST taps into renewable energies with a combination of on-site solar and wind power installations as well as long-term agreements with renewable power providers. To minimize the carbon footprint of our Singapore-based largest “fab”, ST is investing $370 million in a district cooling system that will distribute chilled water through pipes to cool down the facility, replacing hundreds of energy-intensive air conditioning systems.

This project should help save 120,000 tons of carbon emissions annually. On the production side, another challenge is water. In 2021, ST reduced its water consumption by 16% per unit of production compared to last year.

Q: What is important in promoting sustainability initiatives?

We are living in a period of change, with a new energy landscape. Today’s complex economic, social, and political dynamics require constant attention and extraordinary responsiveness.

To address the chip shortage and accelerate the transition, ST, together with its partners, is bolstering production across the globe with two additional semiconductor “fabs” to be built in Europe next year. We are also planning to expand in Asia.

Q: What is your experience around sustainability?

At ST, sustainability is not just a project, it’s a way of life. With more than 25 years of experience in HR and Corporate Social
Responsibility, I have spent most of my career trying to protect the health and safety of workers, and build work environments where diversity is embraced, encouraged, and celebrated. I firmly believe that effective communication is key to create a collective mindset around sustainability.

 

Contributed by:

Rajita D’Souza
President of Human Resources & Corporate Social Responsibility