Image Source: PexelsSemiconductor giant Intel (INTC) announced the release of its Climate Transition Action Plan, outlining the company’s strategy to reduce its climate footprint and meet its emissions reduction goals, with a new commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in its upstream value chain by 2050, including planned actions to request suppliers to set their own net zero goals.The new commitment adds to a series of climate goals announced by Intel last year, which included targets to achieve net zero emissions across its global operations by 2040, and to drive its supply chain emissions to at least 30% lower by 2030 than they would be in the absence of investment and action, in addition to other 2030 commitments to reach 100% renewable electricity use across its global operations, and to invest $300 million in energy conservation at its facilities.Scope 3 emissions represents the substantial bulk – nearly 94% – of Intel’s carbon footprint, according to the company’s most recent Corporate Responsibility Report, with approximately 24% from upstream activities, mostly originating in the company’s supply chain.The Climate Transition Action Plan set out a series of actions planned by the company to achieve its goals. Near-term actions targeting emissions reductions in its upstream value chain include requesting suppliers to set 100% renewable energy and net zero targets, and to develop project roadmaps to achieve their goals, in addition to partnering with other companies in the semiconductor value chain on initiatives to advance the switch to renewable energy.Downstream activities, primarily from product use, represent the most significant source of Intel’s emissions, at around 70%. Actions outlined in the plan to address these emissions included achieving 10x energy efficiency improvements for client and server microprocessors by 2030, reducing the carbon footprint of platform reference designs for future client form factors by 30% or more, and enabling more grid renewable electricity by offering smart grid technology solutions.In a statement accompanying the Climate Action Plan, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger said:
“We are proud to lead the semiconductor industry in sustainable manufacturing and innovations in energy efficiency, but we do not underestimate the challenges ahead. We push forward with our purpose at the heart of everything we do — creating world-changing technology that improves the life of every person on the planet. This includes leaving our world a better place for generations yet to come.”
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