Acting now for a sustainable, low-carbon future
Climate change, resulting at least in part from a surge in the use of fossil fuels and the global warming it has caused, is a serious problem that affects the entire world. Samsung Electronics has acknowledged the reality of the crisis and is therefore continuing efforts on multiple fronts. These include developing highly energy-efficient products, installing equipment with minimum greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and harnessing new and renewable energy.
Climate Change KPI
We are focused on responding to the climate change crisis
In particular, environmental safety guidelines have been established and are being followed with regard to environmental issues that are highly relevant to Samsung Electronics, and we are also managing climate change risks based on our “Environmental management system” and “Energy management system.”
We are expanding our emissions management at all levels
Problem solving requires accurate information. To precisely measure and manage our greenhouse gas emissions, we have categorised them into three scopes which are defined by the GHG Protocol based on their proximity to business and operation. Locating the exact point of emission at each level is the basis for managing greenhouse gases in the optimal way. Scope 1 refers to greenhouse gases emitted when products are manufactured at Samsung Electronics’ worksites, while Scope 2 indirect emissions are associated with worksites’ energy purchases to generate electricity and steam. Scope 3 covers non-worksite emissions, such as those from logistics activities, business trips, our supply chain, and the use of our products. We use this analysis to systematically manage all emissions, whether direct or indirect, from our worksites, use of products and our suppliers.
Scope 2(Indirect emissions from electricity)
· Monthly analysis of global worksite emissions based on GHG management system
· Installed F-Gas treatment equipment in semiconductor processing, with a decomposition rate of 90% and higher
· Installed high-efficiency equipment and converted indoor lighting to LED at global worksites
∙ Execute greenhouse gas reduction projects to improve energy efficiency in logistics.
∙ Discover greenhouse gas reduction projects through on-site support for major vendors.
∙ Increase the use of video conferencing and reduce the number of international business trips.
We use advanced technology to improve energy efficiency
With its advanced product technologies, Samsung Electronics is evolving as we seek to enable a more environmentally responsible and convenient way of life. To achieve this goal, Samsung operates companywide eco- consulting group meetings twice a year. Through these meetings, Samsung shares information about environmental requirements and the development of innovative technologies among environmental experts of business divisions, and researches energy-saving technologies to develop products with high energy efficiency. In 2019, we reduced annual energy consumption by 42% compared to 2008 by adopting highly-efficient compressors for refrigerators and highly-efficient heat exchangers for air conditioners.
Samsung Electronics pursues energy efficiency not only through our products but also through our facilities used at all worksites. We introduced monitoring system and active control environment based on IoT in the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems of Yeongdeok Training Center in Korea and the worksite in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. By utilizing the IoT technology, we also developed energy-saving algorithm that factors in outdoor climate conditions, HVAC load, and device capacity, enabling optimum operational control of the infrastructure equipment. As a result, Samsung Electronics in Ho Chi Minh City was able to reduce energy consumption by 12.4%. The technology is scheduled to be applied at our worksites in Korea, the United States, and Southeast Asia.
At Samsung Electronics, we are constantly expanding the use of renewable energy.
In 2018, Samsung Electronics declared to transition to 100% renewable energy in all our worksites in the United States, Europe, and China by 2020. In addition, to expand the use of renewable energy in Korea, we promised to install photovoltaic and geothermal power generation facilities in newly constructed worksites as well as parking lots and rooftops of existing worksites located in Suwon, Hwaseong, and Pyeongtaek. To this end, we set up and have been following execution plans tailored to each region: in India, we signed power supply contracts with wind and photovoltaic power plants; in Brazil, certain portion of the power supplied by the utility company is renewable energy; and the Mexican worksite purchased renewable energy certificates. As a result, as of 2019 92% of the power used in the United States, Europe, and China are renewable energy. Samsung Electronics will continue to expand the use of renewable energy in areas where renewable energy can be secured.
We are carrying out projects to respond to global climate change.
Samsung Electronics is carrying out projects not only to reduce global carbon emissions but also to contribute to creating a better environment.
Around 80% of the population in Mombasa, Kenya, use charcoal as fuel because of insufficient power supply. Harmful substances are produced when charcoal is burned, and these substances have caused the premature death rate to increase among Kenyan residents. Furthermore, the excess use of charcoal is exacerbating air pollution and accelerating deforestation.
To solve this issue, Samsung Electronics stepped forward. As part of its measures against climate change, we cooperated with Green Development and found ways to help Mombasa residents lead their lives in a healthier environment. Considering the fact that bio ethanol can be obtained at a low cost as there are relatively more sugar refineries in Kenya, Samsung Electronics invested one million euro to distribute cook stoves fueled by bio ethanol to Mombasa residents. As bio ethanol has a heat efficiency six-fold that of charcoal, this resulted in a dual effect of reducing the emission of harmful substances while ensuring its safe use in households. By distributing cook stoves, Samsung Electronics was able to contribute to a healthier and safer lifestyle of Mombasa residents as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Together with Green Development, Samsung Electronics will continue its efforts to vitalize the regional economy and improve the environment by delivering education on the procurement, production, and sale of cook stoves and bio ethanol to the residents.
