Sustainability

Environmentally conscious Worksites

Environmentally conscious Worksites

Our environmentally
conscious worksites
coexist with nature

Our environmentally conscious worksites coexist with nature

All of Samsung Electronics’ worksites have obtained ISO 14001 environmental management system certification and ISO 50001 efficiency management and, as such, practice eco-management. But our endeavors for the environment do not stop at the boundaries of the worksite. Within all of our worksites, we identify environmental problems and come up with solutions. By pinpointing the root of the problem and taking preventative action throughout the entire worksite system, we ensure that these solutions are not merely temporary or “too little, too late”. Outside of the worksites, meanwhile, we are enthusiastically engaged in biodiversity conservation work with local communities to preserve the ecosystem.

We practice sustainable environmental management

In order to practice eco-management, Samsung Electronics has managed worksites based on international environment management standards.

Environmentally conscious worksites KPI

Environmental management system certification rate

Achieved

100%

by 2019

* 36 global manufacturing sites with ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001
certifications

We are constantly striving to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

There are actions that can be taken at the company level to cope with climate change. One such measure is to objectively and transparently gauge current performance and identify potential internal improvements. To this end, Samsung Electronics has been verifying its actual greenhouse gas emissions annually through a third party. In addition, based on the diagnoses of in-house examiners, we have sought ways to reduce our emissions and have continuously taken steps to improve. One of our primary focus areas to reduce greenhouse gas has been to constantly strive to lower fluorinated gas emissions, which has large impact on global warming. This has led to significant progress, particularly in our semiconductor manufacturing operations.

Accumulated fluorinated gases reduction
 status of Samsung locations in Korea

A bar graph showing Accumulated F-Gas Reduction Status of Samsung Locations in Korea and a pie graph showing 2019 Reduction of GHG Emissions. Accumulated F-Gas Reduction Status (Unit: 10,000 tons CO2eq). 374 in 2016, 561 in 2017, 750 in 2018, 938 in 2019. A bar graph showing Accumulated F-Gas Reduction Status of Samsung Locations in Korea and a pie graph showing 2019 Reduction of GHG Emissions. Accumulated F-Gas Reduction Status (Unit: 10,000 tons CO2eq). 374 in 2016, 561 in 2017, 750 in 2018, 938 in 2019.

2019 reduction of GHG emissions

Reduction of GHG Emissions. Expansion of renewable energy use; 36%. Processed F-gases treatment; 35%. Introduction of energy-efficient facilities; 12%. Manufacturing process efficiency improvement; 9%. Increase facility efficiency; 7%. Other; 0.4%. Lighting Improvement; 0.1%. Reduction of GHG Emissions. Expansion of renewable energy use; 36%. Processed F-gases treatment; 35%. Introduction of energy-efficient facilities; 12%. Manufacturing process efficiency improvement; 9%. Increase facility efficiency; 7%. Other; 0.4%. Lighting Improvement; 0.1%.

Strict management of chemical substances according to local laws and internal regulations

In order to prevent potential accidents that may arise from chemical management, we systematically manage every stage from purchase to disposal. Our employees who deal with chemicals at each of our worksites are required to perform a preliminary evaluation of the chemical prior to purchase. We register and use chemicals after they have been assessed as adequate for use. After use, chemical
wastes are disposed of safely through separate chemical waste treatment procedures.

A diagram of the 5-step process for management of chemical substances, Phase 1, Preliminary chemical evaluation system. Step 1, Preliminary chemical evaluation. Request from the relevant department, Preliminary review by experts based on material safety data sheet (MSDS), chemical warranty letters, and letters of confirmation (LOC). Deliberation on review outcomes, which results in approval for use or disapproval. Review the optimum management process by analyzing hazardousness and danger to the environment, health and safety (EHS). Step 2, Purchase. Phase 2, Inventory System. Step 3, Warehouse registration (place of use). Step 4, Use (inventory management). Step 5, Disposal. A diagram of the 5-step process for management of chemical substances, Phase 1, Preliminary chemical evaluation system. Step 1, Preliminary chemical evaluation. Request from the relevant department, Preliminary review by experts based on material safety data sheet (MSDS), chemical warranty letters, and letters of confirmation (LOC). Deliberation on review outcomes, which results in approval for use or disapproval. Review the optimum management process by analyzing hazardousness and danger to the environment, health and safety (EHS). Step 2, Purchase. Phase 2, Inventory System. Step 3, Warehouse registration (place of use). Step 4, Use (inventory management). Step 5, Disposal.

1) Preliminary review: Based on Material Safety Data Sheet
 (MSDS), chemical warranty letters, and letters of
 confirmation (LOC)

To keep the Earth healthy,
we support biodiversity
preservation initiatives

Samsung Electronics leadership and employees are taking part in activities to make a healthy ecosystem. Samsung Electronics shares the basic philosophy behind activities to conserve biodiversity, operates campaigns to promote awareness on its importance, and encourages active participation of our leadership and employees.

Samsung Electronics’ biodiversity conservation policies

Philosophy

Samsung Electronics recognizes the benefits and the importance of the ecosystem and of biodiversity.
To minimize effects detrimental to biodiversity, we actively engage in ecosystem preservation initiatives.

Action plans

  • All employees recognize the
    Preservation of bidiversity
    as
    one of eco-
    management's key
    values.

  • Assess and analyze a
    product’s
    impact on the
    ecosystem and
    biodiversity
    throughout its life
    cycle and
    strive to minimize
    any
    negative effects.

  • Prioritize regions with high
    biodiversity value across all
    worksites in Korea and abroad,
    and undertake biodiversity
    conservation activities that
    cater to local needs.

  • Continuously communicate
    with employees, local
    communities, NGOs, and other
    stakeholders and contribute to
    enhancing the biodiversity
    conservation efforts of local
    communities.

Protecting the habitats of endangered species

We have identified endangered species and their habitats in regions where our manufacturing worksites are located, and we are carrying out biodiversity conservation campaigns with relevant organizations including local communities, public institutions, and academia.

Endangered species near worksites in Korea

  • Suwon City

    • Amphibians

      1

  • Yongin City

    • Amphibians

      2

    • Insects

      1

  • Hwaseong City

    • Birds

      12

    • Amphibians

      2

    • Insects

      1

    • Plants

      2

  • Asan City

    • Birds

      5

    • Amphibians

      2

    • other

      1

  • Gwangju City

    • Mammals

      2

    • Birds

      1

    • Fish

      1

    • Insects

      1

    • Plants

      2

  • Gumi City

    • Mammals

      1

    • Birds

      1

    • Fish

      1

    • Insects

      1

    • Plants

      2

    • Other

      1

White-naped crane conservation – The restoration of Jaepyeong (Jaedurumi + Haepyeong Wetlands)

In 2013, Samsung Electronics’ worksite in Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province became the first in Korea to sign a biodiversity preservation partnership with the central and local governments and universities. Since then, we have supported the artificial insemination of two pairs of endangered white-naped cranes (Korean Natural Monument No. 203) that were brought in from the Netherlands. In April 2016, the Bird Ecological Environment Research Institute was able to successfully breed the birds. This will help to restore the ecosystem of the Haepyeong Wetlands, a habitat for migratory birds, and is a significant contribution to conserving biodiversity.

Preservation of coastal sand dunes

At our Onyang worksite in Chungcheongnam-do Province, we have been cooperating with the Geum River Basin Environmental Office since 2008 to preserve the coastal sand dunes, which are home to two endangered species, the Chinese Egret and the Mongolian Racerunner. Currently, in Boyreong City, we are supporting activities such as ocean cleaning, removing invasive alien plants and protecting the Sohwang sand dune, while in Asan we are supporting the creation of silvergrass habitats.

Eradication of foreign fish species/plants

Our Giheung and Hwaseong worksites in Gyeonggi-do Province carry out ecosystem preservation activities every year at the Osan and Woncheonri Streams, eradicating foreign species, feeding the wild animals and launching campaigns to protect the environment.