AT ST, we believe that technology has a critical role to play in addressing the environmental, social, and economic challenges facing our world today. We are committed to developing innovative technologies and products that enable the transformation of our economies and societies through digitalisation, smarter mobility, and decarbonisation.
Sustainability has been a guiding principle for us since the early 1990s. We have been transparently reporting on our progress, with our 27th annual Sustainability Report published this year.
We are committed to protecting the environment by minimising our overall footprint. In December 2020, we committed to becoming carbon neutral and to sourcing 100 % renewable energy by 2027. We are on track to achieve these commitments.
Acting responsibly across the product life cycle
Our responsibility begins with the raw materials we use. We are closely engaged with our suppliers and conduct due diligence in our supply chain. 100 percent of new material suppliers were assessed on sustainability risks last year. Our materials are sourced in compliance with the latest environmental and social guidelines. 100 percent of our products are conflict-mineral free.
We adopt an eco-design approach in product development where we carefully consider the impact of our future technologies and products on our planet’s resources. Our designers innovate to create low-carbon and power-efficient products. Our product management system tracks key indicators to encourage green designs wherever possible.
We reduce the impact of our manufacturing activities on resources and local communities, while building a resilient supply chain:
- We are committed to becoming carbon neutral on scope 1 and 2, and partially on scope 3 by 2027. In 2023 our scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions were down 45 % in absolute terms compared to 2018.
- We identify and deploy ways to reduce our electricity consumption on all ST sites. At the end of 2023 our annual energy saving since 2018 was 139 GWh.
- We are committed to tackling the challenges of water scarcity and wastewater treatment across our operations. In 2023 42 % of our water usage was recycled and reused.
- We strive for zero waste by minimising resource consumption, recycling, and implementing circular economy programs. In 2023, 96 % of waste was reused, recovered, or sent for recycling.
- We take a proactive approach to protecting biodiversity in the areas in which we operate.
We also strive to minimise the waste produced when disposing of our devices at end of life. We facilitate recycling for our customers and end users through our EcoPack program and Hazardous Substances Process Management approach. In 2023 95 percent of our products exceeded RoHS directives.
Developing technologies and products to meet sustainability challenges
We view sustainability as a question of balance. Minimising our own carbon footprint is critical, but we also focus on the positive impact of our products by developing solutions for a more sustainable society. By doing so, we enable our customers to create products that have a more positive impact on the world.
We have a comprehensive product stewardship program that aims to ensure sustainability is considered when we develop new products and technologies.
The first aspect is the concept of a “responsible product.” A product is “responsible” when it can demonstrate that it enables specific social or environmental benefits such as:
- Products that reduce power consumption
- Low carbon products that reduce the manufacturing footprint
- Green application such as renewal energy or car electrification
- Well-being applications that support health, safety or security of people
- In 2023, we identified 82 % of our new products as responsible
The second aspect is related to the benefits our products deliver during use (also referred to as the ‘handprint’ of our products). The benefits don’t just come from improved power-efficiency, but also from our focus on specific market segments that are helping to solve environmental and social challenges.
Handprint example
Our latest generation of automotive microcontrollers, Stellar, is an example of reduced energy consumption for next generation electric vehicles. A case study was conducted using the body platforms of a major manufacturer, to compare the emissions of a platform using Stellar MCUs, with a platform using current-generation MCUs.
The results showed a significant reduction in CO2 emissions for the Stellar MCU solution throughout the manufacturing and lifetime of the vehicle.
Specifically:
- The MCU device manufacturing process produces 40 % less CO2 emissions.
- Over the lifetime of the vehicle, the CO2 emissions would be 30 % lower while maintaining the same level of performance.
At ST, we are creators and makers of semiconductor technologies, devices, and solutions. We help our customers and partners address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. We are committed to carbon neutrality on scope 1 and 2 and partially scope 3 by 2027.