Semiconductor manufacturer, Intel, has unveiled its Climate Transition Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its global operations by 2050.
The plan expands on the company’s existing net zero goal for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, set in 2022, to include upstream Scope 3 emissions. It also offers further details on its roadmap for achieving these goals.
The chipmaker outlined a three-pronged approach that encompasses ‘supply chain sustainability initiatives’, ‘innovative solutions for a sustainable future’, and a ‘commitment to transparency and collaboration’.
Scope 1 & 2
A key component of this strategy lies in a transition to 100% renewable electricity, which is projected to slash emissions by 23% compared to 2019 levels. Intel has already made significant strides in this direction, securing 93% of its global electricity demand from renewable sources in 2022, while simultaneously reducing Scope 2 (purchased energy) emissions by over 47% since 2019.
Beyond the transition to renewables, Intel’s decarbonisation plan includes energy efficiency measures to its “process tools and facilities equipment,” and the replacement of fossil fuel-based assets with cleaner alternatives. These efforts are expected to contribute an additional 23% reduction in emissions.
The chipmaker is also committed to eliminating fluorinated greenhouse gases and N2O from its chemical processes, a move anticipated to further reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 31%.
For the remaining 23% of Scope 1 and 2 emissions, carbon offsetting will only be considered as a last resort, after all other reduction strategies have been fully explored.
Scope 3
Intel, like many large corporations, generates the majority (94%) of its greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from activities beyond its direct control (Scope 3). These emissions arise from both its supply chain (upstream) and the energy consumption of its products during use (downstream).
To address downstream emissions, Intel is prioritising energy efficiency in its products. The company aims to achieve a tenfold increase in energy efficiency for both its client and server microprocessors by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. Both initiatives are currently on track according to the plan.
Intel has set a goal of achieving net zero emissions from its suppliers by 2050, with an interim target of reducing these emissions by 30% from 2019 levels by 2030, to tackle upstream emissions.
The manufacturer claims to have effectively reduced its environmental and climate footprint by utilising information from its suppliers’ CDP Climate Change Questionnaire and collaborating closely with them. Suppliers who want to achieve full Intel supplier report card credit are required to comply with Intel’s climate-related reporting requests.
Alongside requesting climate-related disclosures, Intel has implemented sustainability-linked incentives and organised collaborative events to further strengthen its sustainability efforts, going beyond.
