Semiconductor companies commonly disclose emissions, but lack net-zero targets

New regulations, such as the European Union’s (EU’s) Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CRSD) and the California Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act, are requiring major semiconductor companies to increase the transparency of their environmental reporting.¹ These regulations are in addition to an increasing number of laws in Asia, the EU and the USA that are designed to restrict the use of harmful chemicals such as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are integral to chip manufacturing processes. These new regulations coincide with industry pressure to boost production, creating an urgent need for semiconductor companies to balance increased output with environmental stewardship.

To highlight the progress that semiconductor companies are taking to improve their sustainability and environmental data reporting, Analysys Mason publishes an Environmental KPI tracker covering the top global semiconductor companies by revenue (including fabless companies, foundries and integrated device manufacturers). The tracker contains data on semiconductor companies’ energy consumption, emissions, waste production and water consumption between 2018 and 2023. 

According to the tracker, progress is mixed. Many semiconductor companies recognise the importance of addressing emissions along the entire value chain, not just within their direct operations. However, many of them are still in the early stages of renewable energy use and are yet to commit to comprehensive net-zero targets.