While Micron’s low-power devices support sustainability and climate change initiatives in our customers’ supply chains, our manufacturing process remains an energy- and emissions-intensive one.
We set a year-over-year energy reduction goal in 2016 and transitioned to a multiyear goal in 2017 to achieve at least 10% energy savings (measured in kilowatt hours [KWh] saved compared to 2016 baseline year energy use) by 2022. Consolidated savings projects implemented since 2016 have achieved a 5% savings compared to energy use in 2016. Overall, our 2018 energy consumption worldwide was 7,951,216 megawatt hours (MWh), including all manufacturing sites.
Micron is making progress in energy savings by focusing on the areas where our potential for impact is greatest, such as new buildings. We consider sustainable building attributes, such as Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED), the world’s top rating system for green buildings, as part of design. Our newest fabrication building, back-end operation and design center have each achieved LEED status.
Micron’s 2018 Fab 10 expansion in Singapore recently earned LEED Gold status. The 255,000-square-foot fab earned the distinction due to its design and construction using strategies to save energy, conserve water and improve indoor air quality. For example, photochromatic glass on the building’s exterior automatically darkens in sunlight, reducing the energy required for heating and cooling. Rooftop rainwater harvesting tanks and a system for recycling process water decrease the building’s water needs. As a result, this expansion is 30% more energy- and water-efficient than standard fabs. In addition to LEED Gold, the facility received the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award, Singapore’s highest honor for sustainable design.
Micron’s Taiwan Backend (MTB) also recently earned LEED Gold status. The project has a total of 804,523 gross square feet, including five stories above ground and three stories underground. The project has reduced potable water use by 38% by installing low-flow water fixtures and an advanced water supply system. The facility also reduced energy costs by 19%, reused 94% of the existing structural elements, diverted 80% of construction waste generated on site from landfills and used recycled content for 23% of building materials.
Our site in Vimercate, Italy, has been certified LEED Platinum, the highest certification level achievable. Innovations incorporated into this building include photocatalytic precast concrete panels that abate pollutants, volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides; reduced water demand with features that increase water recharge to local aquifers; LED lighting in office areas; and carbon dioxide sensors in meeting rooms that adjust air flow and lighting based on usage.
Micron began climate risk assessment and science-based target scenario work with third-party firms to gain insight into the climate-related risks and opportunities we face in our operations and supply chains.
Our approach to GHG management begins with collecting, analyzing and reporting data specific to these emissions. We report on GHG emissions through CDP, formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project. CDP is the primary international organization enabling standardized environmental data reporting on GHG emissions and other environmental criteria for companies, cities, states and regions. In 2018, we continued to improve our efforts and disclosures and received scores of B- on CDP’s climate and water security lists. Also in 2018, Micron began climate risk assessment and science-based target scenario work with third-party firms to gain better insight into the climate-related risks and opportunities we face in our operations and supply chains and to explore ways to reduce energy use and associated GHG emissions. We expect to integrate findings from these assessments into our efforts in 2019.
The semiconductor industry is working to reduce emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-GHG), a potent source of emissions that result from manufacturing processes. Despite years of research into alternatives for F-GHG, no suitable substitutes currently exist. We do, however, focus on reduction of F-GHG emissions through point-of-use abatement and demonstrate more than a 75% reduction of F-GHG emissions to achieve the IEEE P1680.1 Standard for Environmental and Social Responsibility Assessment.
Micron also focuses on reducing our emissions through upgrades to building controls and HVAC systems, installation of light sensors, replacement of aging equipment, and installation of solar panels that will reduce grid power demand for an administrative building in Singapore.