Infineon on the Way to CO₂ Neutrality
Author: Anna Rhiem | Public Affairs Expert | Infineon Technologies AG
Climate change is a global challenge
The impact of changing climate conditions threatens regional ecosystems and presents those dependent on them with major challenges. The only way to master the climate change is when all stakeholders in our society act jointly, decisively and courageously. Decision-making by nations, companies and consumers has to take an increasing number of social, ecological and economic aspects into consideration. Comprehensive climate protection and sustainable action will be decisive for success.
Semiconductor solutions from Infineon promote sustainability and energy efficiency
New resource-efficient and low-emission technologies are vital to increased sustainability and the solution of climate-related challenges. “Making more out of less” is precisely the Infineon approach when it comes to helping better solve today‘s challenges and actively creating a better future. Semiconductors from Infineon play a key role in e-mobility, renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. They support greener forms of transportation and make it possible to more efficiently generate, transmit, store and use electric energy.
We also take sustainability and reduction of emissions very seriously in the manufacture of our products. For each square centimeter of wafer area we process, Infineon requires 32 percent less water, 52 percent less electricity and generates 65 percent less waste than the global average of the semiconductor companies organized in the World Semiconductor Council.
In the years to come Infineon will continue to drive sustainable global development with products that are energy-efficient and save resources, as well as with binding goals on the reduction of CO₂ emissions. As a company, we accept social responsibility and help apply the possibilities of the digital transformation in the interest of people.
Infineon to become CO₂ neutral by 2030
Infineon is already making a valuable contribution to climate protection today. However, we know: we can do even better. This is why we as a company defined binding reduction targets in 2020 for the first time. Infineon will be CO₂-neutral by 2030. This goal applies to Infineon‘s own greenhouse gas footprint and includes not only direct emissions, but also indirect emissions tied to electricity and heat. By as early as 2025, the following measures are to achieve a 70 percent reduction in emissions compared to 2019:
- Continue and improve voluntary measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by exhaust air purification
- Continue improvement of energy efficiency and migrate to the most modern process technologies in manufacturing
- Switch to 100 percent green electricity with guarantees of origin in the medium-term
- Promote electromobility by expanding the charging infrastructures at our sites
- Purchase CO₂ certificates (for emissions which cannot be viably avoided) with a high quality standard, in support of projects with ecological and social benefits
Infineon creates considerable ecological value
Semiconductors are an indispensable part of both today’s technologies and those of tomorrow. They are at the core of e-mobility, generation of electricity from renewable sources, automated factories and Smart City and Smart Home concepts. Here semiconductor products and solutions from Infineon support the intelligent and efficient use of energy, substantially contributing to the improvement of our society’s ecological footprint.
E-Mobility: Power modules increase electrified vehicle ranges
In electrified automobiles Infineon’s HybridPACK™ family of power modules play an important role as the connection between the battery system and powertrain. They convert the battery’s direct current into the alternating current that drives the electric motor. They also convert the alternating current recuperated when braking into direct current, which charges the vehicle’s battery. Reducing the energy losses in these processes enables both longer ranges and smaller batteries.
Smart City: Sensors bring efficiency and intelligence to Smart Buildings
Smart Buildings are another example of the efficient energy use in an urban environment. In modern buildings, Infineon’s XENSIV™ sensor portfolio makes it possible to capture precise data on how buildings are used, resulting in energy savings. Presence sensors such as radar can for example determine the presence and number of people in a given space and automatically adjust lighting, ventilation and room temperature accordingly. With intelligent networking and automation, people’s comfort can increase while improving energy efficiency at the same time.
Regulatory measures for sustainable and climate-friendly economic policies:
- Promote energy-efficient products and establish lead markets for innovative, green technologies
- Enable technologically neutral research and development in pursuit of the most efficient solutions for emissions reduction
- Implement a stricter and more coherent CO₂ pricing system (e.g. tradable emission certificates)
- Create reliable relief regulations and safe investment conditions to safeguard the global competitive strength of climate-friendly companies
- Accelerate the digitalization of industry and the use of artificial intelligence to quickly leverage untapped energy efficiency potentials.
About the Author
Anna Rhiem is Public Affairs Expert at Infineon Technologies AG. She is responsible for regional and global policy topics including energy efficiency and climate neutrality as well as strategic security issues. Before joining Infineon in 2019, Anna Rhiem served as policy analyst for different federal ministries in Berlin. She holds a Master’s degree in Security Studies from the University of Hamburg, Germany.
