Technology companies have both a strong global reach and impact on people, hence they have a great opportunity to lead the way by incorporating sustainability into their core philosophy to fulfil both their environmental duties as well as to gain an advantage. The emphasis on sustainability not only has a positive impact on the planet but also presents a huge economic opportunity. That’s why sustainability has, in recent years, emerged at the top of the corporate agenda, with both clients and employees choosing to partner with companies that have prioritised it. Paying attention to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns is critical for all organisations across all industries. And the technology sector is no different. Samsung Electronics recently announced its new environmental strategy, a comprehensive effort to join global efforts to tackle climate change. It includes commitments to achieve enterprise-wide net zero carbon emissions and plans to use more renewable energy, as well as to invest in and research new technologies to develop energy-efficient products, increase water reuse, and develop carbon capture technology. At the heart of the new commitment is achieving net zero carbon emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2) for all operations in the Device Experience (DX) Division by 2030, and across all global operations, including the Device Solutions (DS) Division, by 2050. The DX Division encompasses the company’s consumer electronics businesses, including Mobile Experience, Visual Display, Digital Appliances, Networks, and Health and Medical Equipment, while the DS Division includes the Memory, System LSI, and Foundry businesses. Samsung Electronics has also joined RE100, a global initiative dedicated to pursuing 100% renewable energy. As part of this commitment, the company plans to match the electric power needs of all international markets where it operates, outside of Korea, with renewable energy within five years. The new plan builds on Samsung Electronics’ existing climate efforts, significantly expanding the scope of its programmes and investments. Samsung will develop new technologies and implement further sustainable practices to enable a brighter future for all. Samsung Electronics’ environmental commitment also encompasses an enterprise-wide effort to enhance resource circularity throughout the entire product lifecycle, from raw material sourcing to recycling and disposal. The plan also details investments in new technologies to reduce emissions from process gases as well as to reduce power consumption in consumer products. The company also plans to explore carbon capture and utilisation technologies and tackle harmful airborne particulate matter.   Net zero direct and indirect carbon emissions by 2050   Samsung Electronics plans to achieve net zero direct and indirect carbon emissions by 2050. By reaching net zero direct and indirect carbon emissions, Samsung Electronics expects to reduce the equivalent of about 17 million tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e) emissions based on 2021 figures. To propel these efforts, Samsung Electronics will invest heavily in innovative technologies for treatment facilities that reduce carbon emissions. The company plans to develop new technologies to significantly reduce process gases – a byproduct of semiconductor manufacturing – and install treatment facilities on its semiconductor manufacturing lines by 2030. Samsung Electronics will continue to expand waste heat utilisation facilities and consider introducing electric heat sources to reduce LNG boiler usage.   Ultra-low power products and resource circularity   Part of Samsung Electronics’ pledge for a healthier planet includes ensuring its products are energy-efficient and use less electricity, while also ensuring that the entire product lifecycle is more sustainable, from raw material sourcing to disposal and recycling.   Ultra-low power semiconductors and energy-efficient electronics products   Samsung Electronics plans to tap new low-power technologies to reduce energy consumption in everyday consumer electronics. This includes the development of new ultra-low power memory chips that aim to significantly reduce the annual power consumption of memory products used in data centres and mobile devices by 2025 compared to current products. The company will also implement low-power technologies in major models of seven consumer electronics products – smartphones, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, TVs, monitors, and PCs – to lower power consumption levels by an average of 30% in 2030 compared to products with the same specifications in 2019.   Maximising resource circularity across the entire product lifecycle   Samsung Electronics will double down on efforts to improve the resource circularity of electronics over the entire lifecycle of a product, from raw material sourcing to disposal and recycling, ensuring that every resource is used with as little impact on the environment as possible. This all starts with reassessing the use of natural resources in product development. Samsung Electronics has created a new Circular Economy Lab to conduct comprehensive research on material recycling technologies and resource extraction processes from waste to apply these technologies to maximise resource circularity. In addition, Samsung Electronics plans to establish a system by 2030 in which minerals extracted from all collected waste batteries can be reused. To address sustainability after product use, Samsung Electronics plans to expand the scope of its electronic waste collection system from approximately 50 countries to about 180 countries by 2030. Through this, the company plans to collect a cumulative 10 million tonnes of electronic waste between 2009 and 2030, the highest target in the industry and a cumulative 25 million tonnes by 2050. Samsung Electronics will also actively promote an upcycling programme that collects used smartphones and reuses them for other purposes such as IoT devices.   Water conservation and pollutant treatment measures   Samsung Electronics also plans to maximise water resource efficiency. As domestic semiconductor manufacturing capacity expands, the daily water withdrawal needs from Samsung Electronics’ semiconductor operations in Korea are projected to double from current levels by 2030. However, the company is committing to maximising water reuse, therefore keeping actual water withdrawals to 2021 levels.   Accountability and tracking progress   To ensure accountability, Samsung Electronics will have its efforts objectively verified by designated organisations. Its performance will be assessed via participation in the Samsung Institute of EHS Strategy’s certification system and verified by a Carbon Reduction Verification Committee that includes third-party experts. The company has developed implementation roadmaps for each environmental goal, including the net zero and circular economy targets, and will track progress and ensure robust implementation through the Sustainability Council, chaired by the CEO, and the Sustainability Committee, consisting of outside directors. Samsung’s recent newsletter also revealed its plans to control its carbon emissions and assured its commitment to achieve net zero by 2050. It also showed how Galaxy is aiding a group of Bolivian women who are encouraging skating in their country. Through such moves, Samsung hopes to inspire more brands and environmental strategies.