Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22 and mobilizes more than a billion people who will use this day as inspiration to demand change in the environmental protection of our planet.
At onsemi, we are a part of the billion-plus people that advocate for our environment and recognize not only our impact on it but also our ability to drive positive change. We are continuously improving our operational footprint with more sustainable practices and have a goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Our cutting-edge technologies power sustainable products such as electric vehicles and solar panels. Finally, our efforts to mobilize our workforce as a multiplier for good in our communities enhance the way we make a positive impact.
Recently, we committed to setting a near-term science-based target through the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi). Climate goals in line with SBTi align with the latest science on how global temperatures can be limited to 1.5°C above pre-industrial temperatures, a critical threshold to avoid catastrophic impacts from climate change. Science Based Targets (SBTs) provide a clearly defined pathway for companies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, focusing on deep decarbonization (elimination of carbon dioxide emissions from processes such as manufacturing) of current business processes and decoupling business and revenue growth from increased emissions in the future.
Additionally, the recent relocation of our company headquarters demonstrates our devotion to sustainability, supporting onsemi’s journey to net-zero emissions. Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, our new headquarters building received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Interior Design and Construction (LEED ID+C) Gold certification in 2019 and is anticipated to reduce our annual headquarters energy consumption by about 78%, corresponding to a reduction of 5,400 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year. This is equal to removing 1,170 gasoline-powered cars from the road or providing electricity to 1,057 homes for an entire year.
onsemi is focused on innovation to create intelligent power and sensing technologies that solve the most challenging customer problems. We have components in products that enable the transition to renewable power, including electric vehicles (EVs), charging stations and solar inverters, which convert electricity generated by solar panels into a form of electrical energy that our electrical grids can use. Silicon carbide (SiC), one of our key technologies, is utilized to meet the applications’ needs for higher power demand and lower power losses, helping increase performance and EV range by 5%. SiC products improve system efficiency through reduced power losses in many applications.
Just as the Earth Day movement relies on the support and actions of people worldwide, we encourage our global workforce to contribute to our local communities through our philanthropy program Giving Now. For every donation made to an eligible cause by an employee, onsemi matches that amount and donates $10 for every hour an employee volunteers. In honor of this year’s EARTHDAY.ORG theme, “Invest in our planet,” anyone can donate to our global fundraiser to support an organization that is working diligently for the planet’s well-being.
Earth Day is not just a day on the calendar; it is an international movement with a fascinating history. We hope to see you celebrating Earth Day in whatever ways best fit your interests. By working together and taking the initiative to protect our planet today, we will create a better tomorrow.
To learn more about Earth Day, visit earthday.org.
