Water

The semiconductor manufacturing process requires large quantities of water with a very high level of purity.

Tackling the challenges of water scarcity has been a fundamental part of our strategy since 1994 and our overall water footprint has been reduced by more than 70% through continuous improvement programs undertaken at all our manufacturing sites.

Evaluation of water use patterns

Each manufacturing site conducts regular, detailed analyses of how every drop of water is used in the production processes, which enables us to identify and focus on the most water-consuming or polluting production phases. ST’s Corporate Environment team also conducts product Life-Cycle Assessments to calculate the virtual water content of our products throughout their whole life cycle.

3R approach : Reduce, Recycle, Reuse

ST sites are designed to support the reduce, recycle and reuse approach. Based on each site’s own assessments, specific measures are taken to further reduce consumption and increase recycling rates, mainly through the upgrade of manufacturing equipment and processes.

Collaborating with local communities

Our sites work closely with local stakeholders to reduce their water extraction and consumption, and to ensure a sustainable approach that takes into account the needs of a wide range of community stakeholders. This is documented in our manufacturing sites’ EMAS Environmental Statements, available on request from each site.

Our commitments and programs related to Water contribute to:

• SDG target 6.4 - Substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.
• SDG target 8.4 - Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production.