Samsung, TSMC, and Globalfoundries become members of Imec's SSTS program

Imec's Sustainable Semiconductor Technologies & Systems (SSTS) research program, which was launched in 2021, has attracted the participation of three of the world's leading semiconductor foundries, namely GlobalFoundries, Samsung, and TSMC.

The program brings together stakeholders from across the semiconductor industry, including systems companies and equipment suppliers, with the aim of minimizing the ecological impact of the IC value chain. With mounting concerns about climate change, tech firms worldwide are stepping up their efforts to achieve carbon neutrality for their products and supply chains.

The semiconductor industry is actively recognizing its pivotal role in this endeavor, considering that studies have revealed that nearly half of the carbon footprint generated by mobile devices can be traced back to chip production. Against this backdrop, the SSTS program offers detailed information on the environmental impact of choices made during the semiconductor technology's definition phase.

The SSTS program is a crucial initiative that aims to reduce the environmental impact of the semiconductor industry, which is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. By bringing together industry stakeholders, the program seeks to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly semiconductor technologies.

As part of the program, GlobalFoundries, Samsung, and TSMC will work towards reducing the carbon footprint of their semiconductor manufacturing processes. This move is essential as the semiconductor industry has a substantial impact on the environment, with a large amount of energy being consumed during the production process.

In addition to reducing carbon emissions, the SSTS program also aims to improve energy efficiency and minimize water usage. These measures are essential in promoting sustainable semiconductor technologies that will have a positive impact on the environment.

Overall, the participation of these three leading semiconductor foundries in the SSTS program is a significant step towards achieving a sustainable and environmentally friendly future for the semiconductor industry. It highlights the industry's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices.