SDG 12: responsible production and consumption

How it guides our research

As we’re evolving from a linear to a circular economy, the full environmental impact of what we produce and consume must be taken into account. Methodologies such as life cycle assessment (LCA) and ecodesign become essential to ensure that materials are preserved throughout the lifecycle and that technologies and products are designed with circularity in mind.

A few examples of how imec’s research contributes to responsible production and consumption:

• For decades, the most important concerns guiding innovation within the semiconductor industry were power, performance, area and cost (PPAC). But what about the environmental footprint of the chips in our devices? Imec strives to make this a key consideration through an integrated PPAC-E approach in its SSTS program. And we reach out to our many partners to join us in this endeavor, for example by sharing data. Read the press release about Apple's entry into imec's STSS program.
• Imec is also a member of the OnePlanet Research Center, which develops innovative technology in the domains of food, agriculture and health. One of its aims is to create a sustainable and affordable, healthy and safe food system and environment, through the development of sensors, robotics, artificial intelligence, (big) data analysis and digital connectivity for more sustainable agricultural technology.

How it guides our internal processes

When it comes to the sustainability of our own production activities, we:

• Reduce the environmental impact of our industrial processes, for instance by maximally reusing wastewater and regularly scanning and optimizing the use of raw materials and energy.
• Screen our suppliers and provide them with clear sustainability criteria.

Want to know more?

Read this in-depth article about the environmental cost of chip production.