Environment, CSR, and Quality

A “high-efficiency cooling and heating system” at Kumamoto Technology Center is 240% more efficient than ordinary systems. From an emissions standpoint, CO₂ emissions from this system are more than 80% lower than emissions from a fuel-powered system. A systematic program is also underway at each technology center to improve equipment energy efficiency and replace older equipment sooner than initially planned, among other objectives. Since 2015 these efforts by Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation have been recognized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry with the highest rating (S class) in corporate energy conservation excellence.

*S class conditions:Achievement of annual reduction of at least 1% in average annual energy intensity for five years, or an ideal mid- to long-term standard for enterprises in benchmarked fields and industries.

Energy loss in pipes was eliminated by designing gradual slopes in the on-site piping to conserve the inertia of fluid flowing inside.

Cool Biz and Warm Biz attire is worn at all technology centers in summer and winter months (June–September and December–March). Air conditioners are set at the optimum temperature. Moreover, all employees do their part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, even through “simple measures” such as turning off unneeded lights or idle computers, planning days without overtime, or using an automotive start-stop system when commuting.

Mainly PFCs – including CF₄, C₂F₆, CHF₃, SF₆, and NF₃ – are used in our manufacturing processes. To reduce the amount of PFCs released into the atmosphere, we use less in these processes, choose substances with lower global warming potential, and install abatement equipment in the stage before release. For reference, PFCs represent about 10% of all greenhouse gases emitted by the Group, including CO₂ emission from energy consumption.

There is some resistance in the industry to reducing the amount of pure water used by wafer washing equipment, which poses a risk of lower yields. Despite this, a thorough review of consumption at Kagoshima Technological Center revealed that water was constantly flowing in some pipes, even when not needed. After careful review to avoid any impact on quality, the constant flow of water was stopped, which has reduced annual consumption by nearly 11,000 cubic meters.

Water from washing processes is reused after treatment. Recovery is controlled by a timer at Nagasaki Technology Center, and by determining an optimal timer setting value, the plant succeeded in recovering more wastewater.

Containers from semiconductor mask (reticle) purchases consist of corrugated cardboard, cushioning, and other material. These boxes were generally processed as waste, but treating them as reusable shipping containers has eliminated 50,000 tons of waste annually.

Closer examination of wastewater containing fluorine from production at Nagasaki Technology Center revealed lower fluorine levels than expected, which indicated that fluorine treatment was not necessary. Since the amount of sludge generated from fluorine treatment is proportional to the amount of chemicals added to the wastewater, gradual rerouting of low-fluorine lines from the fluorine treatment path to the final neutralization tank reduced the amount of chemicals added and, as a result, the amount of sludge generated. This has enabled a reduction of nearly 2.7 million tons of waste each year.

Use of calcium hydroxide as an additive in dye dryers in the drying process at Kagoshima Technology Center led to scaling and other factors that had reduced processing performance significantly and increased waste. Switching to a new additive with both drying and descaling properties enabled the center to restore and maintain the original level of performance, greatly eliminate the need for equipment maintenance and new installation, and reduce annual waste by about 190 tons.

The water quality of rain is monitored as it flows off-site. Detection of environmentally hazardous levels of substances immediately closes a rainwater discharge valve. The water is discharged only after complete detoxification.

To prevent soil contamination, or mixing with other chemicals in case of spills from tanks or delivery trucks, chemical handling areas are surrounded by ditches and embankments.

Waste tanks are designed to provide underground access for inspection from below. This enables leak inspection from all sides.

In the event that an incident of soil or groundwater contamination is identified in a Voluntary check or other assessment, remediation processes are implemented in compliance with pertinent local laws and ordinances.
Incidents of soil and groundwater contamination resulting from operations have been confirmed at Sony Semiconductor Solutions Group sites, as shown below. In response, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Group has been remediating the contamination and submitting regular reports to authorities.

Kumamoto Technology Center faithfully replenishes the large amounts of abundant local groundwater used in semiconductor production. This groundwater recharge program began in 2003 with cooperation from the nonprofit Kumamoto Environmental Network, the Midori Network land improvement organization, and many participating local farmers in Kikuyo and Ozu. In fiscal 2019, approximately 2.46 million m³ water usage was recharged.

Located within Setonaikai National Park, the Kunisaki Satellite of Oita Technology Center has been involved in greening since it opened in 1984. A focus of these activities is local biodiversity. "Shionoka Park" opened in 2003. Maintaining this barrier-free park, creating trails, and sharing it with the public demonstrates the plant’s commitment to good rapport with the local community. These activities have been consecutively recognized in the Social and Environmental Green Evaluation System (SEGES) since 2007. Furthermore, continuous activities were certified as “Green Legacy”, which is the highest rank of SEGES in April, 2019.

Miyakozawa, in the city of Tsuruoka near the Yamagata Technology Center, is the only wetland area in the prefecture to be registered under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty on wetland conservation. Recent years have seen more non-native species here and fewer native ones as species change over time, which has raised some concern. In response, Yamagata Technology Center has assisted the city since 2015 in conservation aimed at protecting native species such as killifish from red swamp crayfish and other invasive species.

Plant tours are held for local government administrators, community members, and students at nearby elementary schools by Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing. At cleanup activities, employees and their families volunteer along with members of partner companies.

In 2012, Kagoshima Technology Center committed to participate in a project to plant 100,000 trees in the city of Kirishima, where they have planted trees in a Jomon-period archaeological site. This forestation follows the Miyawaki method – dense plantings of mixed tree species that suit the ecosystem. Oak seedlings from acorns gathered by employees on-site and in nearby hills and fields will be planted in two years. The Center has also supported flower planting in Hayato and Kirishima since 1993. Sponsorship funds are used for flower beds at community centers, among other sites.

Since 2000, this Center and another ISO 14001-certified enterprise in the area have taken the initiative in organizing exchanges with the community on environmental topics. These events include joint collection of small volumes of certain waste (such as fluorescent lights and batteries), exchanging information on environmental activities and holding workshops with other companies, and giving hands-on lessons at local elementary schools to kindle an interest in environmental issues among students who will one day be responsible.

For some time, Nagasaki Technology Center employees have supported a local citizen’s group committed to keeping the Honmyo River clean. Employees have also formed their own group to pick up trash along the river. Since 2014, employees interested in botanical observation have also invited experts from a nature conservation association in Isahaya to learn about wild hops, morning glories, and other riverside plants.