By Blaise Manga Enuh, Ph.D.Apr 26 2023Reviewed by Megan Craig, M.Sc. Did you know that the semiconductor industry heavily relies on pure water to manufacture microchips? But that process generates massive amounts of wastewater that must be treated and discharged properly or reused. This article will explore the importance of sustainable water practices in the semiconductor industry and how they can address water scarcity and quality issues.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation calls for ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The semiconductor industry can support this goal by adopting a holistic approach through water recycling, regulations, and collaborations as part of its water management practices to ensure a brighter and cleaner future for everyone.
These examples highlight how water recycling systems can effectively reduce water consumption and costs in the semiconductor industry. In Singapore, the government has introduced a water conservation tax and a waterborne fee on potable water use for non-domestic sectors. It has also mandated that all new semiconductor plants must install water recycling facilities to achieve at least a 30% recycling rate. These approaches can help companies improve the sustainability of water in the semiconductor industry.
Intel has partnered with local water utilities in Arizona, Oregon, New Mexico, and Israel to co-fund water infrastructure projects, such as pipelines, wells, and treatment plants. These projects have increased water supply reliability and reduced water stress for both Intel and its communities. Continue reading: Integrating Sustainability into Graphene Nanomaterial Synthesis References and Further Reading Baskaran, A. . Waste Not, Want Not – Water Use in the Semiconductor Industry [Online]. sustainalytics.com. Available at: https://www.sustainalytics.com/esg-research/resource/investors-esg-blog/waste-not-want-not-water-use-in-the-semiconductor-industry
Multani, K. . Water Scarcity and the Semiconductor Industry [Online]. Stanford.edu. Available at: http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2020/ph240/multani2/