As the global climate crisis accelerates and industries worldwide face increasing scrutiny over environmental and social responsibilities, semiconductor giant STMicroelectronics (ST) has emerged as a powerful force leading the charge toward a sustainable future. With a clear vision that sustainability and innovation must progress in tandem, the company’s 2024 sustainability strategy exemplifies its commitment to shaping a more responsible, inclusive, and environmentally conscious tomorrow.
At a recent media briefing held on March 20, 2025, Mr. Edoardo Auteri, Sales & Marketing Head of Sustainability Programs, APeC Region, unveiled ST’s refined sustainability blueprint. His message was clear: sustainability is not a peripheral agenda—it is the core of ST’s purpose, product design, and people-centric philosophy.
Sustainability beyond Compliance
ST’s approach to sustainability is structured around four foundational pillars—Protecting the Planet, Sustainable Technology, Prioritizing People, and Clear Commitments. Each of these pillars is rooted in data-driven strategies and closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Far from being a box-ticking exercise, ST’s sustainability agenda is embedded into its enterprise DNA. It impacts everything from supply chain management and energy sourcing to product development and stakeholder engagement.
1. Protecting the Planet: Ambition Meets Action
ST is making rapid strides toward its bold target of becoming carbon neutral by 2027—a goal that sets it apart as one of the most ambitious in the semiconductor industry. The company has already achieved significant milestones:
- 71% of electricity used in 2023 came from renewable sources, increasing to 84% by the end of 2024. To reach 100% renewable energy by 2027, ST has signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) with TotalEnergies in France, Centrica Energy in Italy, and ENGIE in Malaysia.
- Reduction in direct and indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through electrification, advanced water recovery systems, and zero-waste initiatives.
- Implementation of eco-friendly manufacturing processes, helping reduce water consumption, control emissions, and minimize the use of hazardous substances.
In 2024, ST recycled 54% of water used and continues to invest in long-term water conservation projects. These efforts are not only about environmental stewardship but also about building a resilient and future-ready manufacturing ecosystem.
2. Sustainable Technology: Enabling Greener Innovation
Mr. Auteri emphasized that ST’s innovation pipeline is engineered with sustainability at its core. The company is developing solutions that empower industries to adopt greener practices, such as:
● Ultra-low power chips such as STM32 that extend battery life in IoT devices.
● Energy-efficient semiconductors for electric vehicles, smart mobility, and industrial automation.
● Intelligent sensing and control systems that support renewable energy integration and smart grids.
This focus on sustainable technology means that ST isn’t just reducing its own footprint—it is enabling thousands of its customers worldwide to drive down emissions, improve energy efficiency, and support digital sustainability across verticals.
3. Prioritizing People: Human-Centric Sustainability
While environmental metrics often dominate sustainability narratives, ST’s strategy also places significant emphasis on the well-being and development of people—employees, partners, and communities.
● Over 90% of employees globally received training in ethics, human rights, and sustainability best practices.
● Focused efforts on diversity, equity, and inclusion, with dedicated programs to promote gender balance and leadership opportunities for women in tech.
● Enhanced health and safety standards at manufacturing sites, and support for mental well-being, especially in post-pandemic recovery periods.
Beyond its workforce, ST continues to invest in STEM education programs, local community engagement, and digital upskilling initiatives, especially in underserved regions.
4. Clear Commitments: Transparent Goals, Measurable Impact
Transparency, accountability, and measurable progress are hallmarks of ST’s sustainability approach. The company’s 2024 report lays out detailed targets and achievements, reaffirming its long-term commitment to stakeholders.
Key highlights include:
● Alignment with Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for GHG reduction. ST’s carbon neutrality target from 2027 covers all direct (Scope 1), indirect (Scope 2), and select Scope 3 emissions such as product transportation, business travel, and employee commuting.
● Integration of circular economy principles in product design and waste management.
● Regular sustainability audits and third-party assessments to ensure adherence to ethical standards across the value chain.
ST was recognized in 2024 in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (World and Europe), received an MSCI AAA rating, CDP Climate A and Water A- ratings, and a Platinum Medal from EcoVadis, placing it among the top 1% of companies assessed.
By embedding sustainability into corporate governance and reporting, ST is setting new benchmarks for transparency and corporate integrity in the tech sector.
Leadership Perspective: A Unified Vision for Tomorrow
Reflecting on ST’s sustainability journey, Mr. Auteri remarked,
“Our responsibility as a technology leader goes beyond innovation. We have the opportunity—and the obligation—to create long-term value for our stakeholders by addressing the most pressing environmental and social challenges of our time. Sustainability is not an isolated agenda at ST—it’s integrated into every decision we make.”
His words echo a larger movement in the global tech industry—where impact-driven strategies are no longer optional but essential. In this evolving landscape, STMicroelectronics is positioning itself as a lighthouse brand, illuminating the path toward an equitable, green, and digitally empowered world.
Conclusion: Tech with Purpose, Growth with Responsibility
In a world where climate action deadlines are drawing closer and digital transformation is accelerating, ST’s 2024 sustainability narrative is a testament to what responsible innovation can look like. By integrating purpose into process and aligning innovation with impact, ST is redefining how the semiconductor industry can contribute meaningfully to the planet and its people.
As governments, enterprises, and consumers look for trustworthy partners on their sustainability journeys, STMicroelectronics continues to lead by example—proving that technology, when guided by values, can be a transformative force for good.
