Intel Corporation is an American multinational corporation and technology company headquartered in Santa Clara, California. With over 121,000 employees, Intel is shaping the future of technology, driving innovation for a safe and productive world. The company designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells computing and related products worldwide.
Intel's Sustainability Efforts
Intel has a long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability. The company's CEO, Pat Gelsinger, believes that "Intel was built for these kinds of challenges. A Net Zero emissions future is an investment in our customers, in ourselves and in our world". Intel's environmental projects and company-wide initiatives are driving reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, water use, and waste generation around the world. More recently Gelsinger emphasized that “the impact of climate change is an urgent global threat. Protecting our planet demands immediate action and fresh thinking about how the world operates. As one of the world's leading semiconductor design and manufacturing companies, Intel is in a unique position to make a difference not only in our own operations, but in a way that makes it easier for customers, partners and our whole value chain to take meaningful action too.”
Renewable Electricity Procurement
That action starts with Intel’s own operations as it aims to achieve 100% renewable energy use across its global manufacturing operations by 2030. In 2020, Intel increased its renewable energy supply and purchases from 71% to 82% globally, including 100% in the U.S., Europe, Israel, and Malaysia. Over the last five to six years, Intel has purchased more than 26 billion kWh of green power.
In their 2022-23 CSR Report, Intel announced plans to further reduce its direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions and develop more sustainable technology solutions. The company has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its operations by 2040. To reach this goal, Intel plans to invest approximately $300 million in energy conservation at its facilities. Fawn Bergen, Manager of Corporate Sustainability, affirmed “Our growth strategy is absolutely part of our sustainability goals. So regardless of where we operate, how much we grow, we're still committed to get to those goals.” She further established that "sustainability and corporate responsibility in general, ... it really is part of our DNA, so it has to start with us."
This approach is not just form over substance. According to Todd Brady, VP, Global Public Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer, ‘for more than a decade, Intel has been one of the top voluntary corporate purchasers of green power per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, we invest in on-site alternative energy projects. We have nearly 100 alternative energy installations at 15 campuses across the globe using technology applications such as solar hot water systems, solar panel-covered parking lots, and mini bio-energy, geo-energy and micro wind turbine array systems.” That diverse strategy continued in Q1 of 2023 when Intel announced its collaboration with Portland General Electric Company (PGE) to bring online the new Bakeoven utility-scale solar project in Wasco County, Oregon. Bakeoven is made possible by PGE’s Green Future Impact (GFI) program, which allows large businesses and municipalities to source up to 100% of their electricity and associated renewable energy credits from new local wind or solar facilities. Intel’s participation supports the addition of clean, emissions-free electricity from a new 60-megawatt solar facility to PGE’s system.
Risks and Opportunities with Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
While Intel has made significant progress in sourcing renewable electricity, the inclusion of RECs with additionality could further improve their sustainability efforts. RECs with additionality can have a positive impact on:
Increasing the speed at which the grid can change to renewable energy.
Mitigating costs over time associated with continued renewable energy procurement using RECs without additionality.
Enhancing the company's ability to make a more impactful marketing claim for sustainability purposes.
Providing scale to their emission reduction strategies needed to cover increased consumption of megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity as their business continues to grow.
In conclusion, Intel has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and renewable energy procurement. By incorporating RECs with additionality into their strategy, the company can further enhance its sustainability efforts, reduce emissions, and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
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