Samsung is a dive
rse company involved in advanced is a diverse company involved in advanced technology, semiconductors, skyscraper and plant construction, petrochemicals, fashion, medicine, finance, and more. For recyclers and green purchasers, it is Samsung Electronics that is probably most familiar. It has been a leader in the global electronics and components market with a long-term commitment to sustainability for more than 70 years. Samsung has a well-deserved reputation as a world leader in innovation, vision, and in global responsibility. It upholds a belief in “shared responsibility – to our people, our planet and our society.”
Vision 2020
The overarching vision that guides Samsung Electronics’ Vision 2020 framework is “Inspire the World, Create the Future.” This vision expresses the company’s commitment to creating a new future that positively impacts the entire global community through innovations in technology, products, and solutions while maximizing value creation for its customers, employees, and society as a whole. For those of us working in the environmental field, Samsung’s Vision 2020 integrates corporate management and sustainable development which has been playing an increasing role in conducting business around the world.
Environmental Commitment
Samsung’s Environmental Programs stem from the company’s attested belief that it is their responsibility to do business in a way that enriches the planet. The company has established a reputation for delivering innovative eco-friendly products to consumers and its commitment to product stewardship throughout the entire lifecycle of its products.
The company’s green management policy guides and supports the continuous enhancement of a greener environment through all of its business activities including product design, manufacturing process and workplace operations. Samsung’s environmental commitment and transparency is apparent on its website where its programs and progress are outlined in its Eco-Management Framework.
The Samsung Recycling Direct (SRD) Program supports responsible management of e-scrap material and opposes export of unprocessed materials to developing countries. Numerous SRD drop off locations accept Samsung-branded and non-Samsung-branded consumer electronics for no fee. As a testament to its commitment to responsible recycling, Samsung is a Distinguished Sponsor of the State Electronics Challenge. In addition, Samsung is a member of EPA's Green Power Partnership and uses renewable energy at several of its facilities, including its semiconductor facility in Austin, where Samsung purchases renewable energy credits in wind to offset a portion of its manufacturing operations, and its solar-powered space in Los Angeles. In 2013, Samsung improved its average product energy efficiency by more than 30% compared to BAU in 2008 and has reduced GHG emissions by an accumulated total of 88.6 million tons since 2009.
More than a thousand Samsung products carry the ENERGY STAR label. Samsung has been recognized as ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for the last three years, culminating in the Sustained Excellence Award in 2013. Its UN55H7150 Smart LED TV, WF9000 Front-Load Laundry Pair, and DV457 Front-Load Dryer were given Eco-Design awards at 2014 Consumer Electronics Show.
“Our Eco-Management philosophy puts the environment first as we continue to develop, engineer, and design innovative products and solutions to inspire and meet the needs of our customers,” said Michael Moss, Samsung’s Director of Corporate Environmental Affairs. “At Samsung we strive to provide a ‘green experience’ through our eco-friendly products, solutions and technologies that benefit our customers’ lives, while upholding our shared values and affirming our respect for the planet. The commitment is also expressed in our support for organizations such as NERC and the State Electronics Challenge.”
Samsung and NERC
Samsung has been a Benefactor of NERC (our highest Advisory Member Level) since 2011. The company is also a founding member of the Electronics Recycling Coordination Clearinghouse, a program created by NERC in collaboration with the National Center for Electronics Recycling. Samsung has won recognition from NERC for three consecutive years for its environmental leadership and outstanding commitment to energy conservation, green design, and responsible recycling with its continuing Distinguished Sponsorship of the State Electronics Challenge, NERC’s national program that supports sustainable lifecycle management of electronics in the public sector.