Samsung to commit to using 100% renewable energy

Samsung said in a statement that it would not only commit to 100% renewable energy in the US, China and Europe but it would also join the CDP supply chain program which helps to identify and manage climate change risks.

It will also install onsite solar and geothermal energy in South Korea where its key semiconductor factories are located. In an initial commitment, Samsung announced it would install approximately 42,000㎡ of solar panels in Samsung Digital City, its headquarters in Suwon.

Samsung’s efforts will increase its use of renewable energy globally to match the equivalent amount of energy by an average 3.1GW solar power plant by 2020.

It also announced it would extend the strategy to engage with partners accross its supply chain and set sustainability targets for them.

The firm which will be the first electronics manufacturing company in Asia to set a renewable energy target, will detail its plans in its sustainability report.

This announcement is a big win for Greenpeace which has been campaigning for Samsung to show its commitment to sustainable business for months.

"Samsung's announcement is a major step forward for the movement to build a renewably-powered future. If the company follows through with meaningful actions, it will join the ranks of innovative business leaders recognising the sense of urgency around climate change and showing a different future is still possible," said Jennifer Morgan, Executive Director of Greenpeace International.

Won Kyong Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Public Affairs at Samsung Electronics said: “Samsung Electronics is fulfilling its duty as a corporate citizen by expanding and supporting the use of renewable energy. As demonstrated by our expanded commitment, we are focused on protecting our planet and are doing our part as a global environmental steward.”