Samsung Electronics has unveiled its latest sustainability report, showcasing significant strides in environmental management, social responsibility, and corporate governance. The report highlights the company’s ambitious goals and achievements, underscoring its commitment to sustainable practices.
Environmental Initiatives
In September 2022, Samsung launched its New Environmental Strategy, setting a clear path to achieve net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050. A key component of this strategy is the focus on resource circularity and technological innovation to address environmental challenges.
Device eXperience (DX) Division: Samsung’s DX division aims to reach net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. As of the end of 2023, the division had achieved a 93.4% renewable energy conversion rate, with major global manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, Korea, China, Brazil, India, and Vietnam operating on 100% renewable energy. The division has also incorporated recycled resin in 25% of its plastic parts and expanded its e-waste recycling programs to over 70 countries.
Device Solutions (DS) Division: The DS division has installed new process gas treatment facilities and expanded the use of liquid natural gas waste heat recovery systems. These efforts resulted in an 11.6% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2023 compared to the previous year. Additionally, the division has signed power purchase agreements in Korea to source renewable energy from a 60-megawatt solar power plant.
Samsung’s dedication to water management has earned it Platinum certification from the Alliance for Water Stewardship for facilities in Korea and China. The company is also reducing waste generation by obtaining additional resource circularity certifications from Korea’s Ministry of Environment.
Social and Governance Commitments
Samsung continues to champion human rights and improve working environments, with a particular focus on creating a strong corporate culture. In April 2024, the company enacted the Global Grievance Resolution Policy to ensure fair handling of grievances in line with its Global Human Rights Principles. Aiming for gender diversity, Samsung plans to more than double the number of women executives by 2030 compared to 2022.
In 2023, Samsung opened “Stellar Forest,” a subsidiary standard workplace to create sustainable jobs for people with developmental disabilities. Initially starting as a confectionary manufacturer, Stellar Forest aims to expand into other industries to provide more job opportunities for those with disabilities.
The company is also enhancing its supply chain management by including second-tier and non-manufacturing suppliers in its audits and extending its Supplier Code of Conduct to all suppliers.
Technological and Security Enhancements
Samsung has expanded its security platform, Samsung Knox, to cover not only smartphones but also smart TVs and smart home appliances. Additionally, from January 2024, the company has extended the support period for security updates on Galaxy mobile devices to seven years, ensuring enhanced protection for users.
Transparent Communication
Samsung remains committed to transparency, disclosing its sustainability efforts through its dedicated Sustainability website and engaging with stakeholders via forums, surveys, and on-site visits. This year’s report, reflecting global trends in non-financial information disclosures, provides a comprehensive overview of Samsung’s strategies and achievements in sustainable management.
Samsung’s latest sustainability report reaffirms its position as a leader in integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its corporate strategy, demonstrating a robust commitment to building a sustainable future.
