Executive Officer Message
CSR and Sustainability Promotion Structure
Message from Executive Officer Responsible for Sustainability Promotion
Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer, Executive Officer Responsible for Sustainability Promotion
Takeo Katoh
Sustainability Initiatives – For the Sustainable Growth of Society and Business
Silicon wafers for semiconductors, which are SUMCO’s products are fundamental materials for semiconductor devices that support modern civilization. Technological advancements and market expansion are expected to continue in the future. Therefore, we believe that conducting business while balancing technological advancement with achievements of a sustainable society is a major responsibility of our company in realizing a better society and preserving our irreplaceable planet.
Based on this philosophy, we have established the “SUMCO CSR Policy,” positioning our responsibility towards all stakeholders—including shareholders, investors, business partners, employees, local communities, and the global environment—as the core of our business operations.
CSR and Sustainability Promotion Structure
SUMCO provides high-quality silicon wafer products that help solve environmental and social issues while also promoting sustainability activities that address environmental, social, and governance issues within our own business processes. In our activities, we have established the “Sustainability Promotion Council,” chaired by the Chairman and CEO, with the attendance of Executive Officers at the managing level and above. Additionally, we have appointed an “Executive Officer Responsible for Sustainability Promotion” to oversee sustainability promotion activities. The Sustainability Promotion Council is held, in principle, twice a year, focusing on materiality (key issues) identified in each ESG area. During these councils, each division reports on and deliberates their sustainability promotion activities. The main contents are regularly reported to the Board of Directors by the Executive Officer Responsible for Sustainability Promotion, and active discussions are held with the participation of Outside Directors.
Contribution to the SDGs
SUMCO is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities as a corporation that supports the foundation of society. Hence, we view the SDGs as medium- to long-term guidelines requested by the international community and are striving to realize a sustainable society.
For example, the high precision and stable supply of silicon wafers for advanced logic semiconductors and power semiconductors, which are our strengths, support the sophistication and societal implementation of devices. These include those for AI processing with lower power consumption, electric vehicle devices, and power management devices for renewable energy. This contribution leads to the development and advancement of digital infrastructure, improvements in energy efficiency, and reductions in greenhouse gases.
Furthermore, we are committed to contributing to the SDGs through our business processes. Below, we introduce examples of our efforts, including initiatives to combat global warming and efforts to promote improvements in the workplace environment through diversity, equity & inclusion, human resources development, and workplace health promotion.
1. Combating Global Warming
SUMCO considers the reduction of GHG as one of our materialities and is working towards obtaining Science Based Targets (SBT) certification based on the 1.5°C scenario, while also further strengthening our efforts. We have established a system where management executives review the progress of reducing energy usage at each production site on a monthly basis. Additionally, we are pursuing both profit improvement and the reduction of environmental load in production activities by leveraging data science, IoT, and AI technologies to enhance productivity. SUMCO is also striving to expand the use of renewable energy. In December 2023, we were selected as an offshore wind power generation operator off the coast of Enoshima, Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture, by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The green electricity generated from this project is planned to be supplied to various companies, including SUMCO.
2. Creating a Workplace Environment Where Everyone Can Work with Vigor and Vitality
SUMCO has established “Empower Employee Awareness of Profit” as one of the SUMCO Vision elements. For employees to consistently thrive, it is essential for everyone to have a workplace environment where they can work with vigor and vitality, both mentally and physically.
In addition to expanding initiatives to promote women's participation in the workforce, hiring locally at overseas locations, and actively promoting career hires with diverse professional experiences, we are also advancing automation and smart technology deployment in various production sites to alleviate the burdens associated with an aging workforce. Moving forward, we will actively promote specific initiatives for diversity, equity, and inclusion, such as hiring, training, and actively involving diverse talent. Furthermore, in the semiconductor industry to which SUMCO belongs, ongoing technological innovation means that the growth of employees remains the source of company growth. We will continue to enhance our talent development initiatives by incorporating numerous recommendations received from experienced Outside Directors. Additionally, we will expand our internal career-formation programs, study abroad opportunities at and various collaborations with domestic and foreign universities, as well as incentive programs to encourage learning.
To achieve the SUMCO Vision, recognizing the indispensable role of employee health, SUMCO has also long focused on health and productivity management. As a result, we have received the "2024 Health & Productivity Stock Selection" certification for three consecutive years and have also been awarded the "2024 Certified KENKO Investment for Health Outstanding Organizations Recognition Program White 500" certification for six consecutive years since 2019.
SUMCO continues to aspire to respond to the requests of our stakeholders as 'good corporate citizens,' contributing to the resolution of social issues.
- Relationships with Stakeholders
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SUMCO endeavors to fulfill its responsibilities to stakeholders, who support our business activities.
