Jan 27 2009
International SEMATECH Manufacturing Initiative (ISMI), the global consortium of the world's major semiconductor manufacturers, today announced the launch of its new Environment, Safety + Health (ESH) Technology Center in Austin, Texas. The Center will be dedicated to providing green technology solutions that lead to reduced energy consumption, lower costs, and greater productivity in semiconductor manufacturing.
"Given the global environmental challenges we face, we believe there is nothing more important than energy and resource conservation," said Scott Kramer, vice president of manufacturing technology at SEMATECH. "Our objective in launching the ESH Technology Center is to lead the effort to keep our industry's manufacturing businesses productive, profitable, and sustainable, while significantly reducing the environmental footprint of manufacturing operations."
In addition to the current ISMI members, who represent over half of the world's semiconductor production, participation in the ESH Technology Center is open to all chipmakers and equipment and materials manufacturers. Adopting ISMI's successful collaborative model, the Center's participating companies will share ideas and resources, and direct, continuously evaluate, and refresh the program portfolio.
The new Center will drive ESH programs, built over 15 years by SEMATECH and ISMI, to:
- promote energy and resource conservation through technical evaluations and demonstrations;
- advance green semiconductor operations and processes;
- provide forums for sharing ESH benchmark data, surveys, and best practices.
As an example of the Center's work, past projects have demonstrated 10-20 percent utility reductions by adopting best practices in ultrapure water recycle/reclaim and cleanroom HVAC optimization. The new Center will continue this focus on practical and cost-effective engineering solutions, and target other important areas such as energy reduction in process equipment.
"At the Center we will work through all levels of the supply chain to address the industry's need for sustainability, productivity, and cost-effectiveness," said Ron Remke, ISMI's ESH program manager who will head the Center. "We'll be a source of data-driven best practices to tackle the challenges of sustainable manufacturing and act as a proving ground for technology solutions."
"Sustainable manufacturing is vital for the long-term growth of the semiconductor industry," said Kramer. "There is a high level of interest in the Center, and we're convinced that it will bring significant value to existing ISMI member companies and new participants alike. We all share a common commitment to what is good for business and good for the environment, and together, we can do great things."