Climate

Construction Phase
Various climate-related effects may be resulted from site preparation and
building activity. A few stages and actions that can have an impact on the climate
are listed below:

1. Land Clearing: Removing vegetation and trees from a construction site has the
potential to cause deforestation and the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) that has
been absorbed by plants and trees. This results in higher greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Soil Disturbance:When preparing a site, excavation, grading, and soil compaction

can disturb the organic soil structure and release carbon or emission of CO2

3. Waste Production: Waste from construction activities, such as debris, packaging

materials, and extra construction materials, is important.

In light of all these variables, it is possible that this stage of development will
have a negligible adverse long-term effect on the local climate. The impact of
these changes might not be immediately apparent, but when additional vegetation in
the region is cleared for the other development activities that have been planned
for the area, it might become more obvious over time.

Mitigation Measures:
- Use energy-efficient design features, renewable energy systems, and sustainable
construction techniques. A building's energy use and related emissions can be
decreased, for instance, by implementing effective insulation, solar panel
installation, and the use of green building materials.

- Sustainable Site Planning: Analyze the site thoroughly to reduce the requirement
for clearing land and other disruption. Maintain current vegetation and include
green areas into the design. To prevent additional deforestation, think about
exploiting existing built or brownfield sites.

- Efficient Material Management: Reduce waste and cut down on the carbon footprint
associated with material production by optimizing the use of materials. Encourage
the use of recycled or locally sourced materials by implementing initiatives for
recycling and reusing building debris.

- It is important to avoid leaving machines idle for extended periods of time. This
will conserve fuel and save pollutants.

-Proper waste disposal

Operation Phase

1. Energy Consumption: Manufacturing semiconductors requires a substantial amount

of energy, particularly during the fabrication stage. If the energy is produced
from fossil fuel sources, the energy consumed to run the machinery and power
manufacturing facilities may contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate
change. Semiconductor manufacturing contributes to 31% of global greenhouse gas
emissions, and the increasing usage of electronic chips drives this upward trend.
The production of smart meters and other electronics requires a substantial amount
of electricity and fossil fuels.

2.Chemical Usage: Chemicals such as gases, solvents, and acids are used during the
production of semiconductors. The improper management, disposal, or unintentional
discharge of these chemicals can cause ecosystem damage and environmental
contamination.

3. Waste Generation: Waste from the production of semiconductors includes

chemicals, packaging materials, and electrical waste. These wastes can cause
pollution and environmental harm if they are not adequately managed.

4. Water Consumption: Cleaning, cooling, and other procedures during the production
of semiconductors all require a significant amount of water. Excessive water use
might put a strain on the local water system.

Mitigation Measures

- Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: The use of energy-efficient procedures

within semiconductor production facilities is a critical mitigation approach.
Companies can lower their energy usage during the manufacturing process by
purchasing energy-efficient machinery and putting energy management systems in
place. This strategy lowers greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously saving
money and enhancing operational effectiveness. Additionally, switching to renewable
energy sources, such solar or wind power, can lessen dependency on fossil fuels and
drastically lower the carbon footprint of semiconductor manufacturing activities.

- Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction: Gases with high global warming potential (GWP)
are used in the production of semiconductors. Companies can reduce their impact on
climate change by implementing emission reduction methods, like swapping out high-
GWP gases with lower-GWP substitutes. Furthermore, by tracking and keeping an eye
on greenhouse gas emissions, businesses are able to pinpoint problem areas and
establish reduction goals, encouraging accountability and continual development.

- Water Conservation and Management: Water is a valuable resource, and

semiconductor manufacturing processes consume substantial amounts of it.
Implementing water conservation measures is crucial to mitigate the strain on local
water resources, especially in water-scarce regions. Companies can invest in water-
efficient technologies, implement water recycling and reuse systems, and develop
comprehensive water management plans. These measures reduce the environmental
impact of semiconductor manufacturing and contribute to sustainable water
stewardship.

- Chemical Management and Waste Reduction: In order to avoid contaminating the

environment, chemicals used in semiconductor fabrication must be managed properly.
Ensuring that chemicals are handled, stored, and disposed of according to best
practices decreases releases and lowers the risk of harming ecosystems. When
possible, semiconductor businesses should also look into ways to substitute
dangerous compounds with safer equivalents. Comprehensive waste management systems
that encourage the recycling, reuse, and proper disposal of hazardous materials,
chemicals, and electronic waste also reduce waste production and promote a circular
economy.

- Life Cycle Assessment and Product Design: A useful approach for assessing the
environmental effects of semiconductor goods throughout the course of their entire
life cycle is life cycle assessment (LCA). Digital Devices can identify areas for
improvement and set priorities for sustainability initiatives by performing LCAs.
The results of LCAs can guide decisions about product design, such as choosing
materials with smaller environmental footprints and streamlining production
procedures to increase energy efficiency. A more environmentally sensitive approach
to semiconductor production is ensured by including sustainability into product
design.
Air Quality

Construction Phase

- Dust and Particulate matter: Construction activities, such as excavation,

demolition, and earthmoving, can generate dust and particulate matter. These
airborne particles can contribute to poor air quality, especially if they contain
pollutants or allergens. Implementing dust control measures, such as water spraying
or using dust screens, can help minimize the dispersion of particles into the air.

- Emissions from Construction Machinery: Trucks and other pieces of construction

equipment often have diesel or gasoline engines. Pollutants such nitrogen oxides
(NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) are released during the combustion of these fuels. Air pollution from
machinery can be reduced by using emission control technology like diesel
particulate filters and making sure that construction equipment complies with
emission requirements.

- Construction Material Emissions: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be

released during the application and curing processes of some building products,
including paints, adhesives, and coatings. These VOCs can contaminate the air both
inside and outside of buildings. These emissions can be reduced by using low-VOC or
VOC-free building materials and installing adequate ventilation systems.

- Construction Traffic: Increased vehicular traffic associated with construction

activities can lead to elevated levels of air pollutants, including exhaust
emissions from cars, trucks, and construction vehicles. Implementing traffic
management plans to minimize congestion and encourage the use of alternative
transportation options can help reduce emissions and their impact on air quality.

Mitigation Measures

-Implement dust suppression measures such as water spraying or using dust screens
to minimize airborne dust and particulate matter.
- Cover stockpiles of construction materials to prevent windblown dust.
- Use low-emission or electric-powered construction equipment whenever feasible.
- Ensure that construction machinery meets emission standards and is properly
maintained.
- Encourage equipment operators to turn off engines when not in use to reduce
unnecessary idling.
- Develop and implement traffic management plans to minimize congestion and reduce
emissions from construction vehicle traffic.
- Encourage the use of alternative transportation options for workers, such as
carpooling or public transportation, to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
- Establish proper waste management practices on-site, including recycling and
responsible disposal of construction waste to prevent the need for open burning.
-Clearly communicate and enforce a strict policy against open burning of waste
materials.
- Ensure compliance with local, regional, and national environmental regulations
and standards related to air quality and construction activities.

Operation Phase

- Emissions from Manufacturing Processes: Several procedures used in the production

of semiconductors, including chemical vapor deposition, etching, and lithography,
have the potential to emit pollutants into the atmosphere. These emissions may
include particulate matter (PM), hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), and volatile
organic compounds (VOCs).
- Fugitive Emissions: Unintentional releases of contaminants from machinery,
storage containers, or piping systems are referred to as fugitive emissions. These
emissions in a semiconductor plant could be the result of leakage, poor equipment
maintenance, or inappropriate chemical storage.

- Waste Management: the management of waste generated during semiconductor

manufacturing is crucial for air quality. Improper handling or disposal of waste
materials, including chemicals, solvents, and electronic waste, can lead to air
pollution through volatilization or incineration.

- Air Conditioning and Ventilation Systems: Semiconductor facilities typically rely

on air conditioning and ventilation systems to maintain controlled environments.
Proper operation, maintenance, and regular filter replacement of these systems are
necessary to ensure the removal of contaminants and maintain good indoor air
quality.

Mitigation Measures

- Install and maintain emission control devices, such as scrubbers, filters, and
abatement systems, to minimize the release of pollutants from manufacturing
processes. Regularly monitor and optimize the performance of these emission control
technologies to ensure their effectiveness.

- Implement leak detection and repair programs to identify and promptly fix any
leaks or fugitive emissions from equipment, storage tanks, or piping systems.
Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of equipment to minimize the potential
for fugitive emissions.

- mprove energy efficiency within the facility through equipment upgrades, process
optimization, and energy management systems to reduce energy consumption and
associated air pollution.

- Transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to power

manufacturing operations and minimize indirect emissions.

-Establish comprehensive waste management programs to handle and dispose of waste

materials, including chemicals and electronic waste, in a responsible and compliant
manner.

- Implement recycling initiatives to minimize waste generation and promote resource

conservation.

- Maintain proper operation, regular maintenance, and filter replacement of air

conditioning and ventilation systems to ensure good indoor air quality for
employees.

- Monitor indoor air quality parameters, such as particulate matter and volatile
organic compounds, and take corrective actions if necessary.

- Ensure compliance with applicable air quality regulations and standards and
participate in voluntary initiatives or certifications related to air quality
management.