The environmental impact of microchips

The rapid advancement of digital technology, driven largely by microchips, is transforming societies around the globe. However, this digital revolution comes with significant environmental challenges that cannot be ignored.

As the world grapples with climate change—arguably the biggest challenge of our time—the microchip industry must confront its own environmental impact and explore sustainable solutions.

The environmental cost of microchips

Microchips, or integrated circuits, are the essential components powering everything from smartphones to artificial intelligence systems. However, their production and use carry a heavy environmental burden.

The semiconductor manufacturing sector alone is responsible for around 50 megatons of CO2 emissions annually, contributing significantly to the carbon footprint of consumer electronics. Astonishingly, nearly 75% of a mobile device’s carbon footprint is linked to its fabrication, with nearly half of that coming from chip manufacturing.

This growing impact is exacerbated by the rapid expansion of the microchip industry, which is projected to experience close to double-digit growth over the next decade. As the industry continues to grow, the carbon emissions associated with microchip production are expected to increase substantially.

If current trends persist, imec estimates that by 2040, the IC manufacturing industry could account for 3% of total global emissions. That’s nearly half of the entire ICT sector’s emissions today.

What are the key sources of environmental impact?

The environmental impact of microchip production can largely be attributed to three main sources:

1. Release of greenhouse gases: Semiconductor manufacturing processes rely on highly potent greenhouse gases like nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), which has a global warming potential 17,000 times greater than CO2. A fraction of these gases are released into the atmosphere, directly contributing to global warming.
2. Energy consumption: The energy required to operate semiconductor production facilities is immense. These facilities are packed with manufacturing tools and require stringent climate and humidity control. The electricity consumed in these facilities, often generated from non-renewable sources, significantly contributes to the industry’s carbon emissions.
3. Materials: The production of microchips involves a growing number of materials, including silicon wafers, bulk gases, and various chemicals. The production processes of these raw materials also result in significant greenhouse gas emissions, further amplifying the environmental footprint of the industry.

Beyond manufacturing, the high energy consumption of chips contributes to a larger carbon footprint. As microchips become more and more powerful, they also require more energy to operate. This is particularly the case for data centers, AI systems, and other high-performance computing applications that use large numbers of chips simultaneously. The energy required to power these systems is substantial and growing rapidly.

Toward sustainable solutions: Reducing the carbon footprint of microchips

The microchip industry is increasingly aware of the need to address its environmental impact. In the 2016 Paris Agreement, 196 countries committed to accelerated decarbonization to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. In response, the semiconductor industry is exploring several solutions to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to global climate goals.

One promising approach is the development of more energy-efficient microchips. For example, brain-inspired or neuromorphic chips mimic the energy-efficient processing methods of the human brain. This offers significant potential for reducing the energy consumption of AI systems and other high-performance applications.

In addition to more efficient chips, the industry is also focusing on creating a more environmentally-conscious manufacturing process. Imec’s Sustainable Semiconductor Technologies and Systems (SSTS) program is a key initiative in this area.

The SSTS program aims to bring together all actors in the IC manufacturing supply chain to identify and implement actions that reduce the carbon footprint of the industry. By fostering collaboration and innovation, this program is paving the way for sustainable growth in the semiconductor sector.

Factoring in environmental impact with PPAC-E

Historically, the IC industry has focused on achieving the optimal balance of power, performance, area, and cost (PPAC). However, the global fight against climate change necessitates a shift toward PPAC-E, where environmental impact is factored into every aspect of chip design and manufacturing.

This new approach emphasizes the importance of sustainable growth and highlights the need for the IC industry to contribute meaningfully to the Paris Agreement’s goals.

As more semiconductor companies commit to ambitious climate action plans, the industry is poised to make significant strides toward reducing its environmental impact. By adopting more energy-efficient designs and embracing sustainable manufacturing practices, the IC industry can help ensure that the digital age progresses without jeopardizing the planet’s health.