Intel and the Environment
At Intel, we continually strive to improve our operations and minimize our impact on the environment. In our view, a commitment to sustainability requires a broad portfolio of efforts; we pursue new ways to reduce emissions and improve energy management through conservation, renewable energy, efficient building design, and other efforts.
Intel’s Climate Change Leadership
We reduce our climate footprint by investing in alternative energy and smarter technologies. We increase our climate handprint by helping other sectors reduce their footprints. We also work with others to improve industry and policy. Since 2008, Intel has:
- Invested more than $145 million in energy-conservation projects (saving an estimated 3.19 billion kWh of energy)
- Installed more than 40 on-site projects that use solar, wind, fuel cell, and other alternative energy sources worldwide
- Remained the largest voluntary purchaser of green power in the United States
In 2015, we purchased 3.4 billion kWh of green power, enough to meet our US electricity use 100%. In October 2015, we joined the American Business Act on Climate Pledge
Managing Water Responsibly
We focus on sustainable water management at our sites worldwide, to meet our business and communities’ needs. We consider efficient and environmentally sound water management practices throughout all stages of our operations: Since 1998, we have conserved more than 52 billion gallons of water—enough to sustain 500,000 US homes every year. We also return nearly 80% of our water withdrawals to municipal treatment operations for reuse.
Saving Waste: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Since 2008, we have recycled more than 75% of the total waste generated in our operations. We are also reducing the amount of solid and chemical waste we generate, while increasing the amount recycled. In 2013, we linked a portion of our employees’ compensation to solid waste recycling metrics.
Building Facilities for a Better Future
Manufacturing sites and buildings account for the majority of our environmental impact. To reduce this, our engineers have, for many years, incorporated green design standards and building concepts into the construction of our facilities. All our new buildings meet a minimum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design* (LEED*) Gold certification standards. Many of our existing manufacturing facilities have been LEED certified: more than 14.5 million square feet of space in 45 buildings, which is approximately 25% of our total operational space.
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Proactive Efficiency
In everything we make and do, Intel advances sustainability from every angle, at every turn.
Environmental Performance
Intel offers interactive maps that show our campus information and resources.