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Semiconductor Manufacturing: Reasons to ChangePrint Friendly Page Given the semiconductor industry's inputs and waste streams, there is potential for cost savings, reduction in emissions and greenhouse gases, improved efficiencies and worker safety, reduced waste, and possible expanded markets. The principles of pollution prevention and source reduction are opportunities and continue to be implemented by leading semiconductor manufacturers. EnergyMotivation to conserve energy is especially relevant with current high fuel and electricity costs. According to a 2005 study by the International Sematech Manufacturing Initiative (ISMI), the global semiconductor industry could save nearly $500 million per year in energy costs by making modest improvements to its tools and facility support systems [1]. Cleanrooms are an important target for energy savings. The combination of high air-recirculation rates and energy-intensive processes makes cleanrooms 20- to 100-times as costly to operate on a per-square-foot basis as conventional commercial buildings. They operate around the clock, which means their electricity demand is always contributing to peak utility system demands. Beyond direct cost savings, in many cases, improved energy efficiency can increase product yield through time savings and improved productivity, and reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses from fuel combustion. Energy efficiency can also provide more flexibility over competitors who do not address efficiency issues, by reducing susceptibility to price changes in resources and industry downturns. WaterWater-related costs result from obtaining water, producing deionized and ultrapure water in large-scale volumes, and treatment and disposal of wastewater. More water-efficient equipment and processes, along with recycling and reclamation, reduce cost and environmental impact. Water is becoming scarcer in many areas where semiconductor fab plants are located. Reducing water consumption makes a facility more desirable in a community. Water recycling systems are initially capital-intensive, but offer great cost savings many times over depending on how many times the water can be recycled. Typically 60-70% of the UPW used in fabs can be recycled cost-effectively [2]. Effective recycling systems offer a great return on investment (ROI). In fact, a Texas study showed a return on capital investment of five to seven months [3]. Other benefits of reducing water use are the conservation of water for flora and fauna in the region, as well as subsequent reduction of effluents and groundwater contamination. Use of Toxic and Hazardous MaterialsThe industry uses many chemicals to produce semiconductors, including hazardous materials. The Chemical Strategies Partnership estimates that conventional chemical management methods can cost up to $1 for every $1 of chemical purchased [4]. Hazardous wastes generated costs more than $2 per pound to manage, according to the PPRC Measurement Project. Minimizing use of chemicals reduces purchase, management and disposal costs. It also cuts staff exposure to hazardous and toxic materials. One example is reduction in use and protection of workers from exposure to known or suspected carcinogens including toluene, cadmium, arsenic, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Another example in semiconductors is the effort to eliminate lead components and interconnects. Some companies are reducing lead for numerous reasons including worker exposure, end-of-life waste containing lead, and global markets. Emissions and EffluentsReducing emissions and effluents containing hazardous constituents diminishes liability, and cuts the cost of treatment and pollution abatement. Some previous semiconductor fabs and operations are belived to have contributed to groundwater contamination. Greenhouse gas emissions contribute to global warming and climate change. The semiconductor industry has successfully and significantly reduced emissions of perfluorocarbons (PFCs), potent greenhouse gases, since 1997. A viable replacement has not yet been found or invented, so PFCs are still in use. Any additional reductions of these gases are important for the climate. ComplianceRegulatory pressures, both federal and state, have led many manufacturers to significantly increase investments in more efficient, less polluting production techniques and technologies. Some applicable federal statutes include the following:
In addition, states may enforce their own set of related regulations at the state level, and may have certain regulatory or voluntary energy and water efficiency provisions. Global Markets/Public RelationsMeeting the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directives is important for continued business and strong markets. Other environmental improvements, initiatives, and efforts are attractive to certain customers. One example is via the Semiconductor Industry Association's Environment Committee, which has established an Environmental Metrics Program. The program has 17 participating companies and 40 facilities, that are employing environmental best practices benchmarking against others in their industry. The parameters being measured are:
Employing the best environmental practices is important for maintaining a good image with the public and stakeholders, as well as attracting new customers and maintaining competitiveness. Solid and Hazardous WasteMinimizing solid waste and maximizing recycling conserves resources and reduces landfill loading. Reducing hazardous waste quantities can lessen permitting requirements, and cut cost and future liability. A conservative estimate of handling hazardous wastes is $2 per pound, developed by the Pollution Prevention Resource Center's Region 10 Measurement Project, so it behooves any company to address its hazardous waste streams. Sources:
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