Samsung - Renewable energy and human rights
To contribute to the goal of increasing the number of individuals with relevant digital future skills that lead to job opportunities and entrepreneurship, Samsung, within the framework of our Corporate Citizenship work, runs long-term education initiatives in collaboration with other stakeholders. In 2019, Samsung Solve For Tomorrow, with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, was carried out. Since 2010, 1.69 million students from 20 countries have participated in Solve For Tomorrow.
Samsung Electronics Global Sustainability Report 2020, p. 70.
In 2019, 92% of the energy consumed by Samsung Electronics' operations in the US, Europe and China came from renewable energy sources. The goal is to reach 100% by 2020. Samsung is investing heavily in the transition to sustainable energy solutions and is actively working to increase the share of renewable energy in its operations around the world. For example, Samsung has installed solar panels and geothermal units in China, South Korea and India, and is encouraging its major suppliers to set ambitious energy targets.
Samsung Electronics Global Sustainability Report 2020, p. 25.
To safeguard the health and well-being of employees, Samsung Electronics conducted a Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA) in Samsung Electronics Vietnam (SEV) in partnership with Business for Social Responsibility. We want to minimize any kind of human rights violations in our operations, and our extensive due diligence aims to prevent and address this. For example, SEV has an in-house hospital with beds, as well as 22 "Mommy Rooms" with access to gynecologists for pregnant employees.
Samsung Electronics Global Sustainability Report 2020, pp. 34, 36 and 87.
To tackle human rights and environmental issues in cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Samsung Electronics launched a 3-year pilot project "Cobalt for Development" in September 2019 together with BMW, BASF and GIZ. The aim is to improve working conditions for mining operations in the mine and the surrounding environment. This is done through continuous environmental, health and safety risk assessments, increased use of protective equipment, and increased access to training.
Samsung Electronics Global Sustainability Report 2020, p. 103.
Goals to use 100% sustainable paper by 2020; 0.5 million tons of recycled plastic by 2030*; and recycle 7.5 million tons of e-waste by 2030*, require coordination across Samsung's global operations. The use of recycled paper, soy ink and bioplastics has increased, while packaging has become more sustainable in design.
For example, the Galaxy S10 contains bioplastics, 20% of the plastic in the charger is recycled and most of the plastic in the packaging is replaced with paper and recycled plastic.
*(cumulative from 2009)
Samsung Electronics Global Sustainability Report 2020, pp. 9, 29-30, 65, 67.
Contact person:
Claudia Enzi
Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Manager