GHG Emissions, Industrial, Sourcing Renewables  -  November 8, 2021

Qualcomm Plans to Achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2040

Qualcomm announced its goal to reach net-zero global emissions for Scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2040. The chip manufacturer said it is also committed to the Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) Business Ambition for 1.5°C as it continues its current GHG emissions reduction goal for 2025  and as well as interim 2030 science-based emissions reduction targets across Scopes 1, 2 and 3.

“Our net-zero goal and commitment to SBTi reflects our belief that environmental sustainability is absolutely imperative, with significant social and economic benefits that require collective action and leadership from Qualcomm and other corporate citizens,” said Cristiano Amon, president and chief executive officer of Qualcomm in a statement.

Qualcomm created three long-term GHG reduction goals that build upon its current 2025 GHG reduction strategy:

1. To reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 from 2020 base year,
2. To reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 25% by 2030 from 2020 base year, and 
3. To reach net-zero global emissions for Scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2040.

Qualcomm has begun its efforts by purchasing 100% renewable energy for its headquarters in San Diego. Its plan includes transitioning to renewable energy via long-term PPAs, decarbonizing its operations, and using a minimal amount of RECs and carbon offsets for residual emissions.

Another goal of Qualcomm is to lower the amount of energy used for devices. Its  Snapdragon platforms power various mobile devices and work to optimize its power consumption by allowing longer battery life and increasing the amount of time the device is used before it has to be recharged. 

Qualcomm’s recent report highlights the economic and sustainability benefits of 5G and urges its adoption by the industry and government, including the reduction of 374 million metric tons of GHG emissions.