Intel Environmental Factors

Introduction

Intel, founded in 1968, is the world’s largest semiconductor chipmaker. Andy Grove, co-founder (third employee) of Intel derived his fundamental views from Peter Drucker, an American management consultant who in his first book, The Practice of Management (1954) wrote, “What is most important is that the management realize that it must consider the impact of every business policy and business action upon society. It has to consider whether the action is likely to promote public good, to advance the basic beliefs of our society, to contribute to its stability, strength and harmony.” [1]

In pursuit of the same philosophy, Intel has constantly endeavored to improve its processes for the greater good (especially towards people and

In all its decisions related to operations/ supply chain/raw materials/waste disposal, Intel ensures net zero impact on the environment. The company establishes environmental goals for each new generation of process technology and these goals are tracked during process technology development at par with cost, quality, and other technical indicators. Intel plans to design all its new buildings to a minimum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification level. In 2013, Intel allocated approximately $30 million for resource conservation and efficient energy usage. Intel also focuses on reducing greenhouse emissions, saving electricity, cutting emissions, establishing solar and wind installations, improving product energy efficiency, developing and delivering technologies in areas such as energy-efficient production and transportation systems, and applying IT to measure and manage energy and natural resources more efficiently, thereby addressing MDG 7 (To ensure environmental sustainability). Intel has participated in several environmental performance benchmarking activities to compare company’s performance on sustainability with respect to other competitor

However, Intel seems to be progressing towards third generation CSR as it is adopting a more holistic approach to the planet and people, as is evident from initiatives like the Conflict Free Smelter Program.

Building the Supply Chain of the Future

A major achievement for Intel in the year 2013 was accomplishment of the goal it had been working towards for five years in the area of ‘conflict minerals’. There were some suspicions that Intel’s announcement was mainly a PR stunt. But there has been evidence that this was not a PR stunt. This was an ongoing project for almost five years with enormous time and effort to travel to all these smelters around the world – 2,00,000 miles of travel to over 60 different smelters in 20 different countries – to set up the systems to get the supply chain conflict free.

Employee