Imec Unveils Fabs’ CO2 Assessment Tool

Imec Reveals Online Tool to Quantify Environmental Impact of IC Manufacturing

Belgian semiconductor research lab Imec has unveiled a new online tool called imec.netzero, which aims to quantify the environmental impact of IC manufacturing. This tool, built on an in-house virtual model of a fab and its supply chain, provides valuable insights for academics, policy makers, and designers. Imec's goal is to support the industry in reducing its environmental impact beyond the semiconductor supply chain.

Data for the model is sourced from Imec's own large-scale research fab in Leuven, as well as from partner companies such as Samsung, TSMC, GlobalFoundries, ASML, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, Air Liquide, ASM, Edwards, Kurita, Lam Research, and Screen. The tool utilizes life-cycle assessment, analyzing the energy, materials, chemicals, gases, and other resources used in each process step of IC manufacturing.

Imec offers a private software application, imec.netzero, to its partners, providing a detailed analysis of embodied emissions and other environmental impacts of current and future IC technologies. This allows partners to take tangible actions towards reducing their environmental footprint. Additionally, Imec has a public portal that accesses the same fab models and process databases as the private portal. However, the public portal can only display current technologies and Scope 1+2 of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

The public imec.netzero portal provides unique insights into data that is otherwise not accessible to the public. It offers visual presentations of CO2 emissions, electrical energy consumption, and total water usage for multiple logic and memory technologies, starting from N28 onwards. These insights are based on fabrication in diverse geographical locations.

Imec's imec.netzero tool is a significant step towards quantifying and reducing the environmental impact of IC manufacturing. By providing valuable insights and actionable data, Imec aims to drive the industry towards more sustainable practices.