UMC’s 1.5°C Net-Zero Targets Approved by SBTi

08/08/2025 – 03:45 AM

HSINCHU, Taiwan – United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), a major player in the global semiconductor foundry landscape (NYSE: UMC; TWSE: 2303), announced today that its ambitious near-term, long-term, and net-zero emissions targets have received the stamp of approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This validation confirms UMC’s commitment to aligning its operations with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Notably, UMC is the first pure-play foundry to achieve SBTi validation under this rigorous standard.

SC Chien, Co-President and Chief Sustainability Officer of UMC, emphasized the company’s enduring commitment, stating: “UMC has been proactively addressing climate change for over two decades, building a robust foundation for achieving a net-zero future. Our commitment extends beyond mere pledges; in 2021, we joined the RE100 initiative, publicly committing to net-zero emissions by 2050. We’re tackling emissions from every angle – from aggressively expanding our renewable energy portfolio and maximizing energy efficiency to pioneering low-carbon manufacturing processes.” Chien further added, “SBTi’s validation is a testament to our unwavering dedication to decarbonization and reflects our proactive approach to global climate action. We remain committed to collaborating with our value chain partners to cultivate a sustainable future that harmonizes environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic vitality.”

The SBTi, a collaboration involving the United Nations Global Compact and CDP, provides a structured framework for companies to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement’s objectives. UMC established its targets using a 2020 baseline and underwent SBTi’s comprehensive review process. The validated targets are as follows:

• Net-Zero Target:

Achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.

• Long-Term Targets:

Reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 95% by 2050

Reduce Scope 3 emissions by 90% by 2050

• Near-Term Targets:

Reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2030

Reduce Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030

UMC is backing its targets with concrete strategies. The company has detailed reduction plans for each emissions scope to ensure efficient resource allocation and maximized emissions reduction. A key initiative is the Supply Chain Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory Initiative, launched in 2022, specifically targeting Scope 3 emissions. This program empowers suppliers with the tools and resources necessary to measure and manage their carbon footprints. To date, over 400 suppliers have engaged with the program. Recognizing that some suppliers require more intensive support, UMC offers in-depth carbon hotspot analysis, energy diagnostics, and tailored decarbonization recommendations to those with high emissions.

About UMC

UMC (NYSE: UMC, TWSE: 2303) is a seasoned global semiconductor foundry leader, producing high-quality integrated circuits (ICs) with a focus on logic and specialty technologies. The company serves key sectors of the electronics industry. UMC’s technology portfolio includes Logic/Mixed-Signal, embedded High-Voltage, embedded Non-Volatile-Memory, RFSOI, and BCD. The majority of UMC’s 12-inch and 8-inch fabs, as well as its core R&D operations, are based in Taiwan, with additional manufacturing facilities across Asia. The company operates a total of 12 fabs, with a combined capacity exceeding 400,000 wafers per month (12-inch equivalent). All fabs are IATF 16949 certified for automotive quality standards. Headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, UMC maintains a global presence with local offices in the United States, Europe, China, Japan, Korea, and Singapore, employing a workforce of 20,000 worldwide. For more information, visit: http://www.umc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. Federal Securities laws, concerning new services, technologies, outsourcing, competition, wafer capacity, business relationships, and market conditions. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors include semiconductor market conditions, product demand, and technological risks. Refer to UMC’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for further information. UMC undertakes no obligation to update these statements, except as required by law.

UMC's 1.5°C Net-Zero Targets Approved by SBTi