Nature Positive Role of the Technology Sector 2025

Semiconductor manufacturing – summary of key nature impacts and dependencies FIGURE 10 Wafer !"#$%&2#() *+'%,Wafer Wafer Wafer Wafer Wafer WaferInsulation layerLithography Etching Oxidation Ion implantation DepositionMetallization and interconnects Chemical mechanical planarizationDicing PassivationThese steps may be repeated to add layersPhotoresist Oxide film Oxide film Oxide film Oxide film Oxide film Oxide film Oxide filmLight exposure Passive protection layerPhotomask Thin film Thin film Thin film Metal Dopants DopantsPhotoresistWaferIngot of silicon Wafer production Wafer Greenhouse gas emissions Emissions (CO2e) per wafer increased nearly 3x (2010-2024)Water use – Average plant may use 18-38 million litres daily – Average facility utilizes ~45% recycled water Electricity use (primarily in lithography) Energy use per wafer increased 3.5x (2010-2024)Mining for critial inputs Required metals and minerals such as silicon, copper, germanium, gallium and arsenic create impacts when mined and processedPollution and waste – Manufacturing a 12-inch wafer can produce ~30 kg of waste – Solid waste recycling rates range from 30-96%, with average ~70% – Wastewater recycling rates range from 30-85% Sources: see endnote.54 Nature Positive: Role of the Technology Sector 22