HSINCHU, Taiwan, December 17, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–United Microelectronics Corporation (NYSE: UMC; TWSE: 2303)(“UMC”), a leading global semiconductor foundry, today announced it has been selected for inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) World Index for the 17th consecutive year, and has been included in the Emerging Markets Index for the eighth time. Over 3,500 large companies participated in the 2024 DJSI assessment of sustainability performance, with the top 10% from each industry selected for the World Index. This year, UMC achieved the top ranking among 356 peers in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment sector worldwide, reflecting the company’s commitment to implementing best practices in sustainability.
UMC also received ‘AA’ rating for the second consecutive year in MSCI ESG Ratings, which serves as a benchmark for investors into how well companies are managing risks and opportunities related to ESG. UMC excelled in MSCI categories including “Water Stress”, “Human Capital Development”, and “Corporate Governance,” earning it a spot in MSCI’s key All Country World Index (ACWI) ESG Leaders Index.
SC Chien, UMC’s Co-President and Chief Sustainability Officer, said, “In today’s rapidly changing global landscape, sustainable ESG practices are becoming increasingly important priorities for stakeholders worldwide. UMC has long been driving sustainable development efforts, deeply embedding sustainability values into our operations and corporate DNA. We are excited to once again garner recognition from key ESG benchmarks such as the DJSI and MSCI. UMC firmly believes in doing what is right. As we advance technology through our core wafer manufacturing business, we will continue to contribute to broader goals, including environmental sustainability, social impact, and economic growth.”
To enhance corporate governance, UMC strives to enhance the diversity and independent of its board of directors. Six out of 9 seats are currently held by independent directors and one-third of the seats are held by female directors. UMC also introduced a stock ownership policy requiring executives to hold a certain value of the company’s stock, aimed at ensuring the company’s management will act in the interest of shareholders. Additionally, UMC has linked its employee compensation system with ESG performance targets to align internal interests with the company’s sustainable development goals.
In 2023, UMC achieved a 26% reduction in scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions from 2020 base levels, surpassing its original science-based target of 25% reduction by 2030. Therefore, UMC has pledged a more ambitious target of 42% reduction in scope 1 and scope 2 emissions by 2030, in line with what the latest climate science says is needed to meet the Paris Agreement’s scenario of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. In addition, UMC has set an internal carbon price of US$100 per ton, aiming to accelerate internal initiatives to drive net zero transition.
