The Carbon Footprint of Electronics Manufacturing

In today’s business environment, sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a strategic priority. At the heart of global sustainability discussions lies greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the primary driver of climate change. For industries like electronics manufacturing, where energy use, global supply chains, and materials all play a critical role, managing GHG emissions is both a responsibility and an opportunity.

As a global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) provider, SVI is committed to reducing our carbon footprint and supporting our customers in achieving their ESG and sustainability goals.

What Are Greenhouse Gases and Why Do They Matter?

Greenhouse gases are gases in the atmosphere that trap heat from the sun, keeping our planet warm enough for life. However, when their concentration rises due to human activities, the Earth’s temperature increases at an accelerated rate—leading to climate change.

The most common greenhouse gases include:

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂): From burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas.
• Methane (CH₄): From waste, agriculture, and natural gas leaks.
• Nitrous oxide (N₂O): From industrial and agricultural processes.
• Fluorinated gases: Used in refrigeration and electronics manufacturing.

These gases contribute to rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, resource scarcity, and disruptions across industries—including electronics.

GHG Emissions in Electronics Manufacturing

Electronics manufacturing is a global and energy-intensive industry, making GHG management crucial. Emissions are commonly measured in three categories known as “Scopes”:

• Scope 1: Direct emissions from company-owned operations, such as fuel use or on-site processes.
• Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heating, and cooling.
• Scope 3: Indirect emissions across the value chain, including supplier materials, transportation, and product lifecycle.

For EMS providers, Scope 2 and Scope 3 typically dominate the footprint, since production requires significant energy and involves global logistics and suppliers.

SVI Cambodia facility with rooftop solar installation, part of our commitment to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and supporting sustainable manufacturing.

Why It Matters to Our Customers

Today’s OEMs face increasing pressure to reduce their total carbon footprint. Regulations such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and growing investor focus on ESG metrics mean that supply chain sustainability is under close scrutiny.

By partnering with EMS providers like SVI, customers can:

• Lower their Scope 3 emissions through efficient, optimized manufacturing.
• Gain confidence that their supply chain aligns with ESG expectations.
• Strengthen their own sustainability credentials for end customers and stakeholders.

SVI received the Kaizen Thailand Award 2023, recognizing our commitment to continuous

SVI’s Commitment to Reducing GHG Emissions

At SVI, sustainability is not only about our operations—it’s about creating value for our customers. Our initiatives help reduce environmental impact while strengthening supply chain resilience and efficiency:

• Green Industry Level 4 Certification:  Demonstrates our leadership in eco-friendly manufacturing, giving customers confidence in a trusted, responsible partner. 
• Continuous Improvement (CI) and Kaizen:  Drive higher efficiency, lower energy consumption, and reduced waste—resulting in cost savings and improved competitiveness. 
• Digital Factory and Smart Manufacturing:  Real-time data and automation ensure optimal resource usage and consistent quality, supporting our customers’ ESG goals. 
• Global Footprint Strategy:  Regional facilities shorten logistics routes, lowering transportation-related emissions and enabling faster, more sustainable delivery. 
• Renewable Energy Initiatives: Expanding the use of solar and clean energy across our sites, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and helping customers lower their Scope 3 emissions.

These initiatives not only reduce GHG emissions but also create long-term value for our partners through efficiency and cost savings.

Beyond the Factory: Community and Environmental Action

Toward a Low-Carbon Future in Electronics Manufacturing

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is both an environmental necessity and a competitive advantage. By addressing our footprint, we help our customers meet their ESG goals while advancing toward a more sustainable industry.

SVI is proud to play our part in building a low-carbon future—together with our partners, customers, and employees.

📩 Discover how SVI’s ESG commitment can support your business growth— contact us to learn more.