IQE plc
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2022, 2023)
Reporting Period: 2022
Environmental Metrics
Total Carbon Emissions:22,180 tCO2e/year
Scope 1 Emissions:3,334 tCO2e/year
Scope 2 Emissions:16,751 tCO2e/year
Scope 3 Emissions:1,083 tCO2e/year
Water Consumption:104,630 m3/year
Waste Generated:1,933 tons/year
ESG Focus Areas
- Net Zero and carbon neutrality
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)
- Employee wellbeing
- Supply chain responsibility
- Health & Safety
Environmental Achievements
- 13.32% reduction in absolute emissions in 2022 compared to 2021 due to facility closures and operational scaling down.
- Achieved ISO 14064-1 certification for GHG emissions reporting.
- Became a signatory to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTI), committing to Net Zero by 2050.
- 100% recycling of GaAs and InP wafer waste.
Social Achievements
- Increased percentage of female employees from 16% to 18%.
- 30% of vacancies filled by women in 2022 (up from 21% in 2021).
- Launched IQE Women’s Network.
- Increased number of qualified Mental Health First Aiders from 10 to 23.
- 104% increase in employees accessing employee benefits.
- One full or two half-days paid employee volunteering leave annually.
Governance Achievements
- Formalized commitment to Net Zero and carbon neutrality.
- Established an ESG Committee.
Climate Goals & Targets
Long-term Goals:
- Increase revenue 3x by 2027
- Achieve over 30% adjusted EBITDA margin by 2027
Medium-term Goals:
- Achieve Net Zero and carbon neutrality by 2050.
- Diversification into high-growth markets of power and advanced display.
Short-term Goals:
- Implement science-based emission reduction targets.
Environmental Challenges
- Challenging macro environment with the war in Ukraine, increased energy costs, inflationary pressures, and lockdowns in China impacting semiconductor demand.
- Global semiconductor industry downturn negatively impacting H1 2023 revenue forecast.
- High level of customer concentration.
- Geopolitical risks constraining global trade and semiconductor supply.
- Supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical events and commodity price spikes.
Mitigation Strategies
- Equity fundraise and refinancing of banking facility.
- Cost rationalisation and cash preservation actions.
- Customer diversification strategy.
- Product diversification.
- Market diversification.
- Diversification of supply through geographically spread manufacturing sites.
- Securing future supply through 100% renewable energy supply agreements.
- Increased move towards a circular economy.
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Commitment to responsible sourcing practices.
- Expectation of high ethical standards from suppliers.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Opportunities
- Development of energy-efficient products.
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: Science Based Targets initiative (SBTI)
Certifications: ISO 14064-1, ISO 45001 (multiple sites)
Third-party Assurance: KPMG LLP
Awards & Recognition
- Best Companies 'One to Watch' status (two years running)
Reporting Period: 2023
Environmental Metrics
Total Carbon Emissions:19,603 tCO2e
Scope 1 Emissions:2,757 tCO2e
Scope 2 Emissions:15,068 tCO2e
Scope 3 Emissions:1,779 tCO2e
Total Energy Consumption:67,844,194 kWh
Water Consumption:134,124 m3
Waste Generated:2,015 tons
ESG Focus Areas
- Climate Change
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I)
- Supply Chain Management
- Employee Wellbeing
- Health and Safety
Environmental Achievements
- 13.51% reduction in absolute emissions (five-year rolling average) compared to 2021 baseline (Scope 1 & 2).
- 100% recycling of GaAs and InP wafer waste.
Social Achievements
- Launched Women’s Network.
- Enhanced UK employee benefits (electric car salary sacrifice, free mortgage brokering).
- Improved Board diversity.
- 83% response rate in employee engagement survey ('b-Heard'), achieving 'One to Watch' status.
Governance Achievements
- Published first TCFD statement.
- On track to submit SBTi targets within 24-month commitment window.
- Strengthened Board and Executive Leadership Team with diverse individuals and significant industry experience.
Climate Goals & Targets
Long-term Goals:
- Net zero emissions by 2050.
Medium-term Goals:
- Achieve 2028 SBTi targets.
Short-term Goals:
- Submit Scope 1, 2, and 3 targets to SBTi by end of May 2024.
Environmental Challenges
- Global semiconductor industry downturn leading to reduced customer orders and revenue.
- Supply chain disruptions due to Gallium export restrictions by China.
- High energy pricing.
Mitigation Strategies
- Successful £30m equity fundraise and refinancing of credit facility.
- Cost rationalisation actions (headcount reduction, deferred capital expenditure, operational efficiencies).
- Increased recycling of Gallium to reduce reliance on Chinese supply.
- Working with supply chain partners to transition to cleaner manufacturing methods.
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Ethical sourcing practices.
- Commitment to cleaner manufacturing methods from supply chain partners.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Supply chain disruptions due to extreme weather events.
- Business interruption, damage to assets, harm to people due to extreme weather.
Transition Risks
- Failure to meet climate reporting expectations.
- Increased energy and carbon tax costs.
Opportunities
- Increased demand for products enabling improved efficiency and clean energy (GaN-based power semiconductors).
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: TCFD, SBTi
Certifications: ISO 14001, ISO 45001
Third-party Assurance: KPMG LLP
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- GaN-based power semiconductors.
Awards & Recognition
- Raytheon Premier Supplier Excellence Award
- BAE Systems Gold Tier Supplier Award