Practice Green Commitment and Create Sustainable Environment

Novatek passed the LRQA verification on May 10, 2007 and was awarded ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and ISO 45001 Occupational Safety and Health Management System certificates. The current certificate is valid from May 29, 2025 to May 28, 2028. We formulates environmental sustainability policies that focus on daily resource management, promotes energy-saving and carbon-reduction solutions, waste and water management, green procurement practices for office products and mountain and forest protection, continuing to strive for environmental sustainability.

 

Every Novatek employee is expected to regard the environment, safety, health, and energy as his/her responsibility. Novatek is committed to sustainable operation and development, ensuring that the nature and scale of environmental impacts, occupational health, safety risks, and energy usage align with legal requirements. The Company strives to minimize activities that may have a negative impact on the environment, safety, health, and energy usage. To reduce the environmental impact of the Company’s activities, Novatek promises:

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Waste management

Greenhouse gas emissions from waste

Novatek is an IC design company engaged in product design and sales. The production of our products is carried out by professional foundries and packaging & testing houses. Waste includes general industrial waste, daily life waste, and industrial waste (chip waste). In the management of chip waste, defective chips produced by outsourced manufacturers are recycled and reused as resources. Waste chips are delivered to professional treatment plants for the recovery of gold, silicon, or other heavy metals. In 2024, the volume of gold recovered reached 77 kg (equivalent to recycling 1.7 million mobile phones).

In 2023, the total weight of waste amounted to 395.90 metric tons. In 2024, the total weight of waste amounted to 473.61 metric tons, with a density of 0.004611 metric tons per NT$million in revenue. The general industrial waste recycling rate reached 69.91%, surpassing the annual target recycling rate of >50%. These waste emission statistics were disclosed and verified by LRQA Taiwan, a third-party impartial institution, meeting the limited assurance level of ISO 14064-1:2018 standard for greenhouse gas inventory (Scope 3). Please refer to the above link for the verification statements for 2023 and 2024. In 2024, the scope of general industrial waste statistics was expanded to include recyclable waste from the Taiyuan Building as well as the Taipei and Tainan offices, which affected the calculation of the recycling rate. Novatek will continue to use waste reduction and waste re-utilization as strategies. The recycling target for 2025 remains at >50%. In 2024, the waste IC recycling rate exceeded 90%, achieving an annual target recycling rate of >90%. The goal for waste IC recycling in 2025 will also be maintained at >90%. All types of waste are treated off-site. Novatek ensures compliance with legal and contractual requirements for waste disposal and handling processes through regular supplier audits, GPS tracking of transport vehicles, declaration of waste disposal forms, and verification of weighing records. Starting from 2024, the EHS (Environmental, Health, Safety) and Energy Management Committee will review performance quarterly. They will assess the target execution rates and identify any instances of falling behind or inability to achieve targets, followed by formulating corrective action plans.

 

Statistics of waste disposal in 2024

Category

Type of wasteNote1 Disposal method

Amount disposed in 2023

(Metric tons)

Amount disposed in 2024

(Metric tons)

RatioNote2
General industrial waste General waste

Incinerated

(including energy recovery)

19.15 19.58 30.09%
Waste paper, iron/alloy, containers, waste light sources Recycled 27.26 45.49 69.91%
Total 46.41 65.07 100%
Density (metric tons/NT$ million) 0.000420 0.000633  
General industrial waste recycling rate >50% 58.74% 69.91%  

 

  • Note 1:The data coverage is limited to the two operating sites of Novatek located in the Hsinchu Science Park- R&D and Technology Building (General Garbage: Ministry of Environment Waste Code D-1801, D-0701, D-0799). Waste weight information is sourced from the Ministry of Environment’s Waste Declaration System.
  • Note 2:Ratio = Amount disposed by waste type/Total amount disposed

 


Category

Type of wasteNote1

Disposal method

Amount disposed in 2023 Note 2

 (Metric tons)

Amount disposed in 2024 Note 2

 (Metric tons)

Daily life waste

Waste from daily life of employees

Incinerated

(including energy recovery)

 317.52  359.03
Total 317.52  359.03

 

  • Note 1:The data covers five operating sites of Novatek in Taiwan, including Hsinchu, Taipei and Tainan offices. The average production of daily waste per person is 1.359 kg (Waste from daily life of employees: Ministry of Environment Waste Code H-0002)
  • Note 2:Amount disposed= Number of employees x Working days x The average production of daily waste per person x 1/3 (The Daily working hours is calculated as 8 hours)

 

 

Category Type of waste Disposal method

Amount disposed in 2023

(Metric tons)

Amount disposed in 2024

(Metric tons)

RatioNote1

Amount of gold recycled (kg)

Mobile phonesNote2 (Set)

Industrial waste Waste driver chip Outsourced disposal

16.45

 25.87

52.26%

77

1,704,023
Waste SoCs Outsourced disposal

15.52

 23.64

47.74%

Not applicable Not applicable 
Total

31.97

49.51 

100.00%

 

 
Density (metric tons/NT$ million)

0.000290

0.000482       

Recycling and Reuse Rate

(Amount of gold recycled/Total amount)%

 0.19% 0.16%       
Waste chip recycling rate (>90%)   >90% >90%       

 

  • Note 1:Ratio = Amount disposed by waste type/Total amount disposed
  • Note 2:According to a report by the Ministry of Environment, approximately 1 kg of gold can be extracted from 22,000 mobile phones
  • Note 3:Waste weight information is sourced from the Ministry of Environment’s Waste Declaration System, with waste classified under codes E-0217 and D-2527.
  • Note 4:The waste is sourced from the recycling of production scrap generated by upstream suppliers and is disposed of off-site through qualified and authorized waste treatment service providers.

 

 

Gold recovery (circular economy diagram)

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Circular Economy Initiatives

As an IC design-focused company, Novatek primarily relies on outsourced manufacturing. When semi-finished and finished products are returned from contract manufacturers, the Company faces challenges related to the handling of packaging materials in its daily operations. Novatek has long placed a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. To prevent packaging materials from being discarded as waste, the Company has implemented reusable packaging recovery initiatives to transform these materials into valuable resources. Through close communication and collaboration with suppliers, Novatek has launched circular reuse programs for wafer boats, black conductive boxes, and empty packaging containers. Based on calculations of the wafer boats and packaging containers recovered and reused in 2024, the Company effectively reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 36.13 metric tons of CO2e. Novatek continues to actively build a sustainable resource management system to promote efficient material utilization and reduce environmental impact. This initiative not only demonstrates the Company’s commitment to environmental protection but also highlights its proactive approach to advancing green manufacturing.

Water management

Novatek has no manufacturing plants; therefore, its water management mainly involves water for domestic use, air-conditioning system condensate, and cooling water for data centers. In 2024, total water withdrawal amounted to 115,653 cubic meters. The per capita water-saving rate reached 17.99%, successfully achieving the 2024 target of reducing per capita water consumption by 1% compared to 2023. Starting in 2024, water withdrawal statistics have been expanded to include the Taipei and Tainan offices, as well as global subsidiary offices. The overall increase in total water withdrawal is mainly due to workforce growth and rising electricity demand for R&D computing, compounded by elevated ambient temperatures, which led to increased water consumption in cooling towers and for general domestic use. Novatek continues to monitor water resource usage and has implemented various water conservation measures. The annual water-saving program saved a total of 8,842 cubic meters (1,000 L) of water, equivalent to the daily water consumption of 8,842 households. In response to the continued growth in operational and R&D demands, Novatek has set a new target beginning in 2025 to achieve an annual water-saving rate of >4%. Performance will be reviewed quarterly by the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Energy Management Committee to evaluate target execution rates, identify potential delays or failures to meet targets, and formulate corresponding mitigation measures.

 

  • Note: According to the "Research on Water Consumption Control for Residential and Office Buildings" conducted by the Architecture and Building Research Institute of the Ministry of the Interior, the estimated daily water consumption per person is 250 L. For general residential buildings, the water consumption is calculated based on an average of four persons per household, which is equivalent to a daily water consumption of 1,000 L (1 m3) per household.

Annual water saving plan and results

Water saving plan Improvement measures Results
1.Activation of water recycling system The Tai Yuan Building in Zhubei was awarded the Green Building Label (Silver Level) by the Ministry of the Interior in 2021 and activated the water recycling system. In 2024, a total of 1,066 m3 of water was recycled by collecting rainwater and RO water for use in gardening and irrigation, improving the overall water efficiency.
2.Water quality improvement for the cooling tower in the Technology Building Replacing chemical treatment with physical treatment and using long-fiber filters to reduce environmental impact and lower the water discharge required for chemical treatment; the water quality improvement project for the cooling tower was completed in September 2022. In 2024, due to the implementation of improvement measures, discharge from the cooling tower decreased by 6,303 m3, resulting in a water saving rate of 65.6%.
3.Installation of water-saving toilets As water-saving efficiency continues to improve, we will gradually replace the toilets in our operating sites with gold-level water-saving models (60 units in total). The retrofit project was completed and commissioned in 2023. In 2024, resulting in water savings of 378.5 m3, calculated based on a water saving of 1.2 L per use.
4.Recycling of Headquarters Fish Pond Wastewater for Irrigation In 2024, the wastewater from the landscape fish pond in the headquarters is recycled for irrigation of the west-side greenbelt, reducing water usage for irrigation. Based on twice-daily sprinkler irrigation, the initiative is expected to save a total of 1,095 m3 in 2024.
Total water saving 8,842 m3
 

Statistics on water resources for the past 4 years

Unit: m3 (1,000 L)

Statistics on water resources 

2021 2022 2023 2024
Water Intake (Tap Water) 98,113 93,489 95,122 114,587

Water Recycled

(Rainwater, RO Wastewater)

- 484 696 1,066
Total Water Intake 98,113 93,973 95,818 115,653

Total Water Discharge

78,490 74,791 76,098 91,670

Total Water Consumption

19,623 19,182 19,720 23,983

Per Capita Water Usage Note 1

46.32 40.92 39.36 32.28

Per Capita Water Saving Rate Note 2

-15.57% 11.66% 3.81% 17.99%

Water saving volume

1,909.5 4,624 7,302 8,842
 Water saving rateNote 3 1.91% 4.69% 7.08% 7.10%
  • Note 1:Per capita water usage = Average of (Monthly water intake ÷ number of employees in the month) x 12 months
  • Note 2:Per capita water saving rate = (Per capita water usage of the previous year - Per capita water usage of the current year) ÷ Per capita water usage of the previous year
  • Note 3:Water saving rate = water saving volume ÷ (water saving volume + total water withdrawal)
  • Note 4:The Company began implementing a water recycling system in 2021, and data on recycled water volumes has been collected starting from 2022.
  • Note 5:Total water discharge is measured according to the method used by the Hsinchu Science Park wastewater treatment plant.
  • Note 6:Prior to 2023, the data scope covered the Hsinchu Office only. Starting in 2024, water withdrawal figures include the Taipei and Tainan offices, as well as overseas sites. For the Taipei and Tainan offices, water usage is estimated based on the proportion of office area relative to the main water meter or the building management's central meter. As the overseas sites do not have dedicated water meters, water consumption is estimated using a per capita approach—0.03 cubic meters per working day per person—based on the water balance chart recommended by the Science Park Administration.

Statistics on water intensity for the past 4 years

Year

Total water resource consumption (m3 (1,000 L))

Total consolidated revenue

(NT$million)

Total consolidated revenue

(NT$million)

2021 98,113 135,366 0.7248
2022 93,973 109,957 0.7248
2023 95,818 110,429 0.8677
2024 114,587 102,788 1.1148

 

  • Note: Water resource consumption data prior to 2023 covers the Hsinchu plant. Starting in 2024, the scope will include global operations.

 

Green Procurement Environmental Action

Novatek is committed to green environmental protection and continuously implements energy-saving and carbon-reduction projects in various offices. In addition to purchasing household and office paper products certified by FSC and PEFC, the Company promotes environmentally friendly forest certification. It also implements initiatives such as recycling multi-function printer consumables, providing employees with personal stainless steel eco-friendly tableware, and prioritizing the use of paper products for disposable lunch boxes. These green office measures have been implemented and are continuously promoted. Furthermore, Novatek is dedicated to launching new action plans to fulfill its commitment to environmental protection. The achievements in 2024 are as follows:

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The "Green 100" Sustainable Office Lifestyle Program

Background Explanation

  • Deepen sustainable development by leveraging administrative services responsibilities, continuously engaging in ESG activities, and promoting green office practices and green living.
  • Through annual key projects, initiatives, daily management, and the execution of administrative tasks, integrate the awareness of green office practices and sustainable living into the daily operations and work execution.

 

Actual Actions and Outcomes

  • Target:Implement 100 green office and lifestyle initiatives in 2024.
  • Actual outcomes:Successfully implemented 150 initiatives.
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Maintenance of Yushan National Park Trails

Sponsorship

 

Since 2007, an annual budget of NT$500,000 has been donated for trail maintenance, for a total of NT$9 million over 18 years. This sustained effort is dedicated to the conservation and sustainable preservation of Taiwan's high-mountain forest ecosystems.

 

Action plans

 

  • Since 2007, Novatek has donated NT$500,000 for the maintenance of Yushan National Park trails every year, maintaining trail facilities, cleaning the environment and promoting mountain hiking safety, and participating in public welfare activities such as ecological conservation and environmental education. The scope of the sponsorship includes:

(1) Facilities such as hiking trails and mountain cabins in Yushan National Park.

(2) Sponsoring the promotion of Yushan National Park-related activities.

 

  • Over the years, Novatek has safeguarded the safety of 729,708 hikers from around the world.
  • A total of 678 Novatek employees, including family members (751 in total), have successfully completed the challenge of getting to the top of Yushan and have been educated on the concept of ecological environment conservation.
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Sponsored the "Sea Viewing Park" of the Hsinchu Air Quality Purification Zone

Sponsorship

 

Starting from 2022, volunteers of Novatek regularly visit the "Sea Viewing Park" of the Hsinchu Air Quality Purification Zone, where they have carried out environment cleaning work for 3 consecutive years. In 2024, four sessions of volunteering work were held for this purpose.

 

Action plans

 

  • Novatek has sponsored the "Sea Viewing Park" of the Hsinchu Air Quality Purification Zone for 3 consecutive years. This area has a total of 69 plants with a carbon sink capacity of 4.237 metric tons of CO2e, which can naturally purify 6,007 metric tons of CO2e annually. The Company has also voluntarily expanded its maintenance and sponsorship area beyond the original one-hectare zone, demonstrating its commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and preserving the natural ecology through the joint efforts of the Company and its volunteers.
  • In 2024, 24 volunteer hours were contributed, with a total of 63 volunteer hours invested over the years.
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Beach Cleanup Event

Sponsorship

 

Novatek Foundation organized 1 Beach Cleanup event in 2024.

 

Action plans

 

  • Under the one-on-one guidance of Novatek volunteers, visually impaired students from Taichung and Changhua, have collectively removed over 54 kg of marine debris from Yuanli Beach in Miaoli. Through environmental education and practical action, Novatek aims to instill in these students the correct concepts and attitudes towards environmental conservation, thereby amplifying positive social impact.
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Spotlight
Environment Spotlight

Beneficiary feedback of Mountain and Forest Protection

Novatek has been maintaining facilities such as trails and mountain houses in Yushan National Park for 18 consecutive years. In 2022, the following projects were conducted to improve the safety and service quality of mountaineering in Yushan National Park: Waterproof work boots required for emergency rescue work: Considering that emergency rescue work often involves adverse weather conditions (such as heavy rain or icy roads), the Company provides emergency rescue equipment for on-site mountain rescue personnel at the Paiyun Lodge and the Paiyun Station to ensure the safety and efficiency of their work. Purchase and installation of anti-lost poles on the Yushan North Peak Trail: From the Yushan North Main Entrance to the Yushan North Peak Trail, due to the growing of the Yushan Rhododendron and Juniper shrub, mountain hikers often get lost. In consideration of hiking safety, anti-lost poles were installed at locations where it is easy to get lost after a survey in 2021. However, due to some areas still experiencing hikers getting lost, additional anti-lost poles were purchased and installed in 2022 to reinforce the trail markers and reminders.

Jing-Ru Hsu Technical Specialist /Park Service Team of Yushan National Park Headquarters

Protect Biodiversity

As Novatek strives to fulfill its environmental responsibility and monitor international developments, mitigation of environmental impacts remains a top priority. Novatek incorporates biodiversity risk factors into its assessments and develops response action plans. Through concrete actions, and by leveraging corporate strength, the Company aims to preserve natural ecosystems and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2024, Novatek officially integrated biodiversity into its corporate sustainability strategy, aiming to mitigate the crises and impacts of climate change through the implementation of corporate sustainability.

Promote smart green building initiatives

Aside from receiving the "Green Building Label (Silver Level)" for the Tai Yuan Building in 2021, in 2023, the Company began planning and building the Tainan Research Center in the Tainan Science Park in response to the Company's long-term sustainable development needs. During the new facility’s design phase, Novatek integrated human-centered and low carbon energy concepts as the guiding principles for the building's planning and design. This approach not only aligns closely with the needs of Novatek’s employees but also follows the international trend toward net-zero emissions. The aim is to establish a green, healthy, and smart sustainable research center to uphold the Company’s green operational policies. Environmental responsibility has been integrated into the architectural design, with the Company aiming to obtain multiple certifications, including LEED, WELL, Smart Building, Green Building, and Energy Efficiency Label certifications. Through façade shading and airflow guidance, the design significantly reduces energy consumption, with an expected energy-saving efficiency of 25%. A 360 kW solar panel system will be installed, generating approximately 2 GWh of electricity annually and reducing carbon emissions by 988 metric tons. The water-saving features are expected to conserve 1,200 metric tons of water per year. Construction of the Tainan Research Center is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2027.In response to market and customer demand for advanced process products, the Company began planning the construction of a Research and Computing Center in 2024 at the Tongluo Science Park in Miaoli to expand computing capacity. The new data center is being designed with the goal of obtaining both the Taiwan Green Building Label and U.S. LEED certification. It will adopt high-efficiency equipment to meet the requirements of advanced semiconductor processes, enhance the computing and storage capabilities for IC design and R&D, and support off-site backup under the Business Continuity Plan (BCP). This initiative aims to strengthen global competitiveness and demonstrate the Company’s commitment to ESG and sustainable development.

Gold recovery from scrap ICs

In addition to the reduction and recycling of domestic general waste, we also strengthened chip waste management. Novatek recycles defective IC products and delivers driver IC waste to professional waste treatment operator for gold recovery. In 2024, the volume of gold recovered reached 77 kg (equivalent to recycling 1.70 million mobile phones). The Company transfers the recovered gold back into the gold bump supply chain for production or process metals such as silicon into building materials for water conservancy, building protection dams, and other facilities, thereby achieving the purpose of circular economy, promoting the development of urban mining, reducing the use of raw materials as well as the generation of waste, and minimizing the impact on the environment.