Samsung Electronics Hwaseong Campus Receives Highest Certification Grade from International Water Resources Management Alliance

Following UK's Carbon Trust, Additional Certification Acquired for Water Resources

On the 22nd, Samsung Electronics was recognized for its water resource management capabilities in the semiconductor business in celebration of 'World Water Day.' It became the first in the domestic semiconductor industry to receive the highest grade from the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS). This achievement follows its certification from the UK Carbon Trust, marking an additional accomplishment.

Samsung Electronics announced on the 22nd that its Hwaseong Campus obtained the highest AWS certification grade, 'Platinum.' AWS is a water management certification body established by international organizations such as UNGC and CDP under the UN. It evaluates whether companies have established comprehensive water resource management systems.

AWS certification is divided into three levels?Platinum, Gold, and Core?based on the evaluation of 100 items including ▲stable water management ▲management of water pollutants ▲water hygiene ▲impact on aquatic ecosystems within the watershed ▲governance establishment.

Adrian, AWS Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said, "Samsung Electronics Hwaseong Campus is the first in Korea to obtain the Platinum grade," adding, "Not only is the water resource management system excellent, but it will also serve as a model for many companies in Korea to actively manage water resources in the future."

Samsung Electronics Hwaseong Campus view / Photo by Samsung Electronics

Through this AWS certification, Samsung Electronics Hwaseong Campus has become the first in the semiconductor industry to acquire both international certifications verifying water resource management capabilities. Previously, in 2020, it received the 'Water Usage Reduction' certification from the UK Carbon Trust.

In September last year, Samsung Electronics announced a new environmental management strategy that includes 'zero increase in water intake.' In November of the same year, it signed a business agreement with the Ministry of Environment and local governments to promote the reuse of treated wastewater, demonstrating efforts to address water resource-related issues. Going forward, it plans to increase AWS certification acquisition for semiconductor sites both domestically and internationally.

Song Doo-geun, Vice President and Head of the EHS Center at Samsung Electronics' DS Division, said, "This AWS certification reflects the company's continuous efforts in water resource management," and added, "We will continue to collaborate with the government, local communities, and related industries to carry out water resource management activities."

Meanwhile, to mark World Water Day, Samsung Electronics released an ESG-related animation titled 'Dung Dung Oh~~ Dalsu' on its semiconductor YouTube channel. This content features Dalsu, an otter character who returns as the Osancheon ecosystem is restored by the clean water discharged by Samsung Electronics, presenting ESG themes.