---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Soenke Zehle <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Apr 11, 2006 6:17 AM Subject: <incom> Sustainable Channeling at Intel To: incom <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Intel's vision of sustainable computing, presented by their NGO Channel Manager (sic). To me, the most interesting aspect of their 'webinar' (!?) was the background section (by their Environment, Health and Safety Director Lew Scarpace) that gives some idea of how Intel approaches sustainability in environmental terms. "Intel expects the same level of EHS performance from our operations in emerging markets as we do of our operations in the U.S." - this is what WTO et al activists have been demanding for a while, let's see if they walk the talk (and if this is what local organizations actually want to happen, given how weak some of the US regulations actually are). But then they are disarmingly honest: "In 2004, we experienced slight increases in our global energy usage, volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions. Although disappointing, these increases can be attributed to ramping our newest manufacturing processes." Just so happens that they are also involved in nanotoxicity research, maybe nanomachines won't smell bad or pollute the water. Also note their interest in working with Chinese environmental groups, a type of alliance that has already made many CSR theorists suggest (somewhat prenaturely, perhaps) that in countries such as China, TNCs and NGOs will walk down Sustainability Road together. That is, anyway, what Simon Zadek (chief executive of accountability.org.uk) has suggested recently: "In a Chinese context, organisations like Amnesty International are likely to see business in the latter role; with, in their view, at least some western multinationals playing the role of honest broker (or perhaps even Trojan horse) in connecting and strengthening global civil society's leverage over Chinese businesses and their work habits. Meanwhile, the Chinese government watches over this strange dance, not reacting with a reflex of horror as in the past, but cautiously engaging in entering a strategic though very indirect engagement"[1], Soenke [1]<http://www.opendemocracy.net/democracy-china/china_business_3076.jsp#> > <http://www.humaninet.org/globalictconf/webinar060421.shtm> Sustainable Computing for Developing Countries with Jeff Galinovsky, Strategic Initiative Manager, NGO Channel Emerging Market Platform Group (EPMG), Intel Corporation 1:00 PM EST/10:00 AM PST - 90 Minutes Co-hosted by HumaniNet and N-TEN. The Webinar sponsor is ReadyTalk. Last Updated: 4/7/2006 Register Now at the N-TEN registration page. Information Technology and Computer use in emerging markets, including Asia, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, have exploded in recent years. As a result Intel has created a new group whose focus is around developing and delivering unique platforms that address the needs of those in developing countries. Intel has opened four platform definition centers around the world to define locally relevant computing solutions based on Intel(r) technology. These definition centers will identify environmental considerations, local usage models, and marketplace requirements specific to each geographic region, such as inclement weather, intermittent power supply, or specialized content needs for consumers and small businesses. In addition, Intel works with other partners like governments and NGOs to help create a sustainable ecosystem around the platforms to ensure sustainability. Jeff will review Intel's emerging market strategy, as well as the recently-announced "community computer" that was launched in India as part of the "Jaagruti" ("Awakening") initiative, which seeks to provide rural communities in India with greater economic and social opportunities. The speaker: Jeff has been with Intel for over 13 years and has held many different positions in Engineering, Marketing, and Management. Jeff has had the pleasure of helping to develop the strategy and start up operations of Intel's new Emerging Markets Platforms Group and brings with him many years of experience from Intel's Reseller Channel that has been involved with markets all over the world. Intel's 2004 EHS performance included key successes and opportunities for improvement. Our successes entailed reducing our global water consumption and PFC emissions (global warming gases), recycling more than half of our solid and chemical wastes, introducing a chemical waste reduction goal for new technologies and maintaining world-class safety performance. As with most years, there were also a few areas that needed improvement. In 2004, we experienced slight increases in our global energy usage, volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions. Although disappointing, these increases can be attributed to ramping our newest manufacturing processes. As we look to the future, we are faced with some difficult challenges. We remain committed to excellence in operational performance even though costs continue to rise. During the past decade, our continuous improvement efforts have delivered significant environmental benefits. However, in the future, even with continued investment, those benefits will diminish while the scope and complexity of emerging issues such as materials restrictions and nanotechnology will increase. In response to these challenges, we will continue to focus our resources where we can produce the greatest positive impact. In some cases, that means working in new areas and with new stakeholders. The world is changing and expectations are rising. As always, our team will meet new challenges directly and make decisions that will continue to benefit our stockholders and the environment. Director, Environment, Health and Safety EHS in emerging markets The world's emerging markets, including Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, represent a growing business opportunity for Intel. They are the fastest growing regions for our technologies, and our presence there is expanding. In fact, today more than 70% of our revenue comes from outside the U.S. For all the opportunity these markets offer, however, they also present unique challenges from an EHS perspective. Intel expects the same level of EHS performance from our operations in emerging markets as we do of our operations in the U.S. Therein lies the challenge: how do we meet this expectation in light of cultures and attitudes that may differ among the geographies? Similarly, we are challenged by nascent infrastructure and a relative shortage of employees with relevant EHS experience. We strive to meet these challenges through a number of approaches, including transferring our corporate "EHS culture" by seeding locations with experienced Intel EHS staff. Similarly, we conduct training at our mature sites to expose staff from our emerging market locations to our operations, practices and EHS ethos in place in mature markets. We also work with local governments and regulatory agencies by sharing our EHS expertise to help promote best practices and drive infrastructure improvements. Our recent work in China provides some examples: Working with the Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau on semiconductor-specific air and water regulations. Presenting to key conferences, such as the China Eco Design Conference and the Ministry of Information Industry (MII) Conference. Working with MII to implement a feasible lead ban affecting electronic products. Working with China's State Environmental Protection Administration to develop air emission, water discharge and waste management regulations for electronics manufacturing. Nanotechnology standards As Intel continues to become aware of the potential benefits of nanotechnology, we are committed to engaging with multiple stakeholders to define, characterize and manage its EHS implications in the semiconductor industry. To this end, we support scientific research, risk assessment and the development of industry standards to promote the safe use of technology. Intel is a founding member of the International Center on Nanotechnology at Rice University, which is working with industry, non-governmental organizations and governments to address EHS-related nanotechnology research and stewardship. Intel is also a member of the American National Standards Institute committee that is working to establish nanotechnology operating standards and definitions. _______________________________________________ incom-l mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.kein.org/mailman/listinfo/incom-l -- FelipeFonseca .''`. : :' : `. `'` `- Orgulhoso ser MetaRecicleiro http://fff.hipercortex.com http://metareciclagem.org _______________________________________________ Metarec mailing list [email protected] http://www.colab.info/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/metarec
