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Have spent the last 2-years mapping its carbon footprint, IC manufacturer austriamicrosystems is targeting to become 100% carbon neutral by 2015. The Austria-based firm said that it had already achieved a 50% reduction of CO2 equivalents or 31,000 tons by the end of 2010 and expects CO2 emission equivalents to decline by more than 9,000 tons in 2011, by switching to 100% green electricity based mainly on hydro-electric power sources. The compnay wants other semiconductor firms to follow its example.

austriamicrosystems said that programs in operation or in development include thermo solar cooling, state-of-the-art cleaning of waste water and exhaust air, creating products for renewable energy applications, and biomass plant construction to enable the use of renewable fuel sources for heating and chilling requirements.

“At austriamicrosystems we consistently review the impact of our business on the environment and take steps to reduce pollution on the planet,” commented John Heugle, austriamicrosystems’ CEO. “Focused on clean technology to reduce our CO2 impact, we are proud to announce that we are making significant progress towards the zero carbon footprint goal we have set for the company. Investments into energy savings, sustainable energy projects and CO2 reduction programs not only help our environment, but also provide significant economic advantages to us which create benefits to our customers. austriamicrosystems has taken a leadership role in this important effort and hopes other companies in the semiconductor industry will follow.”