--- markdown_generated_at: "2026-11-04" title: "We’re committed to net-zero global operational emissions by 2040" url: "https://www.qualcomm.com/company/corporate-responsibility/acting-responsibly/sustainable-product-design/environment" --- # We’re committed to net-zero global operational emissions by 2040 ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/conflict-free-mineral?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha&wid=700) ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY Our [EHS policy](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/qualcomm_environment_health_and_safety_policy.pdf) highlights our commitment to minimize our environmental footprint by preventing pollution, reducing our consumption of resources on a per capita basis, and consuming and disposing of materials in a responsible and sustainable manner. We are working to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission in our operations and value chain. Our goals, approved by the Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) Business Ambition for 1.5°C, are: Reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50 percent by 2030 from 2020 base year, reducing absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 25 percent by 2030 from 2020 base year, and to reach net-zero global operational emissions for Scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2040. We also achieved our 2025 Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) goal of reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 30 percent compared to a 2014 base year. ## Our environmental footprint We aim to conduct our operations and activities in a manner designed to provide and maintain safe, healthy, and productive working conditions and to conserve natural resources. We work to continually improve our established environment, health and safety (EHS) management systems to maintain compliance with applicable legal and other requirements, monitor and improve EHS performance, eliminate hazards and risks, and incorporate industry best practices. Our three manufacturing facilities in China, Germany, and Singapore are certified by the internationally recognized ISO 50001 standard for energy management and by the ISO 14001 standard for environmental management. We use different methods to drive investment in emissions reduction activities and environmental responsibility measures. These include the below: **Internal finance mechanisms** Using electricity more efficiently helps us minimize our carbon footprint while avoiding millions of dollars in costs. Energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems, data centers, and information technology (IT) equipment all help lighten our load. When feasible, we build new buildings according to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) methodology. We have also continued our implementation of internal carbon pricing across our three manufacturing facilities. This carbon price creates an assumed cost per ton of carbon emissions with an annual rate increase per year, with the objective of changing our internal behavior toward low carbon innovation. **Cutting waste from operations** We manage our waste through a structured, multifunctional approach that prioritizes reduction, reuse, and responsible disposal. Guided by our Environmental Program Management Standard, we identify activities, services, and processes that generate waste, and we implement practices that minimize the impacts of such waste. Our waste strategy focuses on working to reduce our overall waste footprint by promoting less hazardous, more durable, reusable, and recycled materials across our operations. We also maintain programs aimed at increasing reuse and recycling, with the goal of diverting waste from landfills and encouraging circular practices. **Energy efficiency measures** We continue to evaluate our operations globally to explore opportunities for increasing our renewable energy purchases. We have continued to advance on the execution of our net-zero strategy through efforts such as installing solar panels at key manufacturing sites, continued efforts to drive our colocation data centers to utilize renewable energy and procuring renewable energy in locations we have a significant operational footprint. **Sourcing renewable energy in Europe** We continue executing on our net-zero strategy, including procuring renewable energy. We signed a virtual PPA (vPPA) to procure more than 19 megawatts (MW) of renewable solar energy in Spain, which is projected to cover the full electricity footprint of our operations across Europe. The project intends to invest in and contribute to the preservation and protection of biodiversity and natural resources, as well as foster social and economic development in the region. ![Qualcomm-image](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/v2_User-in-Wilderness-with-Mobile-Device?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) **Assessing climate-related risk** We conduct a CSA every three years to evaluate the projected financial materiality of physical and transition risks in the regions where the Company and its key suppliers operate. Qualcomm’s quantitative methodology reflects an in-depth understanding of our fabless business model and available data, and it aligns to our financial materiality thresholds. In 2023, we performed a quantitative CSA of climate-related physical risks. We also performed a qualitative and quantitative analysis of climate-related transition risks and opportunities. The results of our 2023 CSA can be found in our latest Corporate Responsibility Report. **Hazardous substance management** Processing wafers demand a certain usage of hazardous substances. New or changed substances undergo a risk assessment. Dedicated experts at our manufacturing sites create an assessment and provide approval before a change or inclusion of a new substance is granted. The assessment is repeated after a set introduction period. At our non-manufacturing sites, such as offices and research engineering labs, we track and manage chemicals through an inventory system. Before using hazardous substances in our lab areas, safety documentation and a risk assessment must be completed to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, protect employees, and reduce potential environmental impacts. **Making every drop count** As we continue to manage our water-related risks and impacts, we work on projects to minimize our usage. We leverage an internal price for water at our manufacturing sites to reflect the true cost of water usage and water treatment. This incentivizes the development of resource-efficient processes. Additionally, we strive to regularly conduct water audits to identify areas for water optimization and implement conservation projects accordingly. In our office spaces, we continue to use reclaimed water instead of potable water for irrigation and our cooling plant systems. Approximately 75 percent of water used at our San Diego headquarters is non-potable reclaimed water. We have continued our water stewardship efforts in our offices and facilities across India, which is classified among the most water-stressed countries in the world. Documents | Document | Action | Date | |---|---|---| | Qualcomm 2025 CDP Survey Response | Download (PDF) | Jan 29, 2026 | | Qualcomm’s Public Disclosure Statement Pursuant to California AB 1305 | Download (PDF) | Jan 26, 2026 | | Qualcomm Environment, Health and Safety Policy | Download (PDF) | Feb 7, 2020 | | Qualcomm's Worldwide Fiscal 2025 GHG Emissions Verification Statement | Download (PDF) | Jan 14, 2026 | | Qualcomm Worldwide Fiscal 2024 GHG Verification Statement | Download (PDF) | Jan 28, 2025 | | Qualcomm Worldwide Fiscal 2023 GHG Verification Statement | Download (PDF) | Jan 24, 2024 | | Qualcomm Worldwide Fiscal 2022 GHG Verification Statement | Download (PDF) | Feb 24, 2023 | | Qualcomm Worldwide Fiscal 2021 GHG Verification Statement | Download (PDF) | Feb 24, 2023 | | Qualcomm Worldwide Fiscal 2020 GHG Verification Statement | Download (PDF) | Feb 5, 2021 | | Qualcomm Worldwide Fiscal Year 2019 GHG Verification Statement | Download (PDF) | Nov 24, 2020 | | Qualcomm Worldwide Fiscal Year 2018 GHG Verification Statement | Download (PDF) | Feb 28, 2020 | | Qualcomm Worldwide Fiscal Year 2017 GHG Verification Statement | Download (PDF) | Nov 20, 2020 | | RF360 ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Certification | Download (PDF) | Oct 21, 2025 | | RF360 ISO 50001 Energy Management System Standard Certification | Download (PDF) | Oct 21, 2025 | ## Do you have questions about our corporate responsibility strategy, activities, or program? [Contact us](https://assets.qualcomm.com/Q220-WB-Contact-Us-Corporate-Responsibility.html?corporate_alert=sustainable)