An essential article by the Director of Mobility Business, Samsung Spain
Recently, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published its sixth assessment report. A report in which they point out very precisely where our planet is heading if we do not take action now to stop climate change.
Our planet has been sending us warning signals for some time now. However, even though we are in a "red alert" situation, I like to think positively, be optimistic and believe that there is still time for change. The UN has a plan - the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development- an ambitious project in which, at least in the diagnosis and roadmap, governments and companies are in agreement. At Samsung, we are in the same boat.
Not only did we sign the 2030 Agenda two years ago. We also believe that digitalization and technology can work to make the world more sustainable. That's why, as a leader in technology innovation and consumer electronics, we recognize our key responsibility to minimize the environmental impact of our products and innovations. In fact, in our recent launch of foldable screen mobile devices, we announced the Galaxy for the Planet initiative, a commitment to reduce our environmental impact throughout the entire life cycle of our products, from production to disposal.
As an example, starting this year, our new TV ranges include solar cell remote controls made from recycled plastic, which can be charged by solar lighting or USB. In this way, we will reduce the consumption of some 99 million AA batteries over an estimated 7 years of TV use.
In addition, the new range of lifestyle TVs features sustainable packaging, made from eco-friendly cardboard, which can be reused to form various objects such as shelves or pet houses.
If public awareness of sustainability was already a fact before the pandemic, COVID-19 has boosted this awareness even further. And not only among consumers. Many companies had already taken action and will now be more demanding than ever on this issue.
For our part, we have stepped up our efforts to minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in all our business operations and strive to maximize the use of renewable energy. In fact, 100% of Samsung's manufacturing sites are managed according to the sustainability standards set by the Environmental and Energy Management Systems and 97% of our development projects are environmentally friendly.
These are small steps and, although we know they are not enough, we are on the right track. We can no longer look the other way; we all have a great responsibility as individuals. Caring for the environment is not an option, it is a necessity that affects us all. The commitment must be global. If companies, administrations, and social agents around the world do not understand that the circular economy is our only option, there will be no possible future for the planet.
Author
David Alonso
Director of Mobility Business, Samsung Spain
Since 2009, the year in which he joined Samsung, Alonso has led the development of this segment within the company, leading it to be the leader in its market. He has more than 25 years of experience in technology companies. From his position, David Alonso aims to continue positioning Samsung as one of the first companies in the telecommunications market and, of course, to offer business customers improvements in their business processes. He is a Telecommunications Engineer from the Polytechnic University of Madrid. Upon completion of his university studies, he completed his training with a Higher Program in Telecommunications Business Management at the Instituto de Empresa.
