Environmental Declaration - Semikron

Environmental Declaration
2007

Foreword
The foreword of our 2004
Environmental Declaration
contained the following statement:
“Energy efficiency and renewable
energies are important sources of
energy. And SEMIKRON
employees draw on these sources
perpetually.” In the past three
years this statement has become
increasingly important and
effective.
Global warming is now upon us.
And the devastating effects that global warming has on the
environment and society is no longer a concern that is restricted to
the scientific world but one that has entered the consciousness of
people across the globe. Ways of meeting rapidly increasing energy
demands and the urgent need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions at
the same time are being sought after fervently.
The solutions can be found in many different areas. 60% of electric
energy is consumed in electric motors. The use of variable speed
drives can bring about savings in the region of double-figure
percentages.
Even though renewable energy has only covered a small proportion
of the total energy demand up till now, the amount of electric energy
generated from renewable sources of energy such as wind power,
solar power or biogas is constantly on the increase.
Whether power generation, power transmission or energy efficiency
systems – the key to achieving improvements will always be power
electronics based on power semiconductors. This is why the family
business SEMIKRON, whose activities have been concentrated in
this area for over 50 years, has not only greater chances in this area,
but also a greater corporate responsibility.
In a rapidly growing enterprise such as ours it’s not just possible to
do ‘more’ but also to make a difference. The continual development
of our organisational structure away from a functional culture toward
a project culture, optimised internal processes and better coordination
between the different processes enable us to meet the
ever increasing demand for power semiconductors without
compromising resource and energy efficiency.
This environmental declaration explains how each and every one of
our employees – our “talents” – have played a part in ensuring that
today we can manufacture power semiconductors at reduced levels
of material consumption, energy consumption and waste production.
You can also read up on the ambitious, yet realistic targets we’ve set
in the areas of environmental protection and occupational health and
safety for the years ahead.
Dr. Thomas Stockmeier
Managing Director
SEMIKRON Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG
We regard our responsibility
towards sustainable action as
being instrumental in maintaining
and improving our environmental,
living and working conditions - a
challenge for the future that we at
SEMIKRON do not take lightly. In
fact, we are committed to taking
forward-thinking action to help
improve these conditions.
One important way of protecting
the environment is to continually
improve the frame conditions in industrial production. We are
currently planning a complete overhaul of our existing infrastructure
at our Nuremberg plant. This will include the construction of new
business premises, including new state-of-the-art water treatment
installations which will allow for the necessary quantities of water to
be produced in an economical and environmentally compatible
process. The new premises will also feature new neutralization
equipment which allows for a reduction in waste levels despite
increased production.
A further important pillar of sustainability is seen in our “talents”
themselves. An important development on this front is the newly built
nursery school on our grounds. During the construction of the
nursery school careful consideration was given to the sustainable
use of available resources. A remarkable achievement in this context
is the transplantation of fully grown trees from the works grounds to
the nursery school garden. The trees were uprooted from our
grounds using specialist machinery and replanted on the new site.
This meant that we were able to save all of the trees that had grown
on our grounds over many years and provide the children of our
talents with a nursery school that is shaded from the sun by a
beautiful garden of trees at the same time. To ensure that the public
sewage system is not polluted with rain water run-off, the nursery
school was fitted with a ‘green’ roof lined with sedum plants.
This measure, like others to come, clearly demonstrates the
responsibility that SEMIKRON feels towards its talents and the
environment we live in, and reflects the duty we have towards
making a better future for each of every one of us.
Jörg Grumann
Environment Officer
2

Contents
Foreword 2
Contents 3
SEMIKRON associated companies (organisational structure) 4
History 5
Applications for SEMIKRON products 6
SEMIKRON products 7
Infrastructure and building management 8
Chip manufacture in SEMICELL division 10
SEMIBOND division: production of modules and systems 11
Driver developments in Electronics division 12
Sales 13
Direct environmental impact 14
Indirect environmental impact / Input - output - results 15
Environmental policy 16
Environmental management system / Contact persons 17
Environmental targets 18
Validation 19
Transplantation of fully grown trees as part of the nursery school project
3

SEMIKRON associated companies
Organisational structure
For over 50 years the headquarters of the Semikron Group has been
at the heart of the Nuremberg metropolitan region, with associated
companies spread across every continent on the globe. In 2004, the
two firms SEMIKRON International GmbH and SEMIKRON
Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG were first validated in accordance with
EMAS II at the Nuremberg location. This coincided with DIN EN ISO
14001 certification.
A total of around 1200 “talents” (staff) are currently employed at the
Nuremberg headquarters, which encompasses an area of around
17,500 m 2 in the Sigmundstraße industrial estate in Nuremberg, of
which 8,900 m 2 are built up, 6,500 m 2 sealed and 1,900 m 2 of usable
green space. The Nuremberg headquarters are conveniently located
close to the highway link road Südwesttangente and exclusively
accessible from the public road network.
SEMIKRON International GmbH is the parent company of both
SEMIKRON Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG and the associated
companies in over 50 countries across the globe.
SEMIKRON International GmbH functions as the central sales and
marketing organisation with approx. 30 “talents”. The company is
certified according to NACE code G 51.43.4 “Wholesale trade of
electrical household appliances and radio and TV goods”.
SEMIKRON Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG is responsible for the
development and production of semiconductor chips, power modules
and power electronics systems, as well as for the entire infrastructure
of this site. The company is classified according to NACE categories
DL 31.10.0 “Manufacture of electric motors, generators and
transformers” and DL 32.10.0 “Manufacture of electronic
components”.
SEMIKRON International GmbH
SEMIKRON Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG
Other associated companies
SEMICELL
Modules
Elektronics
QUA
SEMIBOND
Systems
Building Management
4

History
SEMIKRON was founded in 1951 by Dr. Friedrich Josef Martin as a specialist enterprise
for power electronic systems. Today, SEMIKRON is the sole group-independent European
enterprise for power semiconductors operating on the global stage. For many years,
environmental protection has been an important part of SEMIKRON’s activities.
1951 Foundation of SEMIKRON
1969 Construction of four production halls and relocation to new premises in
Sigmundstraße, Nuremberg.
1974 Construction of neutralization system for industrial waste water
1976 Construction of administrative building
1980 Installation of first air washer used to treat waste air with acid content
1980 Switchover from oil to gas heating systems throughout company premises
1984 Construction of first clean room incl. heat recovery in air conditioning equipment
1989 Introduction of patented cardboard packaging SEMIBOX
1990 Start of ground treatment owing to discontinued use of trichlorethane
1998 Construction of new five-storey production building
1998 Since construction work on production building began, cables with PVC content
have no longer been used for electrical installations, even in renovation work on
existing buildings
2000 Successive installation of air conditioning systems with heat recovery in the
production halls
2002 All windows in the administrative building replaced by modern insulated windows
2002 Construction of a new compressed air supply system using stainless steel piping
2003 Construction of a new central gas supply system
2004 Commissioning of two block-type thermal power stations
2005 Extensive and voluntary switchover to lead-free solders → RoHS-compliant
products
2005 Measures for the reduction of water and chemicals consumption in chip
manufacture
5

Applications for SEMIKRON products
A wealth of experience, expertise and know-how accumulated over
many years allows us to offer our customers a wide range of
products and services in the area of power electronics. We supply
the components that make modern electric systems and installations
economical yet powerful.
Our customers can choose from a broad selection of products based
on latest-generation semiconductor chips. We offer both modular
packaging solutions and customer-specific solutions backed by a
comprehensive support service. One of the main areas of application
for SEMIKRON products is variable-speed drives, where our
products help achieve energy savings thanks to the efficient use of
electric energy.
Our products are used in a broad variety of electrical systems and
installations ranging from 1W to 10MW. These include industrial
automation systems such as robots and welding machinery. Our
products can also be found in variable-speed drives in industrial
equipment ranging from “white goods” to elevators.
The area of renewable energy is a further important market for us:
our power inverters are used in various different applications, from
decentralised photovoltaic systems to wind power plants in the
megawatt power range.
Owing to the natural variations in the energy carriers used in
photovoltaic systems and wind power plants, high-quality systems
are needed to adapt the output current with regard to the frequency
and voltage fed into the grid.
All of our products constitute a direct path towards the ecological and
economical use of the all-important resource energy. The many
different applications that our products are used in require a
maximum of know-how. At the same time, our product range must
have the flexibility required for us to be able to meet the different
requirements that occur.
In the transport sector we offer both individual components and
system solutions for use in electric-powered vehicles, fork lift trucks,
trolleybuses, trains and tractors.
6

SEMIKRON Products
SEMIKRON is an innovative manufacturer of power semiconductor chips,
power electronic systems and power semiconductor modules. As
testimony to this, here are some of the highlights of the SEMIKRON
product history:
1959 Development of the first avalanche diode to limit high voltages
1961 HSK- High voltage rectifiers
1963 CSK- Ceramic bridges
SEMIPACK 1
1966 The first 1-amp plastic diode in the world for direct use in PCBs
1974 Development of SEMIPACK ® , a new industrial standard in
module technology to replace single, metal-encapsulated
elements
1980 SEMITRANS ® power semiconductors with bipolar, MOS and
IGBT transistors
1990 Development of CAL diode, the freewheeling diode adapted to
suit the new IGBT generation
1992 SKiiP ® : Integrated power modules in pressure contact
technology
1996 MiniSKiiP ® : Integrated power modules with spring contact
technology
1999 SKiM ® : 6-pack IGBT modules with control electronics
SEMiX 3 IGBT modules with SKYPER driver
2003 Development of the second generation MiniSKiiP ®
2003 SEMiX ® : A new IGBT module family
2004 SKYPER ® : A new family of driver modules (driver electronics),
not only for SEMiX IGBT modules
2005 SEMiX ® family expanded to include diode / thyristor modules:
2005 MiniSKiiP ® 2nd generation → more power with no change in
size
2006 SEMIPACK ® 6: Modules further developed to achieve more
power in new module casing
2007 SEMISTART: A new, more compact softstarter for electric motors
SEMISTART
7

Building management
Media supply – air conditioning technology
One of the most important divisions at the Nuremberg location is the
Building Management division. This division is responsible for the
entire infrastructure at the Nuremberg site, which means that this
division is responsible for ensuring that all of the necessary systems
and installations are in perfect working order at all times.
In relation to chip manufacture, this amounts to providing different
qualities of water and treating the water used in chip manufacture so
that it can be fed into the public drainage system. For this purpose,
SEMIKRON uses a water treatment installation with a reverse
osmosis (RO) unit, two desalination (DS) units and three mixed-bed
(MB) units. At SEMIKRON water used in chip manufacture is re-used
within a cycle, wherever possible. In this way the fresh water
consumption - and consequently the amount of waste water
produced - is kept to a minimum.
Stadtwasser
200kOhm
Kreislauf
Kreislauf
VE Anlage
Zwischenspeicher
VE Anlage
RO Anlage
MB Anlage
Fertigung
Klimatechnik
100kOhm
2MOhm
Neutralisation
Kanalisation
Simplified diagram of the water treatment process showing the different water
qualities obtained. Please note that high resistance values represent water with a
very high level of purity and low ion content.
RO unit: water treatment based on reverse osmosis
VE and MB units: water treatment using ion exchange resins
8

Building management
Media supply – air conditioning technology
Over the past few years, the Building
Management division has taken a number of
minor and major measures to reduce
environmental pollution caused by SEMIKRON.
This includes replacing old light fittings by
lighting systems with control gears that are
automatically adjusted to the given ambient
lighting conditions and making constant
improvements to heat recovery from the air
conditioning technology and from heatgenerating
systems.
For example, the air conditioning system in our
production building is equipped with a waste air
heat recovery system. The air supply is also
preheated using surplus heat from machine
cooling system, and cold air is fed in to machine
cooling system. The warm water in the canteen
and the production halls is heated using the
surplus heat from the compressed air tank.
In order to keep the energy used for air
conditioning technology to a minimum, the
proportion of circulating air is increased to up to
80%, depending on the given temperature and
the air humidity of the external air.
Thanks to measures such as these, we were
able to keep the consumption of primary energy
- mainly electricity and gas - virtually constant.
In the same period of time, the number of staff
(“talents”) increased by over 40% and
production by over 100%.
The main goal of Building Management in
cooperation with the management is the
construction of new operations and service
building. This will include a complete overhaul of
the water conditioning and neutralization
systems.
In addition, to achieve energy savings of over
20% the air wash systems will be replaced by
new systems. The storage tank for combustible
fluids will also be renewed.
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
ph value of water fed through the neutralization system into the public drainage system, including the
given limits
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Average quantity of waste water fed into the drainage system weekly (in m³). Thanks to water
consumption efficiency measures, the average quantity of waste water fed into the drainage system
has increased by just 50%, despite a 100% increase in wafer production since the beginning of 2002.
In view of further production increases, the permissible volume of waste water to be fed into the
drainage system was increased to 80m³.
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Electricity
Gas
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Average monthly gas and electricity consumption, converted to tonnes of CO2 equivalents.
9

Chip manufacture in SEMICELL division
The basis for our power modules and systems is
created in our chip manufacture division
SEMICELL, where we produce latest-generation
semiconductor chips (cf. 2004 Environmental
Declaration). This division is responsible for the
entire process chain from the unprocessed wafer
stage to the finished chips.
The inside of a vaporization unit developed in-house. This unit is used to apply a multi-layered metal
coating to the semiconductor chips to prepare them for soldering or bonding.
5
4
3
2
1
0
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Etching agent consumption (ml) per square centimetre of processed wafer. The 2006 target of
4.0ml / cm² was already met in 2005. The current consumption is approx. 40% lower than the target
line. The new target for the years ahead is 2.0ml / cm².
4
3
2
1
0
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Solvent consumption (ml) per square centimetre of processed wafer. The 2006 target of 2.4ml / cm²
was already met in 2004. The current consumption is more than 50% lower than the target line. The
new target for the years ahead is 0.8ml/ cm².
Due to the extensive wet chemical processes
used, the SEMICELL division produces the
greatest environmental impacts. The processes in
this division have therefore been continually and
successfully optimised over the past few years, in
particular with regard to media consumption.
Automation has also been introduced gradually.
Over the past few years, such measures have led
to a substantial decrease in the specific water and
acid consumption per wafer, as well as the
consumption of other media.
We may have succeeded in reducing media
consumption despite increased production – but
we will not stop here. In fact, we are striving to
further decrease media consumption in the future.
To do so, the degree of automation will be
increased. The new automated production
equipment will help optimise the use and
consumption of media by comparing the lifetimes
of individual media with the number of wafers
processed. Here, the maximum possible lifetime is
always determined. This measure is one way of
avoiding unnecessary change of media. It’s one
thing to help the environment by using
environmentally compatible processes on used
media. A more efficient way of protecting the
environment, however, is not to consume media in
the first place.
Thanks to the equipment and installations we use,
some of which were designed especially for
SEMIKRON, we can fully protect our staff from the
dangers and risks posed by vapour with acid or
solvent content - and make yet another important
contribution towards the protection of the
environment at the same time.
Further savings are to be achieved with the use of
reverse osmosis (RO) water instead of
desalination (DS) water on the wafer saws. Here,
savings in the range of at least 5000 litres per year
are expected for the acids and lyes used in the
regeneration of the ion exchange resins. This will
also bring about a reduction in the consumption of
water in the subsequent rinsing process.
The chips produced in the SEMICELL division go
directly to external customers or are used in the inhouse
production of power modules in the
SEMIBOND division.
10

SEMIBOND division: production of modules and systems
In the SEMIBOND division the chips that are produced in-house or
procured externally are assembled on substrates. This process
involves a number of individual steps, starting with the application of
solder and followed by chip assembly and soldering in high-tech
soldering systems. Finally, wire bonds are used to create the
electrical connections between the chips and the substrate.
Compared with chip manufacture, the SEMIBOND division has very
little environmental impact, although this does not mean that there is
no room for improvement. For example, a new closed-system
cleaning unit which cleans the printing screens used for solder
application using an aqueous cleansing agent was installed.
Further room for improvement can be found in packaging. Here, we
will be working in cooperation with our supplier to reduce the amount
of packaging used for the base substrates by 25%. The development
of solder paste constitutes a further area where a significant
improvement could be made. On this front, thanks to critical process
improvements, we have succeeded in finding a way of having the
solder paste mixed directly by the customer and delivered for use in
the intended system as a finished product – with no compromise to
quality whatsoever.
The re-structured Modules division and the Systems division cultivate
a direct customer/supplier relationship with the SEMIBOND division,
where they receive the assembled substrates for their packaging
solutions. These divisions produce a wide variety of power modules
and systems, for instance SEMiX, MiniSKiiP, SKiiP and SEMISTART.
All of these products have the same goal, i.e. to ensure that the
customer’s energy input is utilised as economically and as effectively
as possible.
The Modules and Systems divisions also have very little
environmental impact. One important environmental factor is the
procurement of materials and external parts. Here, we are working
with our suppliers to increase the proportion of reusable packaging
used in order to minimize the use of natural resources for transport
packaging. In a similar vein, we are striving to increase the proportion
of reusable packaging used for delivery to our customers.
An important goal is the changeover in electroplating with regard to
externally purchased copper base plates and connecting elements.
Here, we wish to change over from silver to nickel plating. The aim is
to have our suppliers move away from using mercury in their
electroplating processes.
A further goal is to reduce the amount of encapsulation materials
used for electrical isolation in power modules by at least 20%. To do
so, the amount of encapsulation material used is checked and
reduced as far as possible. One particularly effective possibility in this
context is to use a coating process developed at SEMIKRON more
often.
A further target in the Modules division is a 50% reduction in the use
of solvents to clean different modules with no base plate.
In the Systems, the glycol used on the test chambers is to be
replaced entirely by an environmentally compatible product. Further,
inserted encapsulation material is no longer to be used in driver
circuitry. This amounts to at least 50 grams less material per driver
circuit.
Spring contacts, adapted to meet the given requirements, are
used for electrical connection in modern power modules from
SEMIKRON.
Our compact power modules are ideal for use in decentralised power supply
systems such as photovoltaic systems owing to their high degree of reliability.
11

Driver developments in Electronics division
The “Electronics” division has a special role to play. This is where
triggering thyristors for power modules and systems are developed.
However, these are not manufactured in-house but by external
suppliers. Our suppliers are our partners and they share our
philosophy towards environmental protection. They only use parts
and components that have been approved by us and that meet our
demands, including our environmental requirements. Here, too,
together with our regional suppliers, we will continue to promote the
changeover to reusable packaging.
Triggering thyristors, also known as driver circuits, are supplied to the
“Systems” division, to our foreign subsidiaries and also to external
customers.
The power modules and systems are controlled by driver circuitry.
Only an intelligent triggering thyristor that is adapted to the power
module can use the potential for energy conservation significantly
and effectively for the benefit of the environment.
importance to reliability. Drivers sold over the counter have already
been switched over and are now only available in RoHS-compliant
designs.
For component assembly with discrete parts, we plan to only use
long-life electrolyte capacitors with a guaranteed life of 16 years
instead of the usual 8 years. Although these capacitors are
correspondingly more expensive to purchase, their increased life
guarantees both greater reliability and a lower consumption of
resources.
Consumption of resources and reliability are also main areas of focus
for a new generation of driver circuitry. Here we are planning to use a
digital interface with a lower number of individual components that
will provide higher intelligence, thus continuing to increase the
efficiency with which energy produced is converted into useable
energy.
All of our driver circuitry is now available in designs which are
compliant with RoHS. A changeover within systems is being carried
out in close cooperation with our customers, who attach the utmost
A modular driver from the SKYPER family used in combination with a SEMiX power module
12

Sales
As a business segment of SEMIKRON International GmbH, the
Sales Division is responsible for marketing SEMIKRON products
worldwide. It cultivates contacts with existing customers and
presents our products to potential customers. It also develops
new business segments in order to further promote the use of
energy-saving technology.
The key responsibility of the Sales Division, the interface
between manufacturing and the customers, also requires us to
observe and react to new national and international statutory
provisions.
Currently, the focus is on two provisions. On the one hand, the
European Union regulation “REACh“* and, on the other hand,
the introduction of a Chinese regulation on toxic chemicals
“China RoHS”.
Within the framework of the REACh standard, we will assess the
sources of supply of the substances we use. In so doing, we will
pay particular attention to suppliers outside Europe and to the
question of whether their substances are registered.
Subsequently, we have to decide whether it is possible to
replace non-registered substances or whether it is necessary to
start using SEMIKRON’s registration procedure.
Within the framework of the requirements of the planned “China
RoHS”, we will assess this regulation and then draw up related
measures for our production and products.
Power semiconductors guarantee smooth acceleration and
deceleration in high-speed elevators.
* 2006/1907/EG: REACh -
Registration, Evaluation and
Authorisation of Chemicals
Modern power modules are compact, lightweight and very reliable, making them predestined for automotive
applications.
13

Direct environmental impact
At SEMIKRON Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG in Nuremberg, the areas
of energy consumption, water consumption, waste air, treatment of
environmentally relevant substances, waste water and waste
produce significant environmental impacts. At SEMIKRON
International GmbH, on the other hand, the only area with
considerable environmental impacts is the area of waste.
These significant environmental impacts are regularly assessed by
our internal experts in conjunction with an external appraiser. At
SEMIKRON no significant environmental impact is produced by noise
pollution.
With the exception of the two block-type thermal power plants,
SEMIKRON does not operate any equipment or machinery which is
subject to approval in accordance with the German Emission
Protection Law.
Energy consumption
The forms of energy used are electrical energy, municipal gas,
vacuum and compressed air. All of the electrical energy required is
taken mainly from the public grid. A back-up system in the form of
two block-type thermal power plants exists. Electrical or fossil fuel
energy that is converted into thermal energy, for example from the
diffusion processes or the block-type thermal power plants, is used
by the Building Management division for air conditioning systems for
secondary purposes. Thermal energy generated from municipal gas
is used for heating purposes as well as for primary energy purposes
such as cooling in refrigerating equipment. The cooling water used is
pumped in closed circuits only. The compressed air generation
system and the entire compressed air system are new, the operating
pressure has been reduced to 6 bar, and the supply network
constructed of plastic (PE) and stainless steel.
Water consumption
Water is used as both sanitary water and, following treatment,
deionised water in semiconductor production.
In order to reduce fresh water consumption, process water from
semiconductor production goes through a water circulation system,
provided this is possible. Water substations in production are fitted
with distribution guides that separate the water on the basis of a
given control parameter. Depending on the acid concentration, the
waste water is then transferred either to the neutralization system
(high acid concentration) or the water treatment unit (low acid
concentration).
Waste air
Waste air containing acid undergoes purification in the air washer. In
this process, legal limits are always observed. Waste air containing
solvents is largely avoided thanks to continual improvements and the
use of new processes. The resultant waste air is extracted from the
workplace using extraction systems. The waste air does not contain
dust or other impurities.
Waste water
Production processes and regeneration processes in the water
treatment units mainly produce waste water containing acids, but
also with alkaline content, albeit to a far lesser degree. One single
production process produces batch-like nickel ions in the waste
water. All this waste water is transferred to a neutralization system
with nickel precipitation. In accordance with the provisions of the
relevant statute, the waste water fed into the municipal drains is
slightly alkaline and has a nickel concentration lower than 1mg/m³.
The waste water quality is constantly monitored both internally and
by the municipal authorities at selected intervals.
Waste
Waste management is the central responsibility of the Chemical
Supply and Disposal division and is monitored by the Occupational
Health and Safety and Environmental Protection division. All waste
that is produced is separated systematically and then either re-used
or disposed of accordingly. All waste management monitoring
activities are documented in a database for environmentally relevant
substances.
Dangerous waste
Dangerous waste originating from our previous use of trichlorethane
as a cleansing agent is still located on our premises. The type and
extent of pollution arising from this waste is known; the site is treated
as part of an ongoing active ground treatment programme carried out
in close cooperation with the relevant authorities.
Handling environmentally relevant substances
All environmentally relevant substances and facilities/equipment in
which these substances are used are documented in a databasesupported
register which is updated regularly. The procedures
derived from the safety datasheets are also set down here. Any new
substance to be purchased or used is checked for relevance to
environmental protection and occupational health and safety and not
released until these checks render positive results. In this way, the
environmental compatibility of any such substance is guaranteed. On
the basis of an internal list of prohibited substances, no carcinogenic
substances or substances that may cause genetic changes or
mutations are permitted for use.
Packing drums with water pollutants are stored, transported, used in
production and set aside for disposal in suitable collecting basins. To
ensure that our employees are not exposed to hazardous
substances, limiting values are measured at regular intervals and
biological monitoring checks carried out.
14

Indirect environmental impact
Input - output - results
Over the past few years a central European warehouse for all
SEMIKRON products has been built up in the direct vicinity of the
Nuremberg headquarters. This helps simplify storage and optimize
product transport.
Power semiconductor modules and entire power semiconductor
systems based on these modules are transported all over the world
by forwarding agents. The standard packaging unit for modules is
less than 50kg for a volume of 0.5m³, while that of semiconductor
systems is approximately 200kg for 2m³. Sales are carried out
predominantly via distributors, but also with direct customers or via
the different SEMIKRON offices throughout the world.
We strive to meet all of our customer wishes and requirements
regardless of the nature. Here, one of our main aims is to develop
environmentally friendly products using environmentally compatible
materials. In relation to this, all power semiconductor modules and
driver circuits that are not set to be discontinued at SEMIKRON
comply with the provisions of the EU Directive 2002/96/EC (RoHS*).
This includes the changeover to lead-free soldered connections and
the non-use of certain flame-retardants.
The effectiveness of the measures undertaken is monitored regularly
by an independent institute. The results of these checks are made
available to our customers on request.
The materials used to pack SEMIKRON products are
environmentally compatible and recyclable. Packaging is optimized
to allow for a minimum of material to be used and to provide the
products with optimum protection during transportation.
Given the afore-mentioned power savings due to the use of power
electronics components and systems, SEMIKRON plays both a direct
and indirect role in protecting the environment.
At SEMIKRON procurement is dealt with in set procedures in which
environmentally relevant aspects are taken into consideration.
Procurement is the sole responsibility of the Purchasing division. The
only exception is the procurement, installation and provision of
hardware and software, which is carried out by the IT division.
* Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical
and electronic equipment – implemented in Germany by the Electrical
and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) concerning the marketing,
take-back, and environmentally sound disposal of electrical and
electronic equipment.
Input
Output
Electricity
Gas
Water
Treated waste water
12,100 MWh
7,500 MWh
78,900 m 3
12,000 m 3
Treatable waste
Non-hazardous
302 t (100%)
247 t
Hazardous
55 t
Disposable waste
191 t (100%)
Non-hazardous
99 t
Hazardous
92 t
Production output (relative) 100,0 %
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
12,000 MWh
7,400 MWh
83,400 m 3
13,100 MWh
7,400 MWh
86,500 m 3
9,500 m 3 11.500 m 3
343 t (113%)
288 t
345 t (114%)
298 t
12,500 MWh
9,300 MWh
13,900 MWh
9,200 MWh
87,100 m 3 109,400 m 3
13,100 m 3 16,800 m 3
413 t (137%)
355 t
471 t (156%)
396 t
55 t
181 t (95%)
47 t
203 t (106%)
58 t
206 t (108%)
75 t
242 t (127%)
93 t
80 t
99 t
92 t
118 t
88 t
150 t
92 t
113,0 % 137,0 % 158,0 % 250,0 %
Despite a 150% increase in production output compared with
the reference year 2002, the consumption of gas, electricity
and water has only increased by between 15% and 40%.
Similarly, the amount of waste produced has gone up
moderately despite the significant increase in production
output.
With the help of external consultation, inspections were carried
out to ascertain whether the amount of waste produced, in
particular hazardous substances, can be further reduced. The
inspections provided no substantial new impetus. Potential for
financial savings was not indicated to the benefit of our reliable
regional partners
15

Environmental policy
Occupational health and safety and environmental protection are an
integral part of our management principles and thus determine our
worldwide policy. By following these principles we create a safe and
healthy working environment. Plus, with the economical use of raw
materials and minimization of emissions, we contribute to
conservation of our environment and thus to the continued success
of our company.
Efficient occupational health & safety and environmental
management
Our occupational health & safety and environmental management
system is constantly being improved. We develop forward-thinking
business plans and implement these together with our contracting
parties. We regularly assess both the implementation of standards in
all areas and the success of our management system.
Safe and ergonomically designed workplaces
We firmly believe that all accidents at work and occupational
illnesses can be avoided. Motivated “talents” and senior members of
staff are helping us on our way towards to zero accidents at work.
We give equal priority to protecting our staff and our suppliers.
When designing workplaces and establishing work procedures, we
always take the latest standards and developments into account. We
attach great importance to the ergonomic design of workplaces.
Reliability
We are committed to observing all laws and stipulations regarding
occupational health and safety and environmental protection. We
behave responsibly in accordance with our own regulations, which
often go beyond the legal provisions. Our machines and installations
are planned, bought, operated and maintained so as to rule out
potential hazards, minimise risks and avoid stoppages. We strive to
use state-of-the-art technology at all times and upgrade our
production equipment continually.
Low environmental impact and environmentally compatible
products
With a view to the future, we aim to prevent harmful effects on the
environment in all our activities. We use our raw materials and
energy economically. We make an effort to produce as little waste,
sewage, noise and other emissions as possible. We manufacture
environmentally compatible products, taking into consideration the
entire product life cycle.
Responsible staff
By providing regular information and involving our staff in training
programmes, we are continually striving to improve our employees’
and business partners’ competence and awareness of a sound
working environment and environmental protection in all areas of
business.
Preventive measures
We protect our employees from health risks and hazards and our
environment from damage by taking extensive preventive action. In
the event of accidents, we provide comprehensive and effective
emergency treatment on site for our staff and visitors.
Open dialogue
We are involved in intensive dialogue with the relevant parties from
the area of environmental protection, providing information on our
occupational health & safety and environmental protection measures
and the environmental impact our company has.
16

Environmental management system
Contact persons
SEMIKRON upholds an integrated, process-oriented management
system for quality assurance, environmental protection and
occupational health and safety, which serves to ensure that all
internal processes and their interfaces are described in detail,
constantly monitored, evaluated and continually improved. The basic
elements of this system, known as the QUA management system,
are set down in the quality, environmental protection and
occupational health and safety manual.
SEMIKRON’s participation in EMAS II and DIN EN ISO 14001 clearly
demonstrates our achievements in the field of environmental
protection as well as the ongoing improvements in this area. As part
of a suitable environmental evaluation, all of the relevant aspects of
our activities were investigated and their environmental impact
evaluated. This environmental declaration is testimony to the
responsibility we bear towards our employees, our customers and
the general public. Our environmental protection management
system is therefore closely linked with the occupational health and
safety management system in accordance with OHRIS* and our
quality management system in accordance with DIN EN ISO
9001:2000 and VDA 6.1. This interconnection can also be seen in
the distribution of responsibilities and tasks within SEMIKRON.
The responsibility for the QUA management system lies directly with
the management staff. The officers for the QUA management system
are organised as staff units which have the full support of the
management. In the production areas the relevant QUA officers are
responsible for carrying out the relevant tasks within the
management system. Issues pertaining to quality, environmental
protection and occupational health and safety are dealt with at
fortnightly meetings as well as at the QUA committee conference. All
employees are informed of the activities in the field of environmental
protection at least once yearly and are involved in the environmental
management system within the framework of their individual areas of
responsibility. Similarly, the internal suggestion system SEMIDEE
provides an uncomplicated channel for employees to put forward any
ideas they may have.
As part of the emergency management system at SEMIKRON, an
alarm system which is directly linked up to the local fire brigade
service is installed. An internal emergency call system also exists,
allowing the relevant employees to be notified by the 24-hour
gateman outwith normal working hours. Regular drills are also
carried out to assess the emergency action programme and to
determine where improvement is needed.
The management reviews the management system at least once
annually to ensure that the goals are being met and to assess the
effectiveness of the management system. Preventative and
corrective action is decided upon, where called for.
The management system undergoes regular evaluation and an
annual audit to ensure that the system is continually improved and to
assess the effectiveness of individual measures.
*Occupational Health and Risk System
Environmental protection and occupational health &
safety management
Integration of quality management,
environmental protection management and
occupational health & safety management (QUA)
Jörg Grumann
Tel.: +49-911-6559-833
Fax: +49-911-6559-77-833
e-mail: joerg.grumann@semikron.com
Dr. Harald Kobolla
Tel.: +49-911-6559-216
Fax: +49-911-6559-77-216
e-mail: harald.kobolla@semikron.com
Kerstin Wibbeke
Tel.: +49-911-6559-151
Fax: +49-911-6559-77-151
e-mail: kerstin.wibbeke@semikron.com
17

Environmental targets
2007 2008 2009
SEMIKRON International GmbH
Ramifications and implementation of the REACh regulation for SEMIKRON Sales
Ramifications and implementation of the China RoHS directive
SEMIKRON Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG
Sales
Install a new neutralization installation
Install a new water treatment system
Management
Management
Renew air wash systems
Building Management
Re-design storage facilities for combustible liquids
Building Management
Replace desalination (DS) water for chip saws
SEMICELL
Re-organise handling processes for hazardous substances
SEMICELL
Procure more installations with reduced consumption
SEMICELL
Change over from silver to nickel plating
Modules
Increase percentage of reusable packaging used by customers
Modules
Reduce the use of solvents in cleaning processes
Modules
Replace glycol in the water cooling system used in the test chambers
Systems
Optimise the consumption of encapsulation material
Systems
Discontinue the use of encapsulation material in driver circuits
Systems
Reduce packaging used by substrate suppliers
SEMIBOND
Purchase solder paste as finished product
SEMIBOND
Introduce new washing processes with water-based cleansing agents
SEMIBOND
Use long-life electrolyte capacitors
Elektronics
Introduce reusable packaging for suppliers
Elektronics
Conclude the changeover to RoHS-compliant drivers Elektronics
18

Validation
Certificates
Publication of next environmental declaration
The next environmental declaration is due for publication in July 2010. An
update containing the most important data shall be published annually.
DIN EN ISO 14001
Validation was carried out parallel to DIN EN ISO 14001:2005
certification.
Umweltpakt Bayern
SEMIKRON International GmbH and SEMIKRON Elektronik GmbH & Co.
KG remain committed to the Umweltpakt Bayern, the environmental
action programme of the Free State of Bavaria.
Authorised Environmental Appraiser
Dipl.-Ing. Peter Fischer
Schützenstraße 12
90596 Schwanstetten
Germany
Licence number: DE-V-0060
19

SEMIKRON International GmbH
SEMIKRON Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG
Sigmundstraße 200
90431 Nürnberg
Telefon: ++49-911-6559-0
Telefax: ++49-911-6559-262
www.semikron.com
UM-HKo-V8-102007