Three Keys to Intel’s Global Water Stewardship Program
Fawn Bergen
July 23, 2018
So how does one of the world's largest technology company manage water? Through our multi-faceted water strategy that includes three main objectives:
Conserve water used in our operations,
Collaborate on water initiatives, and
Create technology solutions to help others reinvent how they use water.
Conserve
We've invested more than $200 million in innovative water conservation practices in its global operations for the last two decades, saving about 60 billion gallons of water[1]. During 2017, we saved about 3.5 billion gallons per year (BGY) of water and completed new water conservation projects estimated to save approximately 1.3 BGY. An example of a water conservation project completed in 2017 is a water reclamation project in Dalian, China. The reclaimed water will be used in several mechanical systems and is estimated to save 174 million gallons of fresh water per year.
Collaborate
Intel treats and returns approximately 80 percent of the water it uses back to municipal water treatment operations for community reuse or groundwater recharge. The remaining 20 percent is consumed through evaporation, landscaping irrigation, and waste streams. In 2017, we announced a new goal to close this gap in our water balance and restore 100 percent of our global water use by 2025. We are achieving this goal through partnerships with environmental groups to support a portfolio of projects that restore water to our local watersheds in amounts equivalent to what Intel consumes.
One example of a restoration project supported by Intel is Mountain Island Ranch, a 125,000 acre ranch along the Colorado River - the lifeline of the southwestern US. Trout Unlimited is working with the rancher to convert crops and implement irrigation improvements that are estimated to restore 142 million gallons of water each year to the River. To learn more about how we have achieved nearly 40% of our global goal over the last year, check out www.intel.com/water.
Create
Intel is developing smart technology that empowers others to reinvent the way they use and conserve water. One example of how Intel is driving this type of innovation is an IoT pilot project conducted in partnership with Vanasche Farm, a hazelnut farm in Oregon. The system tracks weather patterns and measures precise soil moisture at various locations across the farm with the goal of reducing water use by optimizing watering times.
I am very proud of the progress that we have made, but continuing to build momentum in this space will require new approaches and collaborative partnerships. Intel is committed to being part of the water solution through efficient water management within its operations, water stewardship and innovative partnerships, and leveraging Intel technology to help address the world's water challenges. I look forward to connecting with many of you at the Sustainability Management Conference and collaborating on solutions to our shared water challenges.
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About the Author
Fawn Bergen
Intel Corporation
Fawn Bergen is a senior-level environmental professional with close to 30 years of experience in environmental sustainability and compliance. She currently leads Intel Corporation’s Global Sustainable Operations group. In her role, Fawn leads implementation of Intel’s sustainability goals across their manufacturing and operations around the world, including Intel’s commitments to reach net zero GHG emissions, net positive water, and zero waste to landfill.
Fawn’s 28 years of experience in the environmental field has spanned multiple industries and specialties, including air quality engineering, environmental engineering, global strategy, and environmental management roles. Prior to leading Intel’s sustainability group, she led climate change, water stewardship, and corporate air programs globally – developing the tech industry’s first net positive water and watershed restoration program.
Additionally, Fawn serves as 2nd Vice Chair on the National Association of EHS & Sustainability Management (NAEM) Board of Directors and Vice Chair on the SEMI Semiconductor Climate Consortia (SCC) Governing Council. She holds a degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida and an MBA, and lives in the Portland, Oregon area.
Fawn’s 28 years of experience in the environmental field has spanned multiple industries and specialties, including air quality engineering, environmental engineering, global strategy, and environmental management roles. Prior to leading Intel’s sustainability group, she led climate change, water stewardship, and corporate air programs globally – developing the tech industry’s first net positive water and watershed restoration program.
Additionally, Fawn serves as 2nd Vice Chair on the National Association of EHS & Sustainability Management (NAEM) Board of Directors and Vice Chair on the SEMI Semiconductor Climate Consortia (SCC) Governing Council. She holds a degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida and an MBA, and lives in the Portland, Oregon area.