Nearly 40 years ago, "We Have Only One Earth," the landmark publication that raised environmental awareness, was released. The concept of environmental sustainability began to take root and has now become the goal and consensus of the majority. However, there remains a long and winding path ahead to mitigate global warming, as it requires collective effort from all human beings. Last year, Spain experienced severe flooding, while California was struck by heatwaves and wildfires raged frequently. These climate disasters, which we once thought were distant, have actually approached our doorstep and begun to quietly affect daily life. Examples include strawberry crop failures and shortages, declining fruit yields, and soaring coffee prices. Climate change is no longer just a major issue unrelated to the livelihoods of the general public. The sustainability of the Earth is not an option, but a necessary condition for our survival. Out of love and responsibility for future generations, sustainable development is our unshakable mission.
In the face of the vision for sustainability, no one is an outsider. It is a goal jointly pursued by the government, industry, society, and all citizens. The challenge of climate change is the greatest engineering project in human history; it requires the consolidation of strengths from all disciplines to take collective actions. The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) has integrated the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its research and development efforts, focusing on innovation to develop carbon reduction technologies. Since 2022, ITRI has organized the ITRI Net Zero Day Forum and the ITRI Net Zero Day. These events cover comprehensive aspects including net zero technological solutions, green patents, net zero talents, carbon footprint accounting, and net zero strategic consulting. They assist enterprises in planning for net zero, promote green innovation, and facilitate industrial transformation. By 2024, ITRI has successfully supported both large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), injecting new vitality into emerging green industries.
Simultaneously, ITRI continues to adapt to changing times by deepening the foundation of organizational sustainability. From six major aspects—integrity governance, technology R&D, well-being workplace, green campus, social benefits, and industrial development—it has constructed the ITRI Sustainability Strategy & Roadmap. The roadmap progressively implements short-, medium-, and long-term goals, leading the organization toward the goal of sustainability. To date, ITRI has completed greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories across all its campuses and continues to invest in high-efficiency energy-saving equipment, integrating these with ITRI’s proprietary technologies to achieve effective energy and water conservation. Through consumption control and resource regeneration, ITRI continues to strengthen its sustainable operations. As the sustainability report enters its third year, it has incorporated more international review standards. In addition to following the existing framework of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), this year, the Institute has also aligned with international standards by adding contents related to the Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). This addition reflects the mutual influence between the natural environment and human economic activities. It enables precise monitoring of the operational impacts on the biological environment and the establishment of nature-related financial information. This information allows stakeholders to better understand the risks and opportunities posed to the environment by the corporate value chain when facing material climate risks, as well as the decisions and actions affecting the economy, environment, and human lives.
After years of dedicated efforts, it is gratifying to see ITRI's sustainability initiatives winning prestigious domestic sustainability awards. Among more than 200 of Taiwan's most exemplary enterprises and organizations, the Institute stood out and was honored with the "Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility Award—No. 1 in the Non-Profit Government Sector" and the "CommonWealth Talent Sustainability Award—No. 1 in the Non-Profit Government Sector" in 2024. These accolades affirm the Institute's commitment and achievements in promoting corporate social responsibility and sustainable development.
In the face of global challenges such as climate change and resource shortages, ITRI bears an unshakable responsibility. The Institute will continue to actively assist domestic enterprises in transformation and upgrading, working hand in hand with industries to collectively advance toward a sustainable path. Looking ahead, ITRI will place greater emphasis on aligning with international cooperation and promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration projects in social benefits. The goal is to illuminate every corner of Taiwan and the world with even the smallest glimmers of light and to realize the shared value of sustainability for mutual benefits.
