At the COP29 conference in 2024, the detailed rules of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement were adopted, improving the mechanism of the global carbon market. This injects new momentum into achieving net-zero emissions and also highlights the urgency of climate action. Facing challenges posed by the international political and economic landscape and climate change, ITRI upholds the vision of technology and innovation and the realization of sustainable development, continuously promotes social progress and fulfills its own sustainability mission.
As an internationally recognized research and development organization, ITRI demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through concrete actions, having independently published sustainability reports for three consecutive years. To enhance the quality of disclosed information, ITRI adopts the double materiality principle in the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and continuously undergoes third-party verification. The Institute has established the ITRI Sustainability Website to provide stakeholders with transparent and convenient access to information and to promote collaboration. These efforts have been acknowledged externally, and in 2024, ITRI was honored with four gold awards presented by CommonWealth Magazine and the Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards (TCSA).
Integrity governance is the cornerstone of the ITRI's sustainable operations. We uphold the cultural DNA of "innovative thinking, open communication, and agile management." The Institute believes in an organizational culture of integrity and works hard to realize it. Internally, by implementing the ISO 20400 Sustainable Procurement - Guidance, supply chain management has been strengthened. Additionally, the application of Gen AI technology has enhanced process efficiency across various operations, including technology research and development, marketing promotion, and accounting and audit, significantly improving operational effectiveness. Externally, the Institute continues to act as a sustainability leader, engaging in dialogues with 653 domestic associations and organizations, and connecting with 211 international partners from 29 countries to initiate diverse bilateral collaborations; these cooperative relationships create considerable sustainable impact.
In addition to the in-depth development of the technology blueprint, the Institute is also actively developing the application field of "Sustainable Environment," focusing on research and development to enhance resilience and implement energy saving and carbon reduction in all campuses. In 2024, ITRI conducted an inventory and identification of environmental impacts arising from its operational sites and activities, following the frameworks of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). The Institute also integrated internal resources to promote ISO 50001 energy management, carbon footprint verification, renewable energy applications, wastewater management, and recycled water applications. Through years of development efforts, in 2024, the Institute saved 12.48 million kWh of electricity compared to the base year of 2020, resulting in a carbon reduction of 5,919.50 metric tons of CO2e. Renewable energy generation increased by 241.05% compared to the base year. In addition, the volume of water recycling and reuse grew by 73.59% relative to the base year. These results are milestones in ITRI's low-carbon operations and resource management.
"Being people-oriented and giving back to society" is a fundamental core value of the Institute. ITRI actively fosters a people-centered work environment and promotes lifelong learning and physical and mental health support for its employees. The Institute simultaneously develops visionary technology and interdisciplinary integration, assisting the upgrading and transformation of Taiwan's industries. We also address social issues through innovative technology, as our industrial services provided in 2024 reached 19,620 instances (an annual increase of 7.4%), with small and medium-sized enterprises being the recipients of approximately 60% of these services. Additionally, ITRI assisted in the training of industry professionals of 19,959 people in the same year. ITRI completed eight applied technology and service achievements, promoting technology education and volunteer activities through two major public welfare platforms in central Taiwan, southern Taiwan, and Hualien and Taitung regions to narrow the urban-rural gap. These projects connected 56 organizations to work together as core forces driving social progress.
Looking ahead, no one can remain indifferent on the path of sustainability. ITRI will pay close attention to and respond to international sustainability initiatives and trends, continue to collaborate with partners in the sustainable value chain, and move forward with firm conviction and steady progress to create a better future together.
