Throughout our global operations, our corporate culture is geared towards ensuring safety and environmental protection. This allows us to respond swiftly to changes in the global energy paradigm and help create a sustainable future.

We strive to minimize the impact we make on the environment. From implementing recycling programs to developing clean-energy technology, we are transitioning to become a more responsible and sustainable business.

• 01Global Management Policies to Address
  Environmental Issues

  In 1991, we became the first Korean business to implement environmental management practices through our ECO-2000 campaign. Moving into the 21st century, we broadened our scope to include health and safety. This was reflected in our new strategy’s name, ECO-YHES, which was created by combining Health, Environment, and Safety (HES) with the word “Yes.”

  Under the guidance of the Hanwha Eco-Institute, ECO-YHES addresses HES issues that arise throughout our global businesses. We have also used the ECO-YHES strategy to set numerous HES targets to ensure that we implement meaningful changes in how we operate. So far, these targets have allowed us to cut down greenhouse gas emissions, boost sustainable energy production, and reduce our lost-time-injury rate each year.

  Each Hanwha business also has its own HES committee that works to address issues that are more specific to their needs.

• 02Reducing Greenhouse Gases
  and Waste

  Efficient resource management is at the top of Hanwha’s agenda. In 1999, we organized an energy task force to investigate how to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We shrank our waste output by recycling paper and concrete and cut down printer ink and toner usage. We also installed water-saving equipment throughout our offices, plants, and hotels.

  Upgrades were made to our chemical refineries to optimize their energy usage. For example, Hanwha Solutions’ Chemical Division overhauled its plant in Yeosu, Korea, in 2019. Older equipment was replaced with high-energy-efficiency models, including the electrodes used in chemical production. These upgrades reduced the plant’s greenhouse gas emissions by 30,000 tons per year. The plant’s toluene diisocyanate (TDI) unit even recycles waste heat to generate electricity at an on-site power plant. This cuts the plant’s carbon emissions even more by 20,000 tons per year.

  We are placing greater emphasis on solar energy as an eco-friendly low-carbon electricity source for our global operations. By installing solar modules at Hanwha locations around the world, we can cut carbon emissions and reduce our environmental impact. Hanwha Solutions’ Chemical Division is leading this transition by installing solar modules on idle sites at its plants. These solar modules produce 1.8 MWh per year and reduce the Chemical Division’s carbon emissions by 1,000 tons annually.

• 03Eco-Friendly Business Practices

  In 2011, Hanwha Solutions’ Chemical Division joined the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and became the first business in Korea to disclose its carbon management data to the public. In recognition of its efforts, the Chemical Division received the CDP’s Carbon Management Special Award in 2014.

  Hanwha SolarOne (now Hanwha Q CELLS) was one of the first solar energy providers to receive ISO 14067 certification for quantifying and communicating the carbon footprint of its products. Meanwhile, Hanwha Advanced Materials received ISO 14001 certification for implementing an effective environmental management system.

• 04Establishing a Culture of Safety

  We strive to create a safe environment for our workforce. Leaders throughout Hanwha must attend regular safety training. Each Hanwha business has a survey tool to measure how well employees understand Hanwha’s safety culture.

  For example, Hanwha Total Petrochemical operates the “Hanwha TOTAL Assessment Protocol,” which takes a 360-degree look at how well safety rules and regulations are implemented and enforced at the company’s plants.

  In 2020, the survey’s scope was expanded so that Hanwha Total Petrochemical can also help contractors and partner companies improve their own safety protocols.