Texas Instruments’ New Manufacturing Plant in North Texas Becomes the First Semiconductor Factory in the United States to Achieve LEED Gold Version 4
September 19, 2023
Recently, Texas Instruments announced its new 300-mm semiconductor wafer fabrication plant (or “fab”) in Richardson, Texas, RFAB2, achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification under version 4 (v4). This designation makes RFAB2 the first wafer fab in the United States and the fourth in the world to achieve this more stringent certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for the sustainable design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.
“One of TI’s ambitions is to be a company that our employees are personally proud to be a part of and would want as our neighbor,” said Brian Dunlap, vice president, 300-mm Wafer Fab Manufacturing Operations at Texas Instruments. “We are proud that RFAB2 has achieved LEED Gold v4 certification, underscoring TI’s long-standing commitment to operate in a socially thoughtful and environmentally responsible manner.”
RFAB2 and the LEED Gold v4 Certification
RFAB2, which is TI’s fourth LEED-certified manufacturing plant, was designed to reduce water and electricity usage. In fact, the new fab’s design, construction and operation are expected to achieve significant efficiencies, including saving 750 million gallons of potable water and almost 80,000 megawatt-hours of energy annually. The factory was also constructed using responsibly sourced materials and was designed and built in a way that fosters a healthy work environment.
“What makes this LEED Gold designation impressive is that Texas Instruments achieved this high standard developed for office buildings in a semiconductor manufacturing plant,” said Jill Kurtz, director of Building Sciences at Page, who consulted TI in the certification process. “By prioritizing sustainability and transparency, TI is delivering real impact in water and energy savings, leading the way in their industry and helping USGBC continue toward its goal of green buildings for everyone within this generation.”
The LEED Gold v4 certification solidifies TI’s dedication to responsible, sustainable manufacturing, including multi-year goals and programs focused on conserving natural resources, reducing energy consumption and mitigating environmental impact.
