HONOREE SIZE & INDUSTRY: Mid-Size  – Technology

Texan by Nature is excited to recognize Cirrus Logic in the 2020 TxN 20. Cirrus Logic was also recognized in the 2019 TxN 20 for their efforts in conservation and sustainability that positively impact Texas’ communities, economic prosperity, and natural resources. Read their 2019 write-up.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Cirrus Logic is an American fabless semiconductor supplier that specializes in low-power, mixed-signal integrated circuits. Cirrus Logic solves complex challenges daily and their engineers develop some of the most innovative new features for today’s consumer applications, focusing on great user experiences in applications such as audio, voice, and haptics. Since 1998, the company’s headquarters have been in Austin, Texas, home to 858 employees. In addition to technology, Cirrus Logic showcases their commitment to environmental responsibility through a wide variety of programs focused on improving the well-being of their communities and the health of the planet. 

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS STRATEGY

For Cirrus Logic, integrity is at the root of conservation – a commitment to the values they have as a company to develop products responsibly and sustainably and always with a passion for innovative ideas that drive new technologies. From working with their supply chain partners to empowering employees to reduce their carbon footprint, to philanthropy and engagement with non-profit organizations, Cirrus Logic believes that focusing on the environment is more than just good for business – it’s the right thing to do and is a part of their everyday mission.

As a fabless semiconductor company, Cirrus Logic relies on a world-class network of supply chain partners – foundries, assembly, and test facilities – to manufacture their products for customers worldwide. Cirrus Logic requires the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and sustainability among all of their global partners to ensure products manufactured under the Cirrus Logic brand represent the highest benchmarks for corporate social responsibility. Additionally, Cirrus Logic has a Sony Green Partner Certificate, certifying their cooperation in the production of environmentally sensitive products.

EMPLOYEE LEADERSHIP

Cirrus Logic’s employees represent the most important asset to the company and their corporate policies and programs reflect the company’s values toward innovation and job satisfaction. In 2018, Cirrus Logic formed a formal Corporate Social Responsibility Team of 5+ full-time employees, combining representatives from a wide variety of corporate functions together to focus on ensuring that the company has cohesive programs for conservation, sustainability, and best business practices throughout their day-to-day operations, always operating with the highest levels of integrity and ethical standards. Cirrus Logic’s global employees contribute to green initiatives in their daily work lives through large-impact programs, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and smaller initiatives to reduce plastic waste.

Although Cirrus Logic is a global company, their employees make vital contributions to the diverse local communities where they work and live. By Chipping In to Make a Difference™, their corporate giving platform, volunteerism and sponsorships showcase how Cirrus Logic can contribute to building a greater world by giving back to the communities that sustain the company locally. Each year employees across the globe donate their time and energy to local causes they care about. Cirrus Logic often supports these efforts with financial assistance as well. In 2019, this resulted in:

• 554 volunteer hours worldwide
• $1 M in charitable giving
• 49 STEM events sponsored and youth supported
• And much more!

CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

Transportation Initiative 

Cirrus Logic’s transportation initiative in Austin, TX has successfully taken about 20% of employee vehicles off the road on the daily commute – a significant impact to reducing Cirrus Logic’s carbon footprint by roughly 786 metric tons of CO2 per year and contributing to a reduction in traffic congestion. Cirrus Logic provides 100% reimbursement for employees to take alternative forms of transportation, such as local trains and buses. The company also operates two park and ride shuttle services, one in North Austin and one in South Austin, designed to both ease the commute experience and get cars off the congested Austin freeways. Since 2018, Cirrus Logic has expanded their shuttle service routes and now offers four daily locations for pick up and drop off throughout the Austin area. Cirrus Logic’s transportation initiative is not only good for the environment, it saves employees around $200,000 annually in transportation costs.

This transportation initiative resulted in Cirrus Logic being named to the 2019 Best Workplaces for Commuters list, published by the Center for Urban Transportation Research, which recognizes US companies who meet their national standards of excellence for offering exceptional employee commuter benefits.

Sustainable Infrastructure 

Cirrus Logic’s facilities have all LED Lighting that dims/switches off after a short period of inactivity and automated HVAC operations that switch off overnight and on weekends, saving energy and benefiting the bottom line. 

Additionally, Cirrus Logic’s design center located in Edinburgh has achieved an A Rating with the BREEAM certification process. BREEAM is the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for master planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings. It recognizes and reflects the value in higher-performing assets across the built environment lifecycle, from new construction to in-use and refurbishment. Its extensive recycling program separates waste streams for food/composting, dry recyclables, electronic waste, and batteries. 

Volunteer Hours Dedicated to Conservation

In 2019, Cirrus Logic employees dedicated 554 hours of volunteer hours worldwide, including 496 employee volunteer hours of park enhancements and cleanup efforts with Shoal Creek Conservancy and Austin Parks Foundation. In March of 2020, Cirrus Logic volunteers picked up 800 lbs of trash and recyclables at Shoal Creek!

Read more about why Cirrus Logic is an Austin Parks Foundation supporter.

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Cirrus Logic believes that innovation is key to building a sustainable future. Organizations that value innovation at all levels – from products, services, or corporate culture – will provide solutions to help combat the greatest global challenges. The workforce is a resource, and strong corporate cultures matter. Innovative programs to develop the modern workforce drive Cirrus Logic’s employee programs that foster conservation – from recycling to pollution reduction to community involvement initiatives helping to strengthen stronger urban communities.

As part of Cirrus Logic’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives, they have adopted the United Nations Sustainability Goals. Through volunteerism and philanthropic giving, Cirrus Logic is actively involved in a wide range of organizations in their major locations in the US and UK directed at strengthening global communities through improvements in economic vitality, health, and education.

TEXAN-LED CONSERVATION

Cirrus Logic moved its headquarters to Austin from Silicon Valley in 1998. Cirrus Logic values Texas as the home to their corporation’s largest employee base due to the draw of the Austin community, a highly educated workforce, and the surrounding appeal of Austin and the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Texas’ commitment to remain business-friendly allows the company to remain highly competitive in a global landscape.

Learn more about Cirrus Logic’s Corporate Social Responsibility.

Definitions:

-Fabless manufacturing is the design and sale of hardware devices and semiconductor chips while outsourcing their fabrication to a specialized manufacturer called a semiconductor foundry. 

-HVAC or Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning is the technology of indoor and vehicular environmental comfort. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. An automated HVAC system is more expensive than your standard model, but it’s an investment. It can cut your energy bill by around 20 percent, paying for itself over time.

–BREEAM is the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for master planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings. It recognizes and reflects the value in higher performing assets across the built environment lifecycle, from new construction to in-use and refurbishment.