Natural Capital Actions

Actions within the Value Chain – Operational Sites / Supply Chain

Management measures at ASUS operational sites are categorized into freshwater resource management and waste management, as described below.

• Freshwater Resource Management:

In 2022, the ASUS operational headquarters, Li-Gong Building, obtained the ISO 46001 Water Efficiency Management System certification and set a water-saving target of reducing water consumption by 1% annually. To ensure effective water resource management, improve efficiency, and reduce waste, ASUS has implemented multiple measures in both hardware and software. Water meters were installed on pipelines to monitor and analyze water usage, enabling the identification of efficiency improvements and issuing alerts to relevant personnel in case of abnormal usage, thereby minimizing waste. At the corporate headquarters, a water recycling and reuse facility was established to collect overflow water for use in restrooms, air conditioning cooling, and landscaping maintenance. Wastewater primarily originates from general office sewage and is discharged into designated wastewater treatment systems in accordance with government regulations.

• Waste Management:

ASUS classifies waste into two categories: general industrial waste and hazardous industrial waste. Hazardous industrial waste primarily originates from R&D materials and defective products. Such waste is strictly identified, classified, and managed, and then handed over to qualified recycling contractors for reuse. General industrial waste refers to all other types of waste, mainly office and employee household waste. Recyclable materials are properly sorted for recovery, while non-recyclable portions are ultimately incinerated or landfilled. Since 2015, ASUS has promoted a Zero Waste to Landfill program at its corporate headquarters, adopting the UL Zero Waste to Landfill (UL ECVP 2799) standard. Quantitative indicators are used to track the flow of waste and ensure that it is properly recycled, reused, or converted, rather than directly landfilled.

In response to the aforementioned nature-related risks, ASUS has adopted circular economy practices and strengthened supply chain management to reduce the overall environmental impact of its value chain.

Circular Economy Actions and Performance

The extraction of raw materials during the product manufacturing stage generates environmental impacts, including deforestation (packaging paper) and mineral extraction (metal chassis), which may lead to land-use changes, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. Through circular economy strategies, ASUS maximizes resource utilization efficiency, reduces the demand for virgin materials, and consequently lessens the pressure on natural ecosystems.

Key Actions and Performance

• Circular Supply Chain: Focused on reducing raw material consumption by introducing environmentally friendly materials (recycled plastics, recycled metals, recycled paper) to lower the proportion of virgin materials, while ensuring proper management of chemicals in products. In 2024, ASUS proactively regulated more than 450 chemical substances and accumulated the use of over 30,000 tons of environmentally friendly materials.
• Product Lifecycle Extension: Adopted modular design to improve product disassembly and extend product lifecycles. According to the French Repairability Index, the ASUS ROG Strix G18 model achieved a score of 8.6. Another service to extend product lifecycles is Device as a Service (DaaS), which replaces purchasing with leasing to reduce waste.
• Recycling System Establishment: In 2024, ASUS’ global recycling services covered more than 82% of its sales markets, collecting over 12,000 tons of electronic waste. The total annual recycling volume accounted for 13% of the global sales product weight.

Actions within the Value Chain – Operational Sites and Supply Chain Actions on Biodiversity

Biodiversity Management Measures and Performance at Operational Sites

As ASUS sites are located near Guandu Nature Park, and in recognition of the importance of environmental conservation, ASUS has supported the Coastal Cleanup Adoption Program initiated by the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA). Since 2017, ASUS has adopted a 500-meter coastal stretch of the Wazihwei Nature Reserve in New Taipei City. This area, adjacent to Guandu Nature Park, contains a valuable wetland ecosystem and serves as an important habitat for migratory birds, aquatic species, and diverse wildlife. In 2024, ASUS organized two coastal cleanup events with a total of 204 volunteers participating, encouraging employees to engage in environmental initiatives and raise awareness of conservation.

Supply Chain Biodiversity Actions and Performance

Actions Beyond the Value Chain

Dasyuehshan Middle-Altitude Pangolin Habitat Enhancement and Conservation Project

Project Background

Taiwan is a densely populated island with limited arable land, where agricultural development has mainly relied on intensive farming. To improve crop quality, yield, and field management efficiency, farmers have commonly adopted conventional farming practices — applying chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. However, while such practices prevent crop diseases and pests, they often leave chemical residues in agricultural products and soils, and through bioaccumulation, affect higher-level species in the local food chain. In contrast, herbaceous cultivation avoids the use of herbicides and instead relies on more frequent mowing. This approach allows harmless weeds to remain while removing harmful or excessively tall species, gradually reducing unwanted weeds and lowering the chemical burden on the soil.

In certain areas of Daxueshan, changes in forestland policy required alignment with government initiatives to promote more environmentally friendly farming practices. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency invited the Kuan Shu Educational Foundation, a non-profit organization experienced in supporting eco-friendly agriculture, to assist local farmers in adopting sod culture. During this transition, farmers increasingly observed pangolin activity in the fields. In response, ASUS collaborated with the Kuan Shu Educational Foundation and engaged Professor Ching-Min Sun from National Pingtung University of Science and Technology to lead a three-year research project. The study, focusing on the 14K–16K section of the Daxueshan Forest Road and adjacent leased national forest land, evaluates the effects of conventional farming versus herbaceous cultivation on pangolin habitat quality, food resources, and activity frequency, while also strengthening community-based pangolin reporting and conservation efforts. In addition, ASUS leverages its corporate platform to promote awareness of nature and biodiversity through both online and offline communication channels.

The 2024 phase of the project focused primarily on farmer interviews and habitat surveys, aiming to understand the historical and environmental relationships between tenant farmers on leased national forest lands and the surrounding ecosystem. The study also sought to document sightings of pangolins, including the contexts and locations of such encounters, to help the research team determine the connection between sod culture practices and pangolin habitat suitability. Preliminary interviews revealed that many farming families in the region trace their roots back to the Japanese colonial era, when shallow mountain areas were opened for agriculture or camphor production to boost food supply. After the Nationalist government arrived in Taiwan, forestry operations expanded, leading to the development of local communities. However, the recent shift toward reforestation under the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency's policies has significantly impacted the local economy. In response, farmers have increasingly transitioned to natural farming methods or incorporated afforestation into their agricultural plots. With support and guidance from the Kuan Shu Educational Foundation, more farmers have adopted sod culture, avoiding chemical agents in favor of environmentally friendly cultivation.

Key Outcomes

Among the farmers interviewed in local communities, all reported having seen pangolin burrows, and all but one had personally seen a pangolin. The community’s pangolin sighting rate reached 96%, and photographic records from interviews and local reports are shown in the image set below. Additional pangolin sightings by the research team are presented as below. Since the project launch in 2024, the research team conducted pangolin burrow searches around Fushan Lane near the 14K section of the Daxueshan Forest Road. A total of 13 burrows were identified along ridge lines adjacent to the roadside, as shown in the location diagram below. These findings suggest that pangolin habitats are in very close proximity to the local community. The 2024 research findings were reviewed and validated by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, and ASUS became one of the first companies to receive a biodiversity certification.

By the first quarter of 2025, a total of 68 burrows had been recorded in the study area; an additional 67 burrows were discovered in the second quarter, bringing the cumulative total to 135. Except for two community-reported burrows located in conventionally farmed fields, all others were found in areas practicing herbaceous cultivation or using significantly less agrochemicals. However, 42.86% of community-reported burrows were misidentified, indicating a need for awareness. In response, a pangolin ecology and habitat identification training session was held for farmers on April 18, 2025, with course photos shown below. To further enhance local farmers’ understanding of the species, provide emergency rescue training, and establish a community-based reporting mechanism, additional training sessions are planned.

From the launch of the project in 2024 through the second quarter of 2025, a total of 13 pangolin burrow surveys were conducted, including 7 community-reported cases, of which 3 were confirmed as false identifications. Additionally, the research team completed 1 vegetation survey, 1 termite survey, 5 ant surveys, and 1 soil sampling and testing session. A total of 15 automated cameras were installed, including 3 positioned based on community reports of potential pangolin activity routes. As the project is still in its early phase, further analysis of soil and vegetation samples, as well as chemical residue assessments, will be conducted progressively.

Corporate Biodiversity Education and Awareness

Recognizing that nature and biodiversity are emerging and complex issues, ASUS, as a technology leader, understands that education and awareness-raising are powerful tools for driving impact. These efforts help the public better understand the relationship between nature, people, and ecosystems. In 2024, ASUS participated in the press conference hosted by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency and independently organized two in-person events—an employee experiential activity and a project discussion forum. In addition, ASUS promoted biodiversity awareness through news releases, videos, social media, and internal communication channels. To further integrate issue-based education with its environmental strategy, ASUS published a theme report on Nature Impact Assessment, bridging environmental management analysis and biodiversity topics to achieve a comprehensive approach to evaluation and management.