As global industries work to lessen their environmental impact, Bourns is redefining its perspective on industrial sustainability — not as compliance but as a blueprint for smarter manufacturing. Others, like Bourns, have decided to build sustainability into every aspect of operations, from product design to community outreach.

The latest sustainability report showcases significant progress at Bourns, including a 15.4% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, expanded solar capacity across three continents, and a 75% decrease in oil waste at key manufacturing sites. These results indicate that industrial success and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Sustainability goes beyond meeting goals by continuously raising expectations. How does Bourns balance innovation with community impact? The answer lies in a strategy that turns sustainability from an obligation into an advantage.

Advancing Sustainability as an Operational Priority

For Bourns, sustainability isn’t just an isolated initiative — it has become a guiding principle embedded into every facet of operations. The Company’s sustainability strategy is built on three core pillars:

Environmental Stewardship
To achieve its sustainability goals, Bourns aims to lower emissions, improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and use its resources more effectively. Investments in solar energy, energy-efficient equipment, and waste reduction programs are helping lower its environmental impact while making operations more cost-effective.

Social Responsibility
Bourns emphasizes community outreach, including STEM education, disaster relief efforts, and workplace safety. The Company believes sustainability extends beyond products and operations, focusing on creating lasting value for people. Through programs like robotics lab funding and disaster recovery donations, Bourns proves that a successful business can and should contribute to the welfare of society.

Governance & Compliance
Ethical sourcing, compliance with global environmental standards, and supplier audits help maintain transparency and accountability. In 2023, 98% of Bourns’ suppliers met environmental and labor compliance standards, reinforcing its efforts to create sustainable supply chains.

Reducing Emissions Through Renewable Energy & Efficiency

One of the most notable achievements in Bourns’ recent sustainability efforts is its focus on reducing its environmental footprint through renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency improvements.

Solar Power Investments
With 2.1 MW of solar capacity installed at facilities in Dongguan (China), Xiamen (China), and Riverside (California), Bourns has reduced CO₂ emissions by over 1,800 metric tons annually. This translates into lower energy costs and a smaller carbon footprint.

Energy Efficiency Programs
• Ajka, Hungary: A heat recovery system reduced natural gas usage by 19%, saving $29,000 annually.
• Linkou, Taiwan: Optimized chillers and exhaust fans led to a 117-ton CO₂ reduction and $27,100 in electricity savings.

These projects exemplify Bourns’ commitment to its goal of a 35% GHG emissions reduction by 2035.

Empowering Communities Through Social Responsibility

Bourns recognizes that its corporate impact extends beyond business operations. Through education, community partnerships, and volunteer efforts, the company is making a meaningful impact.

STEM Education
Bourns supports STEM education globally to equip the next generation of problem-solvers. In Riverside, California, the company partners with local school districts on STEM events and summer learning labs, while in the United Kingdom, it provides university scholarships through the Arkwright Scholarships Trust.

Strengthening Community Partnerships
Bourns partners with organizations that improve quality of life for employees and their families. In Mexico, Bourns works with the Index Foundation to help workers expand their homes. In Riverside, California, employees volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, constructing homes for low-income families. Holiday giving programs, such as toy drives for children in Costa Rica and Riverside, California, further reinforce Bourns’ focus on community support.

Volunteer Initiatives & Charitable Giving
Bourns encourages employees to give back through volunteer efforts and corporate donations. The Company supports the Red Cross, reinforcing its dedication to serving in disaster relief efforts. Employees also participate in charity events like the Let’s Run Charity Event in Hungary and Flatout in the Fens cycling event in the UK, which raise funds for healthcare and rehabilitation programs. In Ajka, Hungary, employees regularly volunteer for environmental cleanups.

These examples highlight Bourns’ dedication to corporate sustainability — empowering people as much as protecting the planet.

Supporting Global Sustainability Goals

Bourns follows international sustainability frameworks to support global initiatives. As a United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) signatory, the Company upholds standards for environmental responsibility, labor rights, and ethical business practices.

By minimizing emissions, sourcing responsibly, and conserving resources, Bourns contributes to major climate action goals, including the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Through these actions, Bourns advances its own sustainability agenda while supporting broader global improvements.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Sustainability at Bourns

Bourns doesn’t intend to stop pursuing sustainability goals anytime soon. Future initiatives include:

• Expanding solar power to manufacturing sites in Malaysia and Mexico.
• Achieving 95% landfill diversion across five sites.
• Launching a sensor take-back program, giving customers a responsible way to recycle end-of-life products.

These initiatives reflect Bourns’ long-term commitment to sustainability, ensuring operations evolve with global environmental and business expectations.

Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage

Bourns demonstrates that environmental responsibility and business success go hand in hand. By focusing on renewable energy, resource efficiency, and ethical supply chains, the Company sets a standard for sustainable manufacturing.

As industries adapt to stricter environmental requirements, Bourns provides a roadmap for companies looking to improve their sustainability strategies. The real question is not whether businesses should follow this path, but how quickly they will take action.

Find the full sustainability report here.

Learn all about Bourns’ Environmental, Sustainability and Governance goals here.