2018 was another significant year in AMD’s progress in our multi-year strategy in high-performance computing and graphics. Over the past year, we launched 23 new AMD Ryzen™ processors for desktops and laptops; latest numbers indicate about a 12% increase in our employee workforce; and we have expanded our supplier base.
Within this environment of growth, I’m proud that AMD continues to be driven by a pursuit of building great products that help solve some of the world’s toughest challenges, and doing so in a way that strives to leave the world better for those to come. This vision inspires a culture that excites and empowers AMD’ers, and has resulted in AMD again being named by Forbes and Just Capital as one of the 100 Most JUST Companies in the U.S. We’re honored by the recognition, but more pleased to know that we’re heading in the right direction and our investments are paying off.
The JUST 100 analyzes publicly-traded companies in the U.S. to determine their performance on a number of issues important to Americans – among them, focusing on environmental stewardship, product benefits, community engagement, treatment of customers, and very importantly, treatment of workers. These issues align closely with our corporate responsibility priorities, which we view through the lens of people, planet and purpose.
As we reflect on this recognition, and the behind-the-scenes work that made it possible, I’d like to share a few highlights from this past year.
Giving back through our fourth annual AMD Cares Day of Service
Although it was a busy time for our workforce, we saw higher participation in our fourth annual AMD Cares Day of Service with a 29 percent increase last year. In the midst of competing priorities, teams still made time to step away from their desks to connect with our local communities. In a compelling data point, our employee survey shows higher engagement among employees who volunteer.
Delivering our fastest and most efficient APU ever
AMD’s 25x20 Energy Efficiency Initiative continues to be a driving force behind the development of our mobile accelerated processing units (APUs). We are on track to meet our goal of achieving a 25x energy efficiency improvement in our mobile APUs by the year 2020, from a 2014 baseline. Last year, we reached another milestone with our latest “Raven Ridge” APU, our fastest and most efficient APU to date[i].
Looking towards the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
AMD participated in the pilot program for a new tool from Trucost, which allows companies to evaluate their business practices to determine progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our involvement gave AMD not only the opportunity to benchmark our programs, but also contribute in the development of a tool to help the business community implement and improve sustainable practices.
Collaborating to help solve societal challenges
High-performance computing (HPC) is benefiting the world in which we live. From healthcare to education and other applications, HPC is helping to improve lives around the world. By way of example, we recently shared details about a collaboration with the University of Notre Dame to deploy AMD EPYC™ processor-powered HPE ProLiant DL385 Gen10 servers in the university’s Center for Research Computing (CRC). This powerful CRC cluster is enabling innovative research in analysis of air pollution on human health, and in the relationship between deforestation and our atmosphere.
While it is important to reflect on the progress we have made together in 2018, we know there is always more work to do. We look forward to another year of delivering innovative technology, advancing environmental stewardship, bringing value to the communities in which we live and work, and more.
