As corporations worldwide ramp up investments in sustainability, Apple, the iPhone maker, is leveraging innovations in clean energy, materials, and recycling to advance its environmental objectives. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
- Apple has significantly slashed its overall greenhouse gas emissions by over 55% since 2015.
- The company aims to further reduce emissions by 75% from 2015 levels, demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Supplier Clean Energy Programme:
- Apple’s ‘Supplier Clean Energy Programme’ now supports over 16.5 gigawatts of renewable energy globally, including initiatives in India.
- Over 100 supplier facilities achieved more than 2 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity savings last year, contributing to a 25% increase in carbon emissions avoidance compared to 2022.
Partnerships for Renewable Energy Adoption:
- In India, Apple has partnered with renewable energy company CleanMax to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy.
- CleanMax has installed 14.4 megawatts of rooftop solar installations across six industrial sites in India as part of this collaboration.
Addressing Climate Impact of Industrial Processes:
- Apple and its partners are actively working to mitigate the direct climate impact of industrial processes, such as the manufacturing of flat-panel displays, which emit potent fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-GHGs).
Advancements in Recycling:
- In 2023, Apple sourced approximately 56% of cobalt for its batteries from recycled sources, doubling the previous year’s figure.
- The MacBook Air with M3 became the first Apple product made with 50% recycled material, demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustainability.
- Additionally, about 24% of lithium shipped in Apple batteries last year originated from certified recycled sources.
Innovation and Collaboration:
- According to Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, the company has achieved significant emissions reductions while serving a growing user base.
- Apple remains committed to harnessing innovation and collaboration to maximize its environmental impact, acknowledging that more work lies ahead.
Copper Recycling Milestone:
- Apple has achieved a significant milestone by using 100% recycled copper in critical thermal applications in products like the iPhone 15 and the 16-inch MacBook Pro, furthering its commitment to sustainability.
Apple’s concerted efforts, along with collaborations with suppliers and partners, exemplify its dedication to building a more sustainable future while maintaining technological innovation and leadership in the industry.
