Apple powers all global facilities with 100% clean energy

Apple retail stores, offices and data centres in 43 countries source from a range of clean energy sources such as solar arrays, wind farms, biogas fuel cells micro-hydro generation systems and energy storage solutions.

The US-based firm currently has 25 renewable energy projects worldwide, totalling 626MW capacity. With a further 15 projects in the pipeline, Apple will eventually benefit from more than 1.4GW renewable generation across 11 countries.

“After years of hard work we’re proud to have reached this significant milestone,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s chief executive.

“We’re going to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the materials in our products, the way we recycle them, our facilities and our work with suppliers to establish new creative and forward-looking sources of renewable energy because we know the future depends on it.”

Fruits of labour

Apple claims that since 2011, its renewable projects have slashed GHG emissions from its facilities by 54% and saved almost 2.1 million metric tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.

The firm also confirmed that 23 suppliers have now pledged to generate all of their Apple production with 100% clean energy, including nine new manufacturers. Clean energy from supplier projects reportedly saved more than 1.5 million metric tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in 2017.

Apple has heightened its focus on supply chain efficiency in recent times. Last year, Apple launched a second dedicated funding stream to finance clean energy and environmental projects, through a $1bn green bond, with a specific focus given to the company’s supply chain. More than $400m was allocated to 16 projects ranging from renewable energy to recycling as part of the first bond – including Liam the robotic recycling arm.

The company has taken a decision to sell electricity generated from solar panels and farms, hydrogen fuel cells and biogas facilities located across the company’s biggest facilities including the Cupertino headquarters. Apple quietly formed its own energy subsidiary in 2016, meaning the company could sell excess electricity to end-users across the US.

George Ogleby