Apple today announced that its global facilities are now powered by 100 percent renewable energy. This includes not just its offices and retail stores, but also data centers located across 43 countries. Additionally, Apple also announced that nine of its manufacturing partners have committed to using clean power for their production facilities thereby bringing the total number to 23.
The Cupertino company currently has 25 operational renewable energy projects, with a combined power generation capacity of 626 megawatts. Out of this, 286 megawatts of solar power was set up in 2017 alone. As if this was not enough, Apple also has another 15 more projects under construction which once completed will generate 1.4 gigawatts of clean energy across 11 countries.
All of Apple’s data centers are powered by clean energy since 2014, with the company’s renewable energy projects reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by 54 percent worldwide since 2011. This has led to 2.1 million metric tons of CO2e not being released into the atmosphere.
“We’re committed to leaving the world better than we found it. After years of hard work we’re proud to have reached this significant milestone,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “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.”
Apple’s renewable energy projects include Apple Park — its headquarters in Cupertino featuring the world’s largest solar roof, solar and wind projects spread across six provinces in China generating over 485 megawatts, and more. Apple’s dedication to using clean renewable energy across its entire facility can be understood from the fact that in Singapore, where land is limited, the company put the solar panel roofs on 800 rooftops.
Additionally, Apple is also encouraging its suppliers to switch to 100 percent renewable energy for their own facilities. Some of the new suppliers onboard this include Quanta Computer, Finisar, Arkema, and more.
If you are interested in knowing more about Apple’s effort in clean energy generation, make sure to check out the interview of Lisa Jackson, VP of environment, policy, and social initiatives at Apple, with Fast Company.[Via Apple]