In efforts to combat climate change and create a healthier environment for all, Apple announced on Monday that all of their global facilities are now powered 100% by clean energy. We’re talking offices, retail stores, data centers and co-located facilities across 43 countries, including the United States, China, India and the United Kingdom. Additionally, Apple has also reported that 9 of their manufacturing partners have embraced clean energy, which now makes 23 Apple suppliers committed to renewable energy.
“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 Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook “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.”
A Reputation for Renewable Energy
Since 2014, all of Apple’s data centers have been powered by 100% clean energy, with global facility greenhouse gas emissions being cut by 54% since 2011. With these efforts, Apple has prevented more than of 2.1 million metric tons of CO2 emissions from being released into the atmosphere.
Moreover, Apple and partners are constructing a number green energy projects around the world, helping bring renewable energy to communities, states and entire countries. They’re pioneering innovative renewable energy concepts that previously haven’t existed. Their diverse range of projects spans from wind farms and solar arrays to micro-hydro generation systems and biogas fuel cells.
Globally, Apple is responsible for 25 clean energy projects, capable of generating 626 megawatts of energy. There are 15 more projects currently underway, which upon completion, will bring Apple’s total clean energy generation to over 1.4 gigawatts across 11 countries.
A Few of Apple’s Clean Energy Projects:
– Apple’s Cupertino headquarters, Apple Park, the largest LEED Platinum-certified office building in North America. Powered 100% by renewable energy from a variety of sources, including a 17-megawatt rooftop solar panel along with four megawatts of biogas fuel cells. All of this power is controlled by a microgrid with battery storage capability. The facility is even capable of supplying the public grid with power during outages or low occupancy – a real feat if you ask me.
– To reduce emissions in China, over 485 megawatts of solar and wind projects have blossomed across six provinces in China.
– Apple plans to build a 400,000-square-foot, top-of-the-line data center in Waukee, Iowa of which will run entirely on renewable energy.
– Apple partnered with Japanese solar company Daini Denryoku in order to install over 300 roof-mounted solar panels to generate 18,000 megawatt-hours of clean energy annually, capable of powering more than 3,000 Japanese homes.
– Apple has supplied over 800 rooftops with solar panels in Singapore.
– In Reno, Nevada, Apple partnered with a local utility company, NV Energy to co-create projects over the last 4 years of which have generated 320 megawatts of solar PV energy.
– In their Maiden, North Carolina data center, Apple is supported by clean energy projects responsible for generating 244 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy annually, enough to supply 17,906 North Carolina homes.
Sustainability Is a Priority
With more and more large corporations making the move towards clean, sustainable energy we’re hoping to see a real reduction in global emissions. Not only is going green good for the environment, it also a smart move for companies as it results in long-term cost savings as well as attracts and helps retain employees. Maybe their increased efficiency will even lead to a reduction in price for their new iPhones? We’re looking forward to seeing other companies follow Apple’s lead.
