- Apple reduced its 2021 carbon emissions by nearly 23 Metric tonnes
- This figure similar to (more than) Cuba's annual emissions.
- The move is part of Apple's long-term push toward attaining carbon neutrality.
Apple’s reputation in the tech sector precedes it. It has continued churning cutting-edge telecommunication gadgets for a long time to its customers’ satisfaction. And in keeping with its innovative DNA, it has ventured into a new frontier; climate conservation. The firm is adopting sustainable production practices to help combat climate change.
BanklessTimes has been studying Apple’s emissions over the last decade. It concludes that the firm cut up to 22.5 million metric tons (24.8M tonnes) of carbon emissions in 2021. That’s more than Cuba’s annual carbon footprint of 22.9 million tonnes by 2020 estimates. It achieved that feat through several initiatives aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. BanklesTimes’ CEO Jonathan Merry made a few comments.
Jonathan MerryApple is keeping to its primary mission that is working to address the global climate crisis. Its carbon reduction initiatives are driven by the understanding that growth doesn’t have to be unsustainable. The firm has grown its revenues by 33% in the past year while reducing its carbon footprint at the same time.
Apple’s carbon-neutral push
Apple has tapped into innovation and is investing deliberately in environmentally sound practices to drive its zero-emissions push. The firm reports that all of its corporate functions are carbon neutral. That success has emboldened it to press on with a similar target across its ecosystem.
Recycling is a major component of Apple’s green strategy. In 2021 it accelerated its drive towards eventually making its products mining free. Apple says that up to 20% of its raw materials are products of recycling. That has seen it reduce its dependence on mined metals such as Aluminum.
Apple’s recycling initiatives rely on two critical components. The first is the Apple Trade-In Program, and the second is its use of advanced recycling technology. Combining the two has helped the tech giant reduce its carbon footprint.
Apple is increasing its use of clean energy
Besides recycling, the company has also ramped up its adoption of clean energy. As a result, it has more than doubled the amount of clean energy it uses in its manufacturing processes.
Again, it has adopted energy-efficient practices and carbon offsets to supplement its sustainability measures. The firm has roped in at least 213 of its suppliers to use green energy for their business dealings with Apple.
Towards a greener and equitable future
Apple believes that a greener future is an equitable one too. It is therefore investing in people and projects championing green tech. For example, through its Impact Accelerator Project, it’s funding entrepreneurs pushing next-gen innovations in sustainable tech.
Additionally, it is pursuing equity through its Power to Impact initiative. The program is connecting underserved communities with solar and wind power. It has so far benefitted several communities in South Africa, the Philippines, Israel, and Thailand.
Finally, Apple is contributing to a clean and equitable world through its Restore Fund. The fund is a joint collaboration with Conservation International and Goldman Sachs. It’s promoting the development of working forests by supporting economic development while sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.
