Apple announced today that 10 new projects will be added to its Power for Impact initiative. This initiative seeks to provide clean energy solutions for communities all over the globe and has nearly doubled the number suppliers who have committed to using 100% clean energy in the past year.
Apple's Power for Impact initiative was announced in 2019. It aims to promote economic and social growth by providing communities with renewable energy. One of the new Power for Impact projects is collaborating with Oceti Sakowin Power Authority, the United States, to develop renewable energy resources for wholesale markets. This will help create large-scale wind power development throughout the Midwest. Apple CEO Tim Cook stated:
Every company should participate in the fight against climate change. Together with our suppliers, local communities, and other companies, we are demonstrating the equity and opportunity that green innovation can offer. We are acting quickly and together. We must act quickly because time is not a finite resource.
Others in South Africa, Nigeria and the Philippines are also looking to supply renewable energy for healthcare and education institutions. Apple believes this will generate local revenue as well as lower energy costs. This will allow for more funding for education scholarships, equipment and medication.
Apple also announced that 175 of its suppliers are now committed to renewable energy. The United States has 19 suppliers, Europe has 19 and China has 50, while India, Japan and South Korea have 31. According to the company, suppliers are increasing their use of renewable energy in all their operations beyond Apple's business. Apple and its suppliers will add more than nine gigawatts to the grid around the globe, which will reduce over 18 million metric tons CO2 emissions each year. This is equivalent to taking four million cars off the road each.
Apple has increased the use of recycled material in its products by working with suppliers to create a "circular" system that aims to decrease the need for carbon intensive mining. This includes the use of recycled gold, cobalt and aluminum as well as rare earth elements.
Apple also highlighted its recycling efforts by pointing out that the iPhone 13 Pro has an 11% smaller carbon footprint than the iPhone 12 Pro. The new 16.2-inch MacBook Pro has an 8 percent smaller carbon footprint than the older model.
These efforts are part Apple's plan to achieve carbon neutrality in its entire business by 2030. This means that every Apple device will have a net zero climate impact. Apple has already reduced its carbon footprint by 40% over the last five years.
