Global consumer electronics giant Apple Inc says it will facilitate the construction of large scale solar and wind energy projects in Europe with capacity ranging between 30 MW and 300 MW in a bid to source 100% clean energy for all its operations, and has urged its suppliers to decarbonize as well.
Claiming to have been carbon neutral since 2020, it now wants to procure enough renewable energy to power all of Apple devices in Europe with low-carbon electricity while continuing to power corporate offices, retail stores and data centers with 100% clean energy. Planned investments are expected to add 3,000 GWh renewable energy annually on the grid.
"The European investments are part of the company's larger strategy to address the approximately 22% of its carbon footprint that comes from the electricity customers use to charge their devices," stated the company.
As one of the largest global corporate renewable energy procurers, Apple says more than 200 suppliers representing over 70% of its direct manufacturing spend have already committed to sourcing clean energy as wind or solar for all Apple production including some that have committed to power all Apple production with 100% renewable energy.
It is now encouraging the suppliers to address their GHG emissions beyond Apple production, prioritizing clean energy and requires them to report on progress towards these goals especially Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission reductions related to Apple production. Apple will track and audit annual progress of these efforts.
"Apple will partner with suppliers that are working with urgency and making measurable progress toward decarbonization," it added.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said, "We're looking forward to continued partnership with our suppliers to make Apple's supply chain carbon neutral by 2030. Climate action at Apple doesn't stop at our doors, and in this work, we're determined to be a ripple in the pond that creates a bigger change."