Apple has become the latest global firm to join the RE100, pledging to not only reach 100% renewable energy use worldwide but also drive clean energy into its manufacturing chain.
The technology giant is already a leader in the adoption of renewables, powering 93% of its global operations with clean energy as of 2015. Its latest pledge means Apple is now committed to taking this further, despite plans for significantly energy intensive facilities in the coming years.
Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president for environment, policy and social initiatives, announced the membership yesterday during remarks at Climate Week in New York City.
“Apple is committed to running on 100% renewable energy, and we’re happy to stand beside other companies that are working toward the same effort,” she said.
Part of the commitment will also see Apple promote renewables through its supply chain, with a number of suppliers already adopting clean energy for the manufacturing of Apple products.
Solvay Specialty Polymers, which supplies Apple with antenna bands for its iPhone, has pledged 100% renewable energy for all Apple production by the end of 2018 while Catcher Technology, one of Apple’s largest aluminum enclosure suppliers, has done the same.
Altogether, Apple suppliers’ commitments to-date will represent over 1.5 billion kilowatt hours per year of clean energy used in the manufacturing of Apple products by the end of 2018.
Jackson added: “We’re excited to share the industry-leading work we’ve been doing to drive renewable energy into the manufacturing supply chain and as Tim Cook says, ‘we have to be the ripple on the pond’. We can’t just be 100% renewable energy – we have to bring others with us.”
She went on to say that Apple looked forward to partnering with RE100 to advocate for clean-energy policies around the world. Specifically, she called for a price on carbon as a driver for action, saying that clear market signals were needed.
Her comments follow those of representatives of several leading business at the Business and Climate Summit held earlier this year, where the likes of Michelin and IKEA called for stronger carbon pricing.
The addition of Apple to the RE100 takes the number of companies signed up to the scheme to 73 after General Motors, Bank of America and Amalgamated Bank also joined in the last week.
