Apple joins RE 100 renewable energy initiative, outlines new clean energy pledges

Source: Apple

As part of continued eco-friendly efforts, Apple on Monday said it is now part of the RE100, a global initiative of leading companies committed to boosting demand and delivery of 100 percent renewable energy.

Apple VP of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives Lisa Jackson announced the company's membership to RE100 during an address at the Climate Week in New York City on Monday.

"Apple is committed to running on 100 percent renewable energy, and we're happy to stand beside other companies that are working toward the same effort," Jackson said. "We're excited to share the industry-leading work we've been doing to drive renewable energy into the manufacturing supply chain, and look forward to partnering with RE100 to advocate for clean-energy policies around the world."

Launched in 2014 through a partnership between The Climate Group and CDP, RE100 seeks to promote renewable energy consumption by urging member companies to procure electricity from renewable sources. A wide range of companies from China, Europe, India and the U.S. are participating in the project.

Alongside RE100, Jackson announced Apple, in cooperation with local utility Salt River Project, recently completed construction on a massive 50-megawatt solar farm that will feed the company's global command data center in Mesa, Arizona. Apple is investing $2 billion over the next ten years to upgrade facilities at the site of its failed sapphire production joint venture into a control center for its U.S.-based data operations.

Jackson went on to tout progress in Apple's initiative to kickstart clean energy usage in its Chinese supply chain. Under a new commitment, iPhone antenna band supplier Solvay Specialty Polymers pledged to use 100 percent renewable energy for production lines serving Apple products. The firm plans to power 14 facilities across 8 countries with renewable electricity by the end of 2018.

In addition, aluminum enclosure supplier Catcher Technology is progressing toward a renewable energy future that should also see completion by the same 2018 deadline.

Last month, Apple profiled Lens Technology as its first Chinese supplier to commit to a clean energy process for glass manufacturing lines serving Apple devices. Instead of building out dedicated renewable energy infrastructures, Chinese suppliers will meet their commitment to Apple largely through clean power purchase agreements.