Apple has scooped up a first-of-its-kind prize for its environmental work in China.
The company was awarded the Green Supply Chain CITI Outstanding Brand title for “environmental leadership” across its entire supply chain. It’s a recognition of all the work Apple has done in the country.
“We always believe that to create the best products in the world, we must create the products that are most beneficial to the world,” said Apple’s Managing Director of Apple Greater China Ge Yue, in a translated statement. “For this reason, we have been committed to promoting the development of smart and sustainable manufacturing.”
Apple’s environmental work in China
Under Tim Cook’s leadership, Apple has greatly ramped up its environmental efforts. In 2018, Apple became the world’s first major tech company to be powered by 100% renewable energy. Apple has also pushed its suppliers to embrace clean energy. Apple launched its Supplier Clean Energy Program back in 2015.
Last month, the Apple-backed China Clean Energy Fund backed three wind farms in China. Each farm is capable of generating 48 megawatts of clean energy.
Apple has additionally pushed China initiatives including ones related to water management and other sustainable efforts. Apple’s clean water project in China has reportedly saved 25 billion gallons of water since 2013. 9 suppliers have joined the project in the last year to bring the total up to 76. Apple has added a total of 134 megawatts of clean energy to China’s national grid, via its $300 million clean energy fund.
In an interview published this week, Apple CEO Tim Cook shared his thoughts on environmental projects. “Our ultimate objective is not to take anything from the Earth, or trees or anything, but use all recycled material to build our products,” Cook said. “We’re certainly not there yet, but it’s our next crazy objective along the line. And I think we can do it.”
