In a landmark announcement just days before Earth Day, Apple revealed it has achieved over 60% reduction in its global greenhouse gas emissions since 2015, putting the tech giant firmly on track to meet its ambitious 2030 carbon neutrality goal. The company’s latest Environmental Progress Report details unprecedented progress in clean energy adoption, recycled material innovation, and supply chain decarbonization.
Table of Contents
Breaking Down Apple’s Environmental Achievements
1. Carbon Footprint Slashed by 60%
Apple’s comprehensive emissions data shows:
- Total emissions reduction: 62% since 2015 baseline
- Current emissions: 15.3 million metric tons (down from 40.1 million)
- 2030 target: Full carbon neutrality across supply chain and product lifecycle
“Every product Apple creates now has a smaller carbon footprint than ever before,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s VP of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives.
2. Clean Energy Revolution
- 100% renewable electricity for all corporate operations (achieved since 2018)
- Over 500 suppliers (representing 95% of direct manufacturing spend) now using clean power
- New solar/wind projects added in Michigan, Spain, and India in 2024
3. Circular Materials Breakthroughs
Apple’s “closed-loop” material strategy hit key milestones:
- 100% recycled cobalt in all Apple-designed batteries (first achieved in 2025)
- 24% recycled materials across all products (up from 20% in 2023)
- First-ever 100% recycled aluminum enclosures in MacBook Air
The Road to 2030: What’s Next?
While celebrating progress, Apple acknowledged remaining challenges:
- Transportation emissions (still 22% of footprint) being addressed via sustainable aviation fuel investments
- Product end-of-life recycling rates need improvement (currently at 45% for iPhones)
- Supplier education programs expanding in Southeast Asia
Expert Reactions
“Apple’s transparency and aggressive targets are pushing entire industries forward,” noted Dr. Emily Warren, MIT Sustainability Lab. “Their supplier clean energy program alone has prevented over 25 million tons of CO2 annually.”
How Consumers Can Participate
For Earth Day (April 22), Apple is:
- Offering free device recycling at all stores
- Donating $1 to Conservation International for every Apple Pay transaction
- Launching special Apple Watch Activity Challenge with exclusive award