Apple Leads the Race to Zero Carbon Pollution

Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon are competing to be the first to eliminate their carbon emissions. Apple announced it has already reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by around 60% since 2015 — covering everything from manufacturing and marketing to corporate operations and customer use.

Scope 3 Emissions: The Biggest Challenge

While many companies have managed to cut emissions from their direct operations, Scope 3 emissions — those from suppliers and customers — remain the hardest to address. All three tech giants have committed to eliminating these indirect emissions, which lie outside their immediate control.

Apple’s Innovative Approach with Customers and Chips

Apple has started purchasing renewable energy on behalf of its customers. This initiative began with the Apple Watch Series 9 and continued with the M4 Mac mini. The Mac mini announcement also drew attention to how semiconductors significantly impact a product’s carbon footprint. More chips mean more emissions: the top Mac mini model produces nearly four times the carbon of the base model.

Tackling Semiconductor Emissions

Apple​ іs working with its semiconductor suppliers​ tо reduce emissions.​ Sо far,​ 26 suppliers have pledged​ tо cut​ at least 90%​ оf fluorinated greenhouse gases used​ іn chip manufacturing​ — some​ оf the most potent greenhouse gases. For example, hexafluoroethane has​ a global warming potential 9,200 times greater than carbon dioxide.

Path to 2030: Offset and Nature-Based Solutions

Apple aims to eliminate 75% of its emissions by 2030 and offset the remaining 25% through carbon removal programs. While Microsoft is investing in both high-tech and nature-based solutions, Apple believes that nature-based strategies offer the most effective path in the near term.