Apple Reduces Emissions By 60%, On Track for 2030 Goal

Apple announced a significant advance in its climate goals in its 2024 Environmental Progress Report, where it reported cutting global greenhouse gas emissions by 60% below its 2015 baseline. The achievement underscores the technology leader's swift momentum toward becoming carbon neutral across all of its business operations by 2030.

Lisa Jackson, Apple's Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, stated the company is pleased with its progress and continues to be driven by innovation and partnership as it confronts the ever-more complicated task of complete decarbonization. "As we approach 2030, the work becomes even more challenging — and we're confronting the challenge with innovation, collaboration and urgency," she stressed.

One of the main drivers of Apple's emissions reductions has been its shift to renewable energy throughout its supply chain. In 2024, Apple's suppliers supplied a whopping 17.8 gigawatts (GW) of renewable electricity, a 17% rise from 2023. This alone avoided 21.8 million tonnes of carbon emissions in the last year. Apple’s Supplier Clean Energy Program is playing a pivotal role in this progress, with the company continuing to push all suppliers toward a goal of operating entirely on renewable energy by the end of the decade.

Apart from clean energy production, energy efficiency initiatives launched by Apple prevented an additional 2 million tonnes of carbon emissions in 2024. They focus on industrial processes, facilities, and manufacturing practices, reducing the environmental footprint of Apple's extensive global value chain.

Apple is also tackling emissions from among the most intricate parts of its operations: semiconductor and display production. These activities are responsible for the emission of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-GHGs) with high global warming potential. As part of its targeted mitigation strategy, Apple publicly stated that 26 of its suppliers of semiconductors have agreed to reduce 90% of their F-GHG emissions by 2030. In an amazing achievement, 100% of Apple's direct display suppliers have also made this pledge. Together, these initiatives contributed to the reduction of 8.4 million tonnes of emissions in 2024.

There has also been progress in Apple's circular economy and sustainable materials initiative. Apple currently employs more than 99% recycled rare earth elements in all magnets in its products and has hit the same percentage for recycled cobalt used in Apple-designed batteries. The breakthrough accounts for more than 97% of cobalt used by Apple, which is a great step forward in responsible sourcing and reuse of materials.

Apple's initiative is not just limited to emissions but also extends to other pillars of the environment like waste and water management. Through its Zero Waste Program, Apple along with its suppliers kept 600,000 tonnes of waste from landfills in 2024 alone. The total diversion figure since the program was initiated in 2015 has now reached 3.6 million tonnes. In terms of water conservation, Apple said it saved 53 trillion litres of water during 2024. Since its Supplier Clean Water Program started in 2013, over 340 trillion litres have been saved. Apple has also committed over 40% of its 2030 water replenishment goal for areas that face high water stress.

Sustainability is being incorporated into Apple's products more and more too. The latest MacBook Air employs more than 55% recycled material — the most of any Apple device to date. The Mac mini became the first carbon-neutral Mac by receiving this honor, and customers are now able to buy carbon-neutral Apple Watches of any material. These innovations highlight Apple's approach to curbing emissions through improved materials, energy efficiency, and reduced-impact transportation, while using carbon offsets as a last resort to address residual emissions.

In an effort to continue encouraging sustainability, Apple is connecting with customers directly through various Earth Day experiences. Trade-in and recycling schemes now reward consumers with 10% discounts on Apple accessories through in-store recycling until May 16. There are also Earth Day-themed Apple Watch challenges, "Time to Walk" podcast segments, and curated Apple TV+ content dedicated to environmental storytelling.

With its 2024 successes, Apple has doubled down on corporate environmental leadership. As the company continues toward its 2030 goal, the focus continues to be on growing clean energy, expanding the use of recycled materials, reducing industrial emissions, and encouraging customers to join in sustainability efforts. The path ahead might be steep, but Apple's numbers indicate it is well-placed — and very motivated — to take on the challenge.