In the past year, Apple’s planet-warming emissions decreased by 800,000 metric tons compared to 2023, marking a reduction of about 5 percent. Over the last decade, Apple reports that its global greenhouse gas emissions have dropped by over 60 percent. This achievement is especially significant given that, during the same period, the AI competition is driving up emissions for other tech companies.
A key part of Apple’s climate strategy includes sourcing renewable energy, creating more sustainable products, and encouraging its suppliers to adopt similar practices. Last year, Apple’s suppliers prevented nearly 24 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions by investing in renewable energy and improving energy efficiency.
Additionally, Apple faces the challenge of dealing with highly potent fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-GHGs) produced during the manufacturing of semiconductors and flat-panel displays. Apple states that all its direct display suppliers have committed to reducing at least 90 percent of F-GHGs from facilities used for Apple products. Furthermore, twenty-six of Apple’s direct semiconductor suppliers have made the same commitment, although Apple has not specified what proportion of its total chip supply chain this represents.
Last year, Apple increased its use of recycled materials, which made up nearly a quarter of the materials used in its products. Over 80 percent of the rare earth elements in Apple products in 2024 were sourced from recycled materials, an increase from 75 percent the previous year. Apple reported that 99 percent of tungsten, 71 percent of aluminum, 53 percent of lithium, 40 percent of gold, and 76 percent of cobalt used in its products last year came from recycled sources. Until May 16, Apple is offering a 10 percent discount on accessories to customers who bring eligible items to its stores for recycling.
In 2024, Apple produced 15.3 million metric tons of gross carbon dioxide emissions, which is comparable to the annual emissions of approximately 40 gas-fired power plants. Apple uses 2015 as its baseline year for tracking progress, during which the company generated 38.4 million metric tons of CO2 emissions.
