Apple has announced an expansion of its renewable energy and environmental protection initiatives in China, including a new multiyear project with World Wildlife Fund to significantly increase responsibly managed forests across China. The new forestland program aims to protect as much as 1 million acres of responsibly managed working forests, which provide fiber for pulp, paper and wood products.
In 2013, Apple set a goal to achieve a net-zero impact on the world's supply of sustainable virgin fiber and power all of its operations worldwide on 100% renewable energy.
‘Forests, like energy, can be renewable resources,’ says Lisa Jackson, Apple's vice president of environmental initiatives. ‘We believe we can run on naturally renewable resources and ensure that we protect – and create – as much sustainable working forest as needed to produce the virgin paper in our product packaging. This is an important step toward that goal and our commitment to leave the world better than we found it.’
Apple also announced its intent to expand its renewable energy projects to manufacturing facilities in China.
The announcements come three weeks after Apple launched its first major solar project in China. Solar installations in Sichuan Province will generate more energy than needed to power all of Apple's corporate offices and retail stores in China.
Apple is partnering with Leshan Electric Power Co., Sichuan Development Holding Co. Ltd., Tianjin Tsinlien Investment Holding Co. Ltd., Tianjin Zhonghuan Semiconductor Co. Ltd. and SunPower Corp. on a pair of 20 MW solar projects. Together, the project will generate up to 80 million kWh per year of clean energy.
To date, 87% of Apple's global operations run on renewable energy, and the Sichuan Province solar project will bring Apple even closer to its commitment in reaching 100%.
