Is Apple really the greenest tech brand?

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Apple communicates a lot about its progress in terms of ecology. And if the firm is sometimes accused of exaggerating in this official communication, the fact is that it would still be ahead, compared to other digital giants. In any case, this is what a new report published by Stand.earth indicates, on the environmental impact of a group of digital players and their commitments to the climate.

The 6 companies mentioned in the report are Apple, Dell, Google, HP, Microsoft and Nvidia. This includes comparisons of the objectives of these companies in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and commitments in terms of the use of renewable energies. On both counts, Apple is simply ahead of the other companies studied. Below, for example, we have a comparison of the “absolute objective of reducing scope 3 GHG emissions by 2030”, in which Apple clearly stands out.

© Stand.earth

The study also highlights a downward trend in greenhouse gas emissions at Apple and HP, for products and services sold to consumers. On the other hand, at Microsoft and Dell, an increase was observed, despite the fact that these two companies have already set targets in terms of decarbonization.

© Stand.earth

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And when it comes to the use of renewable energy, Apple also stands out. Indeed, as the report explains, the Cupertino firm already claims 100% renewable energy for its operations. The other companies studied have yet to reach this milestone. But on top of that, Apple is the only brand, among the six studied, which has set itself the objective of achieving 100% renewable energy, including the supply chain, by 2030.

© Stand.earth

Apple: an imperfect example?

During the presentation of the iPhone 15, Apple made plenty of announcements in terms of ecology. And it also indicated that it has launched its very first carbon neutral products. However, as mentioned in a previous article, this claim is in doubt.

These criticisms are recognized by Gary Cook, director of global climate policy at Stand.earth. But at the same time, he believes that Apple remains the example to follow for other digital players.

“While Apple may be too quick to claim that its products are “carbon neutral,” they are the only ones setting a good example in how they transition away from their own fuel-based operations. fossil fuels and are working aggressively to get their suppliers to adopt a carbon reduction model to be powered 100% by renewable energy by 2030,” explains Cook, quoted by The Verge.

On the other hand, with regard to renewable energies, the Stand.earth report points out the fact that “certain” companies rely too much on renewable energy certificates to claim carbon neutrality. However, the problem with certificates, when unbundled, is that they can mask real carbon emissions.

• Apple is accused of exaggerating its progress on climate, in its official communication
• But if the firm is far from perfect, a publication from Stand.earth indicates that it remains an example to follow for other tech players
• Apple has set a goal of including the supply chain (suppliers) in its commitments by 2030

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