Commercial, Industrial, Sourcing Renewables  -  June 7, 2017

1st US Apple supplier commits to 100% renewables

Amid ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout its supply chain, Apple Inc. announced that Jabil Circuit Inc., which makes aluminum for the company, has committed to powering all of its Apple-related operations with 100% renewable energy, according to Axios. 

Jabil Circuit marks the first U.S.-based Apple supplier to make such a commitment, though a number of other global suppliers have already signed onto the pledge. Axios reported that the commitment is also the largest of any other supplier, totaling close to one billion kWh annually. 

Lisa Jackson, Apple's vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives, told the publication that the announcement represents a sign of momentum in the global transition toward clean energy. Jackson reportedly said Apple was "not asking folks to do things at a loss," and that the associated deals are competitive.

"It happens to be another example that this parade is moving and businesses are continuing to be at the front of it, and this a transition that makes sense even in manufacturing, which can be one of the most energy-intensive sectors of the economy," Jackson told Axios. 

Apple in April told Bloomberg News that three more of its suppliers had made similar commitments; that announcement followed the pledges of at least four other suppliers across China and Japan. Apple has indicated it will move forward with its commitment to clean energy regardless of the actions of the U.S. federal government. 

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