Green technology case study- Apple and Google

<Green technology?>

Words like ‘sustainability’ and ‘green’ have been trending in recent years. Green technology, or clean tech or environmental technology, encompasses many innovations designed to reduce environmental impact, conserve resources, and promote sustainability. As the world becomes increasingly conscious about sustainability, green tech plays an increasingly crucial role in shaping a more sustainable future.

< Google’s Green Technology Initiatives>

Google has been at the forefront of implementing green technology to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainability. One of the most significant areas where Google has made strides is in the efficiency of its data centers. These data centers are designed to use 50% less energy than the industry average, thanks to innovations in cooling systems and machine learning algorithms that optimize energy use.

http://Google’s data center

For example, Google uses AI to predict and manage the cooling needs of its data centers, which has resulted in a 40% reduction in energy used for cooling. Moreover, Google has been carbon neutral since 2007 and aims to operate on 100% carbon-free energy by 2030. This ambitious goal is supported by the company’s extensive investments in renewable energy.

In 2019, Google made the most significant corporate purchase of renewable energy in history, securing 1,600 megawatts of wind and solar power. Additionally, Google has implemented AI to optimize the cooling needs of its data centers, achieving a 40% reduction in energy used for cooling. The company is also committed to using recycled materials in all its hardware products by 2022, incorporating recycled plastic in Nest speakers and aluminum in Pixel phones. These efforts reflect Google’s comprehensive approach to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainability.

< Apple’s Environmental Efforts>

Apple has also significantly contributed to green technology, particularly in renewable energy and recycling. As of 2018, all of Apple’s global offices, data centers, and retail stores are powered by 100% renewable energy. This achievement is part of Apple’s broader environmental strategy, which includes reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy across its supply chain. One of Apple’s most innovative green technologies is its recycling robot, Daisy.

http://Apple news- Daisy

Daisy can disassemble 200 iPhones per hour, recovering valuable materials such as cobalt, lithium, and gold. These materials can then be reused in new products, reducing the need for mining and lowering the environmental impact of manufacturing. Daisy represents a significant advancement in recycling technology and highlights Apple’s commitment to reducing electronic waste. In addition to recycling, Apple is also focused on making its products more energy-efficient. The company’s products, like the MacBook Air and iPhone, are designed to consume less power, which helps reduce their overall carbon footprint.

Apple has also introduced the Apple Watch, a custom-designed, energy-efficient chip that extends battery life while reducing energy consumption. These initiatives from Google and Apple illustrate how leading tech companies leverage green technology to drive sustainability. By investing in renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and developing innovative recycling methods, these companies set a powerful example for the industry and contribute to a more sustainable future.

<Why is ‘Green technology’ important for MNCs?>

Green technology is crucial for multinational corporations (MNCs) as it offers a pathway to sustainable business practices, improved efficiency, and enhanced competitiveness in an increasingly environmentally conscious global market. By adopting green technologies, MNCs can significantly reduce their environmental footprint, lower operational costs through energy efficiency and resource conservation, and mitigate climate change and resource scarcity risks. 

Furthermore, embracing green tech allows MNCs to meet stringent environmental regulations across different countries, enhance their brand image, and attract environmentally conscious consumers and investors. As sustainability becomes critical in corporate decision-making, green technology provides MNCs innovative solutions to address environmental challenges while driving long-term growth and profitability. This approach helps MNCs fulfill their corporate social responsibility and positions them as leaders in the global transition towards a more sustainable future.

In conclusion, these examples demonstrate that green technology is not just a concept but a reality already significantly impacting various sectors. As these technologies continue to develop and become more popular and adopted, they promise to play a crucial role in building a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

<Reference>

“Apple Adds Earth Day Donations to Trade-in and Recycling Program.” Apple Newsroom, 16 May 2024, www.apple.com/newsroom/2018/04/apple-adds-earth-day-donations-to-trade-in-and-recycling-program/. Accessed 24 July 2024.

Jark, Daniel. “What Is Green Tech? How It Works, Types, Adoption, and Examples.” Investopedia, www.investopedia.com/terms/g/green_tech.asp#:~:text=Green%20tech%E2%80%93or%20green%20technology,%2C%20material%20science%2C%20and%20hydrology. Accessed 24 July 2024.

“Sustainable Innovation & Technology – Google Sustainability.” Sustainability, sustainability. Google/. Accessed 24 July 2024.

Lane, Geoff. “Leading by Example: Google and Apple Take Important Green Steps.” Developers Alliance, 18 Oct. 2023, developersalliance.org/leading-by-example-google-and-apple-take-important-green-steps/. Accessed 24 July 2024.

H&ouml;lzle, Urs. “Our Commitment to Climate-Conscious Data Center Cooling.” Google, 21 Nov. 2022, blog. google/outreach-initiatives/sustainability/our-commitment-to-climate-conscious-data-center-cooling/. Accessed 24 July 2024.

“What Is Carbon Neutrality and How Can It Be Achieved by 2050?: Topics: European Parliament.” Topics | European Parliament, www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20190926STO62270/what-is-carbon-neutrality-and-how-can-it-be-achieved-by-2050#:~:text=Carbon%20neutrality%20means%20having%20a,is%20known%20as%20carbon%20sequestration. Accessed 24 July 2024.

Samsung: A Company Committed to Ethical Management โ€“ ATRIUMSET. https://atriumset.com/tech-gadgets/electrical-appliances/samsung-a-company-committed-to-ethical-management/

Remais, Justin V., and Junfeng J. Zhang. “Environmental Lessons from China: Finding Promising Policies in Unlikely Places.” Environmental Health Perspectives, 2011, https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1003024.

AGvisorPRO Weekly Roundup: Pioneering Sustainable Agriculture and Transforming Equipment Dealerships โ€“ September 8, 2023 – AGvisorPRO. https://getagvisorpro.com/2023/09/08/agvisorpro-weekly-roundup-pioneering-sustainable-agriculture-and-transforming-equipment-dealerships-september-8-2023/


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