Designed with the environment in mind, MacBook is highly recyclable, uses less energy and earns top environmental ratings.
View a PDF of Apple’sEnvironmental Status Report
Environmental status report
MacBook embodies Apple’s continuing environmental commitment. It is designed with the following features to reduce its environmental impact:
- Majority of circuit boards are free of brominated flame retardants
- PVC-free (majority of internal cables)
- Highly recyclable polycarbonate enclosure
- Meets ENERGY STAR Version 5.0 requirements
- Rated EPEAT Gold
Many harmful toxins eliminated.
Apple has worked hard to eliminate many of the toxins that are a common part of computer manufacturing. Apple engineers removed the majority of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from circuit boards, internal cables, connectors, insulators, adhesives and more in the MacBook. And we’ve done the same for the aluminium-based MacBook family; the new iMac, Mac Pro and Mac mini; and the Apple LED Cinema Display, iPod classic, iPod nano, iPod shuffle, iPod touch and iPhone 3G.
Reduced packaging.
MacBook packaging is up to 42 percent smaller than that of the original MacBook. And smaller boxes are much better for the planet. Because smaller boxes mean we can fit more boxes on each shipping pallet. Which means more products will fit on each boat and plane. Which means fewer boats and planes are used, resulting in fewer CO2 emissions. It’s just one seemingly minor change. But it has a major positive impact on our environment.
More energy efficient.
Because Apple makes both the hardware and the software for the MacBook, we can design them to work together. This allows us to make a smarter product that uses less electricity. For instance, to reduce energy consumption, the MacBook hard drive spins down automatically when inactive. The MacBook also decides which processor — CPU or GPU — is best suited to efficiently perform a task. The processor even throttles down to save power between keystrokes as you type. Together, these adjustments make the MacBook much more energy efficient and result in fewer CO2 emissions.
MacBook meets the stringent low power requirements set by the EPA, giving it ENERGY STAR certification. MacBook also meets the latest efficiency requirements of ENERGY STAR Version 5.0 Specification for Computers before its July 2009 effective date. ENERGY STAR 5.0 sets significantly higher efficiency limits for power supplies and aggressive limits for the computer’s typical annual power consumption.
Rated EPEAT Gold
MacBook has earned the highest rating of EPEAT Gold. The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool, or EPEAT, evaluates the environmental impact of a product based on how recyclable it is, how much energy it uses, and how it’s designed and manufactured.
A commitment that starts with products.
When it comes to being environmentally friendly, Apple approaches the challenge differently — through products like the MacBook. Unlike other companies, Apple controls every aspect of the production of its computers. So Apple designers and engineers can minimise their carbon footprint in ways others can’t. They build them using recyclable materials. They even create software that makes them more energy efficient. The result is a new standard in green design. Read about Apple’s environmental commitment in the Apple 2008 Environmental Update.
