From designing for energy efficiency to using recyclable materials, Apple’s design philosophy focuses on the future of our products and the future of our planet.
Innovative and efficient
Apple strongly believes that reducing the environmental impact of our business starts with the design of our products. We set high standards — based on our own requirements and those set by programmes such as ENERGY STAR® — in an effort to create products that offer excellent environmental performance throughout their life cycle.
Packaging for the fifth generation iPod was reduced by 82% compared with the previous generation.
The iMac and Mac mini are great examples of ultra-efficient design, and illustrate the ways in which Apple continually refines products to further improve environmental performance. Both products also feature built-in wireless technologies such as AirPort and Bluetooth, reducing the need for PVC-insulated cabling. The Apple Product Environmental Specifications page details the environmental attributes of all our computers, monitors and servers.
Less is more
Our designs also help to reduce energy consumption, minimise the use of environmentally damaging substances and optimise the useful life of our products — all of which lead to a smaller environmental footprint. Lower energy consumption reduces electricity demand and alleviates the detrimental effects of power generation. Using recyclable materials cuts the amount of waste going into landfill. And restricting environmentally damaging substances makes products safer for consumers and businesses during their useful life and beyond.
Examples of continuous improvement of iMac design
The iMac design has continuously improved generation after generation, resulting in increased material efficiency, decreased packaging mass and volume, and decreased energy consumption.
