Apple hires new director of renewable energy in green initiative push
As part of a more concerted -- and public -- effort to go "green," Apple has named former vice president of NV Energy Bobby Hollis as the company's Senior Renewable Energy Manager.
The hire, which was confirmed on Hollis' LinkedIn page, apparently took place earlier in April, though the exact date is unknown. According to Solar Electric Power Association Director of Research Mike Taylor, Apple's new energy director sat on SEPA's board of directors between leaving NVE and joining the company.
It is unclear what exactly Hollis will be working on at Apple, though he may answer to the company's global energy program leader Mike Petouhoff or head of environmental operations Lisa Jackson. Apple recently announced that 94 percent of all energy used by its data centers and corporate buildings comes from renewable energy sources like solar and bio-gas generators.
Apple went on an eco-friendly crusade in April with the launch of a new campaign dubbed "Better." Kicking off the effort was a commercial narrated by CEO Tim Cook that outlines Apple's current and future environmental aspirations for both the company and the world.
The ad debuted a day before Earth Day alongside a revamped environmental responsibility mini-site that features a letter from Jackson detailing Apple's renewable energy and recycling programs.
Jackson also took NBC's "Today" on a tour of Apple's Apple's Maiden, N.C. iCloud data center facility, including a rare look inside the main server building. Renewable energy in the form of solar and bio-gas power plants produce 100 percent of Maiden's needs.
To show support of Earth Day, Apple Stores around the world changed the color of the Apple logo's leaf portion green. Employees were also issued special green t-shirts and ID cards bearing the modified logo.
The hire, which was confirmed on Hollis' LinkedIn page, apparently took place earlier in April, though the exact date is unknown. According to Solar Electric Power Association Director of Research Mike Taylor, Apple's new energy director sat on SEPA's board of directors between leaving NVE and joining the company.
It is unclear what exactly Hollis will be working on at Apple, though he may answer to the company's global energy program leader Mike Petouhoff or head of environmental operations Lisa Jackson. Apple recently announced that 94 percent of all energy used by its data centers and corporate buildings comes from renewable energy sources like solar and bio-gas generators.
Apple went on an eco-friendly crusade in April with the launch of a new campaign dubbed "Better." Kicking off the effort was a commercial narrated by CEO Tim Cook that outlines Apple's current and future environmental aspirations for both the company and the world.
The ad debuted a day before Earth Day alongside a revamped environmental responsibility mini-site that features a letter from Jackson detailing Apple's renewable energy and recycling programs.
Jackson also took NBC's "Today" on a tour of Apple's Apple's Maiden, N.C. iCloud data center facility, including a rare look inside the main server building. Renewable energy in the form of solar and bio-gas power plants produce 100 percent of Maiden's needs.
To show support of Earth Day, Apple Stores around the world changed the color of the Apple logo's leaf portion green. Employees were also issued special green t-shirts and ID cards bearing the modified logo.
Comments
Patently Apple has a list of solar related patents and information pertaining to... Apple. With the company so focused on being green for its buildings, it is only a matter of time when solar technology finds its way into iOS mobile devices.
Here is the link to the Patently Apple solar information... http://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/tech-green/
I wonder if Apple has interest in renewable energy beyond just providing electricity for it's data centers. It would make some sense. Renewable energy has a large up front cost, but produces a reliable return on investment. With how much cash Apple has on hand and how volatile the consumer electronics business can be, it would make sense to make an investment in an industry that has a big upfront cost, but produces a reliable source of income. In addition renewable energy is great PR.
Apple Power Company? Interesting idea...
If Apple powers its own data centers and manufacturing sites, then it would bring a new meaning to be a "vertical" company.
Apple Power Company? Interesting idea...
This idea might not be too far off the mark... http://appleinsider.com/articles/14/04/12/apple-buys-hydroelectric-green-energy-project-near-oregon-data-center
With the capital Apple has, they could create a fuckload of massive wind and solar farms, and sell the power. Don't see how it wouldn't be a worthwhile investment. Power will always be needed, and it would be a nice source of recurring revenue, not to mention positive PR.
Apple should build an industrial scale stanene plant instead.
“Is that a…”
Not just a room temperature superconductor. A boiling point of water superconductor.
Thanks for the intro to 3D topological insulators. I had no idea. Electron motility is the new frontier.
I feel free to generalize thusly because I know almost nothin' about the subject¡