Inside Our Renewable-Powered Manufacturing

When we set out to build Digital Earth, we made a commitment: every product we manufacture would be powered by clean energy. Three years later, I'm proud to share that we've achieved 100% renewable energy across all our manufacturing facilities. Here's how we did it.

The Starting Point

Manufacturing electronics is energy-intensive. From the precision machinery that fabricates circuit boards to the climate-controlled cleanrooms that prevent contamination, our facilities consume significant power. When we launched, our carbon footprint was substantial.

Our first step was measurement. You can't improve what you don't measure. We conducted comprehensive energy audits of every facility, mapping exactly where energy was consumed and identifying the highest-impact areas for improvement.

Efficiency First

Before switching to renewable energy, we focused on reducing energy consumption. The cleanest kilowatt is the one you don't use.

We invested in high-efficiency HVAC systems that recover heat from manufacturing processes. LED lighting with smart controls reduced our lighting energy by 75%. New precision equipment performs the same operations with 30% less power.

These efficiency improvements reduced our total energy consumption by 45% before we even started the transition to renewables. This made the subsequent switch both more affordable and more impactful.

On-Site Generation

Our main manufacturing facility in Taiwan now features a 2.5 MW solar installation covering the rooftop and adjacent parking structures. On sunny days, this generates more electricity than the facility consumes, with excess fed back to the grid.

"We didn't just install solar panels on our roof - we redesigned our entire facility to maximize renewable generation while minimizing energy waste."

Solar alone doesn't cover our needs year-round or during night shifts. To fill the gaps, we've entered long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with offshore wind projects. These contracts provide fixed-price renewable electricity for the next 15 years while supporting new clean energy development.

The Supply Chain Challenge

Manufacturing a laptop involves hundreds of suppliers. While we control our own facilities, the broader supply chain presents a greater challenge. Our Scope 3 emissions - those from our supply chain - were initially ten times larger than our direct emissions.

We've tackled this through a combination of requirements, incentives, and support:

• Supplier requirements: New contracts include renewable energy commitments, with escalating targets over time.
• Financial support: We help smaller suppliers access renewable energy by aggregating demand and sharing our PPAs.
• Technical assistance: Our sustainability team works directly with suppliers to conduct energy audits and identify improvement opportunities.
• Recognition: We highlight top-performing suppliers, creating positive competition within our supply chain.

Currently, 65% of our supply chain energy comes from renewable sources. Our goal is 100% by 2027.

Beyond Electricity

Electricity is just part of the story. Manufacturing also involves industrial gases, water, and transportation. We're working to decarbonize these areas too.

Our facilities now use electric forklifts and material handling equipment. We're piloting hydrogen fuel cells for backup power, replacing diesel generators. And we've shifted logistics to rail and sea wherever possible, reducing transportation emissions by 40%.

The Business Case

Some skeptics argue that clean manufacturing is too expensive. Our experience proves otherwise. Yes, there were upfront investments, but the long-term economics are compelling:

• Energy costs: Our per-unit energy costs have decreased 22% since 2021, even as grid prices have risen.
• Risk management: Fixed-price renewable contracts protect us from fossil fuel price volatility.
• Brand value: Sustainability is increasingly a purchasing factor. Our environmental credentials differentiate us in a crowded market.
• Talent attraction: Top engineers want to work on products they can be proud of. Our sustainability mission helps us recruit the best.

Lessons Learned

If you're considering a similar journey for your organization, here's what we've learned:

Start with efficiency. Every dollar spent reducing energy consumption makes renewable energy more affordable.

Think long-term. Renewable energy investments pay off over years and decades. Don't let short-term financial pressures derail long-term sustainability.

Partner strategically. We couldn't have done this alone. Partnerships with energy developers, equipment manufacturers, and even competitors have been essential.

Communicate transparently. Share both successes and challenges. Stakeholders appreciate honesty and are more likely to support you through difficulties.

What's Next

Achieving 100% renewable electricity is a milestone, not a destination. Our focus now shifts to:

• Achieving 100% renewable energy across our entire supply chain
• Electrifying remaining fossil fuel uses (heating, backup power)
• Exploring energy storage to maximize use of on-site solar
• Setting science-based targets for net-zero emissions

The transition to clean manufacturing isn't just about environmental responsibility. It's about building resilient, efficient, forward-looking operations. Companies that embrace this transition now will be better positioned for the energy landscape of the future.