Apple unveils nature-filled, solar-powered future for its retail stores

Apple´s new retail stores are designed with nature in mind

Apple has been committed to pursuing energy-efficient growth, by increasing resources in renewable energy projects and ventures. They are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, by using 99% recycled materials for all paper sourced packaging. Recently they´ve even gone so far as to purchase their own land acreage to create a renewable forest so they can accomplish this.

Their aim is to “achieve a net-zero impact on the world’s supply of sustainable virgin fiber.¨ It wants to achieve 100% of it´s paper packaging from recycled sources. Another goal Apple has is to completely power its supply chains with renewable energy. Presently they power 87% of their facilities with renewable resources.

Apple has recently unveiled a new store in San Francisco which will be powered by 100% renewable energy. This is an incredible feat which requires power to come from numerous renewable resources such as: wind, solar, biogas, hydropower, and geothermal. The newest store has been designed with nature in mind.

The nature-filled will feature environmental spaces where one can relax, attend meetings, or merely enjoy free wi-fi. A focus on nature and nature-themed elements can be seen throughout the store. Tree-filled planters in the store double as extra seating for customers. The Genius Bar is even dubbed the ¨Genius Grove.¨

The store itself is powered by 100% renewable energy

The new Apple store will include a public square called The Plaza, which has free wi-fi and seating. The Plaza has a 50 foot (15 metre) green wall and will be used as a space for acoustic performances. Behind the green wall lies an area dedicated to business meetings. “We have a deep commitment to the cities we work in, and are aware of the importance that architecture plays in the community,” said Apple chief design officer Jonathan Ive.

Apple uses retail outlets and molds them to fit the urban landscape, in a way that showcases their forward-thinking design. They consider the retail store to be the largest product they have ever created, and are focusing on the physical spaces we spend time in.

The store itself is powered by 100 percent renewable energy, including power produced by photovoltaic panels integrated into the roof. Apple plans to roll out these changes internationally to all of their supply stores, and are just getting started. While Apple used to be very laggard when it came to sustainability practices, they turned a new leaf in 2007 when Steve Jobs promised more transparency as well as a deeper commitment to sustainable practices.