Research Methodology

I. Apple Chronology:

Apple developed eco-consciousness in 1991 when the company started to create more clean manufacturing processes and sustainable products like the restitution of lead batteries for Apple’s products. In the past decade, Apple has transitioned its facilities to run solely on renewable energy. Furthermore, the company has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2030. Finally, Apple has been publishing Environment, Social, and Governance reports since 2012 to acknowledge and share the company’s sustainable goals, strategy, and timeline.  

II. Data Collection Procedures:

Apple is a large firm; hence, we had no access to seek primary research or insight for this project. Therefore, all of our research is composed of secondary sources. We have used Apple’s official website, sustainability/environmental progress reports, and other articles from reliable media outlets. For example, Apple ESG Report provides a general description of Apple’s financial report and sustainability strategy and goals. The report focuses its attention on the environment, Apple’s people, customers, suppliers, and communities. The report shows the positive impacts the company’s operations and activities have had on the environment.

III. Data Analysis:

We use the case study research method for this project. We collected data from secondary sources such as GRI, media outlets, and Apple sustainability reports. We analyzed the data using a variety of tools such as GRI guidelines, the triple bottom line, materiality maps, and SDGs to help us answer our research questions. First, we created a shadow report and SDG goals table where we utilized sources such as articles explaining what Apple has been doing that violates numerous SDG goals. By displaying these side by side we can analyze what issues Apple must resolve in order to get closer to its goals as a socially and environmentally responsible company. We also created a GRI table displaying quality and content guidelines to distinguish which goals have been met and which areas they struggle with. Our 4 P’s table describes how they are moving in the right direction based on their claims from their 2025 agenda towards the environment and social responsibility. Finally, we have analyzed the company’s main ESG material issues and Apple’s approaches to tackling and solving them.