- Kyle Chua
Acer Announces Conscious Technology Vision To Fight Climate Change
Updated: Dec 18, 2023
Acer is stepping up its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and help fight climate change.
The Taiwanese hardware maker unveiled at a press conference in Dubai its “Conscious Technology” vision for technology designed with the environment in mind.
As part of that vision, Acer has joined the RE100 initiative and committed to sourcing 100% renewable electricity by 2035. RE100 is the global initiative that brings together corporations committed to renewable energy. Acer has additionally pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It also plans to use 20-30% post-consumer recycled plastic in its computer and monitors by 2025, for which 17% use was achieved in 2022. Its critical suppliers have also committed to RE100 or set science-based carbon reduction targets (SBT).
"We must speed up the adoption of renewable energy to fight climate change caused by global warming," said Acer Chairman and CEO Jason Chen.
"In 2022, the Acer Group reached 44% of renewable electricity usage. To reach our goal of 100%, solar and wind power utilisation in energy storage technology will be the key. We are taking decisive actions that advocate circular economies and providing solutions that minimize the negative impacts on our environment."
On the product side, Acer is designing its Aspire Vero laptop following international standards on carbon footprint calculation and carbon neutrality. The initiative, which minimises the carbon footprint in actions taken at each stage of the device lifecycle, is starting with the new Aspire Vero 16 (AV16-51P).
Future Vero releases' chassis, for example, would be made from a blend of more than 60% recycled plastic and its surface contains no volatile organic compounds, paint, or additives. The touchpad, meanwhile, would use ocean-bound plastic on the surface. Internally, they'll house Intel Core Ultra processors with Intel AI Boost to maximise power efficiency. The laptops would also ship in 100% recyclable packaging with thoughtful designs that allow them to be easily repurposed. Acer said the laptops would feature standard screws, making them easier to repair. As for shipping itself, Acer has partnered with logistics providers to reduce standard sea containers’ emissions thanks to biofuel on various routes.
After the implementation of these emission reduction efforts, Acer will retire high-quality carbon credits to achieve carbon neutrality.
Acer plans to share more details about the Aspire Vero 16, including price and specs in January.
On the corporate side, Acer is expanding its presence in the energy storage industry, providing solutions across the supply chain, from household to industrial use, manufacturing to application, and front-of to behind-the-meter solutions to contribute to the energy transition.
It showcased some of these solutions in an exhibition, themed "Conscious Technology for a Brighter Tomorrow,” at Alserkal Avenue in Dubai. The solutions are categorised under four lifestyle concepts: working, learning, moving and living.
For working, Acer has an on-demand subscription service that grants customers access to the company's product and service portfolio. For learning, the company is delivering computer hardware and software to help schools reduce their carbon footprint. For moving, it's bringing a network of mobility stations with charging hubs, nimble e-bikes and e-scooters to market, along with tools such as data-informed urban planning and prediction of micro-mobility infrastructure, to help expand access to transportation. Finally, for living, Acer is introducing a hyper-compatible system with a mobile app that enables the use of both existing and new smart appliances to make homes more climate resilient. The app would allow users to manage their energy consumption more efficiently and increase visibility
on the energy distribution of appliances.
The exhibition is open to the public from 7-12 December.
Acer unveiled its “Conscious Technology” vision for technology designed with the environment in mind.
On the product side, Acer is designing its Aspire Vero laptop following international standards on carbon footprint calculation and carbon neutrality.
On the corporate side, meanwhile, the hardware maker is expanding its presence in the energy storage industry, providing solutions across the supply chain.