Apple has launched two clean energy programmes in China to reduce its carbon footprint.

The multinational technology firm claims the projects will help reduce more than 20 million metric tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the country by 2020.

Apple aims to install more than 200MW of solar projects in different regions of the nation – equivalent to powering more than 265,000 homes per year.

The company is also launching an initiative to help its manufacturing partners become more energy efficient and use renewable energy for their operations.

It will partner with suppliers in China to install more than 2GW of green energy in the coming years.

Apple will also share practices and develop renewable projects as well as provide assistance to some suppliers in areas like energy efficiency and regulation.

Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO said: “Climate change is one of the great challenges of our time and the time for action is now. The transition to a new green economy requires innovation, ambition and purpose. We believe passionately in leaving the world better than we found it and hope that many other suppliers, partners and other companies join us in this important effort.”