Xiaomi: Greener, smarter, more affordable
Xiaomi has just released its seventh annual Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report — and it’s clear the tech giant is making sustainability, digital inclusivity, and smart ecosystems central to its global strategy.
Unveiled alongside the company’s latest green initiatives, the report highlights Xiaomi’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility, social progress, and ethical governance, all driven by its proprietary technology solutions.
Sustainability-Driven Innovation and R&D Investment
At the heart of Xiaomi’s sustainability ambitions is its “Human x Car x Home” smart ecosystem strategy, first introduced at the United Nations COP29 climate conference in November 2024. The initiative aims to create a connected, eco-friendly lifestyle powered by intelligent devices and services.
Xiaomi’s R&D investment soared to 24.1 billion yuan in 2024, with the company filing more than 42,000 patents globally. Its research team now makes up 48.5% of the total workforce, and cumulative R&D spending is expected to surpass 100 billion yuan by the first half of the decade.
Meanwhile, the company’s Smart Factory and EV Factory — launched in 2024 — have achieved an impressive 81% automation rate, well above industry averages, by integrating AI and industrial internet technologies.
Pushing Digital Accessibility and Inclusion
Xiaomi is also doubling down on digital equality. In 2024, the company enhanced its accessibility features for users with visual, hearing, and mobility impairments. A revamped TalkBack voice assistant, powered by Xiaomi HyperOS’s AI-driven OCR technology, and a new HyperOS 2 speech recognition system reaching 93% accuracy are standout achievements.
In addition, Xiaomi has committed to senior-friendly technology development in partnership with healthcare and social welfare organizations, ensuring tech remains inclusive for every generation.
Climate Protection and Emission Reduction Goals
The report reaffirms Xiaomi’s ambitious carbon reduction targets: at least a 5% annual CO₂ cut and 25% renewable energy usage by 2030 — with a goal to achieve 100% renewable electricity across its supply chain by 2050.
By the end of 2024, Xiaomi had assessed the carbon footprint of 18 product types and developed third-party-verified footprint evaluation processes. The company earned the ISO 50001 certification for energy management and, through alternative shipping methods, cut 3,378 tons of CO₂ emissions.
Leading the Charge in E-Waste Recycling
Xiaomi’s global recycling programs also hit new milestones in 2024, collecting 95.94% of its targeted 38,000 tons of e-waste. In China alone, over 1.3 million devices were recycled, with trade-in programs expanding to nine additional countries.
The company’s refurbishment operations now include laptops, projectors, and monitors, with over 130,000 devices restored. Notably, Xiaomi incorporates recycled materials, including bio-based polyurethane and reclaimed metals, into new products like its 14T smartphone.
At its Smart Factory, Xiaomi introduced an in-house waste management system, achieving a 99.35% waste clearance rate — a performance that earned the TÜV Rheinland three-star certification.
A Green-Tech Trailblazer
Xiaomi’s latest ESG report paints the picture of a company that’s not just keeping pace with industry sustainability trends but actively shaping them. By fusing cutting-edge technology with bold environmental and social initiatives, Xiaomi is setting a new benchmark for what responsible, future-facing tech can look like.
