Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc, visits the Great Wall on October 21, 2015. [Photo/Sina Weibo]

Apple Inc announced two new programs aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of its manufacturing partners in China.

According to Apple, the programs are set to eliminate over 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas pollution in the country between now and 2020, equivalent to the pollution caused by 4 million passenger vehicles.

"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," said Tim Cook, CEO of Apple. "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."

Apple plans to build more than 200 megawatts of solar projects in the northern, eastern and southern regions of China. This will produce solar energy equivalent to the traditional energy used by more by than 265,000 Chinese homes in a year. They also plan to partner with suppliers in China to install more than two gigawatts of new clean energy in the coming years.

Lisa Jackson, Apple's vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives said, "being responsible, protecting the air and water, and clean energy are at the heart of Apple's commitment to China. These projects go beyond Apple's operations in China to help our suppliers adopt clean renewable energy."

As part of Apple's industry-leading program, Foxconn Technology Group, Apple's product assembler, will construct 400 megawatts of solar, starting in Henan province, by 2018.

Terry Gou, founder and CEO of Foxconn said, "we are excited to embark on this initiative with Apple. Our companies share a vision for driving sustainability and I hope that this renewable energy project will serve as a catalyst for continued efforts to promote a greener ecosystem in our industry and beyond."

Apple also announced the construction on 40 megawatts of solar projects with solar panel maker SunPower Corp in Southwest China's Sichuan province is now completed.

According to the company, Apple is powering 100 percent of its operations in China and the US with renewable energy.

Currently, Apple operates 19 corporate offices and 24 retail stores in the Greater China region.

Recently, Cook joined the Paulson Institute's CEO Council of Sustainable Urbanization and was in Beijing for a meeting of the institute on Thursday and then met with a group of local iOS developers. The journey marks Cook's seventh trip to China as CEO of Apple.

According to the company, a grand opening of the company's new retail store will be held on Saturday in Dalian, Liaoning province.