Voices of ESG: Schneider Electric Demonstrates Sustainable Development in Energy

Betsy Atkins
As Betsy Atkins finds out, Schneider Electric CEO Jean-Pascal Tricoire is fully committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations.

Throughout Tricoire's tenure, Schneider Electric (SE) have launched an array of initiatives designed to protect our planet. From the development of sustainable energy procurement programs to the cultivation of environments and processes aimed at providing a better future for all, the company stands tall as a beacon for change and progress among its industry peers.


Q: What commitments to ESG and Sustainable Development has Schneider Electric made and how are will these commitments be achieved and measured?


A:
At Schneider Electric we are committed to advancing the following Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the United Nations to tackle climate change, mitigate the impact of rising temperatures, and help create a healthier planet for future generations.

Some of our initiatives include:

Affordable and Clean Energy: Our active energy efficiency solutions focus on optimizing the entire energy cycle using products, systems, services, and software.

EcoStruxure allows companies and utilities to reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. Energy & Sustainability Services (ESS) help the world's leading companies develop sustainable energy procurement programs ' like the Power Purchase Agreement we signed for our facilities in Mexico for 20GWh of renewable electricity.

Sustainable Cities and Communities: In 2019, the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris, with more than 50,000 participants, was 100% carbon neutral thanks to the credits generated by projects supported by the Livelihoods Carbon Fund. We have also developed the EcoXpert'Ѣ Partner program ' a global community of Schneider-trained and certified consultant engineers that provide local expertise in building automation, power solutions, and energy efficiency.

We're building smarter homes with efficient, integrated solutions designed to minimize energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Our Wiser system measures, controls, and monitors home energy usage ' energy which can power our next-generation home heating solutions and EV recharging infrastructure.

Building Management Systems (BMS) control, monitor, and optimize performance for improved comfort, productivity, and savings. In 2018 and 2019, Schneider's BMS sales enabled customers to save 2.7 million tons of CO2 emissions.

These offers, combined with our EcoStruxure solutions and ecoDesign products, deliver best-in-class environmental performance for our own buildings, factories, and distribution centers.

 

Q: How is Schneider Electric combining ESG initiatives with innovation and infrastructure development?

A: Of our more than 80 EcoStruxure-enhanced smart factories, four have been designated as 'lighthouses of the fourth industrial revolution' by the World Economic Forum. These facilities make extensive use of products and solutions borne from our ecoDesign Way ' a design process that adheres to circular principles ' and other innovations found throughout our Green Premium program.

We cultivate environments, processes, and partnerships that inform our future success:
  • The Schneider Electric Exchange, launched in April 2019, is a diverse ecosystem built to foster collaboration and innovation.
  • Our Innovation at the Edge program facilitates investments, incubations, and partnerships with other companies in AI, IoT, cybersecurity, distributed energy resources, and more.
  • These ecosystems, processes, and partnerships have led to developments like the world's first SF6-free switchgear.

_________________________

Operationalizing ESG: A Checklist for Boards

 Operationalizing core ESG principles is a journey. While the process involves many stakeholders across the organization, the commitment to ESG starts with the board. In this ESG Roadmap, we offer next steps for boards that are wondering: Where do we go from here?

Related Insights
Betsy Atkins
Betsy Atkins is a former three-time CEO and has served on some of the world's most visible global public company boards. For 30 years, she has worked behind the scenes at companies like Chico's, Vonage, Darden Restaurants, NASDAQ, HealthSouth, Wix, and Home Depot Supply. She has served on over 30 boards and been through 13 IPOs and served on many PE and VC backed private boards. Betsy started her career as an entrepreneur co-founding several successful digital tech and consumer companies including blockbuster $5.4 billion Ascend Communications. She currently serves on the boards of three public companies ' Jamf, Wynn Resorts and SL Green ' she also serves on the board of Volvo Cars and Diligent Corporation (private). Betsy is the author of the book, Be Board Ready: The Secrets to Landing a Board Seat and Being a Great Director, and she is a regular contributor to WSJ, Financial Times and Forbes, CNBC PowerLunch, Bloomberg, and Yahoo! Finance.