Schneider Electric says digital tools helped global companies reduce emissions by up to 19%

Schneider Electric, the global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, said they have helped clients reduce their carbon footprint in a major way through digital innovation to advance sustainability and efficiency, according to a report published on Wednesday.

Created in partnership with CNBC Catalyst, “Unlocking a sustainable future: Why digital solutions are the key to sustainable business transformation” outlines how companies and institutions leverage digital technology to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, transition to renewable energy, and build more transparent supply chains.

The report highlights how Schneider helped a wide range of companies – from Swire Properties, IBM and Jacobs to IHG Hotels and Tata Power – share the benefits of digital innovation. The report found, for instance, that 70 per cent of emissions reduction are achievable with existing, proven and competitive technologies.

Artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and 3-D modeling are key to supporting existing transformations as viable solutions to overcome climate challenges, the report said.

Intelligent lighting, rainwater collection and energy derived from cooking oil reduced 19 percent of GHG emission across Swire Properties' portfolio, the report said.

Engineering firm Jacobs helped the city of London analyse billions of data points to model a transport system with 80 percent of trips using zero-carbon modes. Tata Power's rooftop solar monitoring and management system meanwhile helped customers in more than 90 Indian cities produce the equivalent of 258 barrels of oil through renewable energy.

“The outcomes of COP26 underline the urgent need for businesses to take ownership of sustainability and work towards becoming more energy efficient now,” said Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman and CEO of Schneider Electric. “The next decade will be the one where digital technology puts sustainability ambition into action. With 70 percent of emissions reduction achievable with existing, proven and competitive technologies, this report is testament to how organizations can apply the digital tools of today to help us arrive at the net-zero future the planet depends on,” he added.

By integrating human and machine intelligence, the companies featured in the report capitalised on the ability of algorithms and high-powered computing to create change in essential areas such as energy use, city design, resource consumption, supply chain efficiency, and power generation, Schneider Electric said.