A global specialist in energy management and industrial automation, Schneider Electric was named the world's most sustainable company several years ago. "Sustainability is the starting point for everything we do.
Former CEO Jean-Pascal Tricoire and also Chairman of Schneider Electric formulated the importance of sustainability very aptly: "We are the first generation to know the state of the earth and of humanity, but we are also the last generation that can really do something about it."
"In other words," explains Vice-President Digital Energy Hans Smid (pictured), "it has to happen NOW. Sustainability is the starting point for everything we do. Our work is in different areas. In the built environment, these include office buildings, data centers, hospitals, hotels and distribution centers. Among other things, we digitize electrical distribution and make buildings smarter. The integration of electrical and mechanical engineering is very natural for us. You can no longer see these disciplines separately. ICT connects them, which is why our focus is moving more and more toward software.'
EU sustainability report
Schneider Electric is actively steering for sustainability and in that context recently had a comprehensive survey conducted by IPSOS. The survey revealed that 82% of Dutch companies do not yet meet the standards set by the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) as of 1-1-2024. The survey revealed several challenges and bottlenecks, which Smid will link to solutions that Schneider Electric can actually offer during a number of keynotes at the VSK trade show.
Smid: "The main conclusion of the survey is that the vast majority of Dutch companies are not ready for mandatory EU sustainability reporting on the impact of their business activities on people and the environment. Another point is that respondents feel that the government best helps companies with sustainability by solving grid congestion. It also emerged that companies see electrification (77%) and digitization (78%) as proven and effective means to decarbonize and operate more energy efficiently.'
Increase impact
'Schneider Electric was long seen as an unpolished diamond in the Netherlands,' Smid says with a laugh. 'People knew us, but didn't know exactly what we did. That's changing. We are in the middle of the Energy Transition, and by coming out more and showing what we all do, we can further increase our impact. At VSK, we are happy to share our knowledge during various theater keynotes, round table sessions and in the VSK News Café. We also launch our Sustainability School there. That's a program that will help our clients achieve their own sustainability goals faster, and, in turn, our clients' clients as well.'
Schneider Electric partnered with Buckdesign for the VSK. They design and build stands with minimal climate impact. Smid: "In our booth we show many innovations, including the revolutionary HeatTag, our Pro AC charging station and a wide range of switchgear. These are our connected products. We also have live demos, for example of the energy hub with software that makes everything smart. We are enormously looking forward to participating in VSK again this year and speaking to many of our customers. Everyone is cordially invited.
You will find Schneider Electric in Hall 8, booth D044 |. Meet Now
