Schneider Electric’s SSI marks rapid progress towards UN SDGs

26 / 07 / 2020

By Marwa Nassar - -

The 2018 – 2020 Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) marked a rapid progress towards the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SSI – which represents a collection of the company’s sustainability goals, grouped under five megatrends – offers an assessment to the progress realized so far by the company towards the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

More than ever, in 2019, the SSI demonstrates that rapid, disruptive changes for a more sustainable world are possible across diverse and complex topics.

“Climate change is the greatest challenge of our generation, and the next 10 years will be crucial to addressing it. Together we must reduce CO2 emissions and halt the rise in Earth’s temperature,” Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer of Schneider Electric Olivier Blum said.

“I am amazed by the commitment of our teams and partners worldwide to contribute to our common goals, and confident we are on the right path with efforts validated by external experts. This year will be pivotal in pushing to reach ambitious targets and inviting stakeholders to help define the 2021 – 2025 SSI, in line with the SDGs,” Blum added.

“At Schneider Electric, our commitment is to be the partner of our customers in their journeys toward sustainability, and become carbon positive ourselves, fully aligning with our strategy and purpose. These engagements exemplify innovation for an all-digital and all-electric world. We advocate for bold measures to accelerate the emergence of a low-carbon world that will meet the demands of future generations,” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Schneider Electric Jean-Pascal Tricoire said.

“Two critical disruptions — digital and renewables — can help us rethink our energy model and protect our planet’s future. At Schneider, we combine these technologies to advance a world that increases efficiency and sustainability for buildings, industries, infrastructures, IT, and cities,” he said.

“If the world is to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, we must build momentum now — and leave no one behind. This is why Schneider answered the call for new 1.5 °C Science Based Targets in 2019, accelerating our carbon neutrality goal by five years and establishing the roadmap for a post-carbon economy.”

“In addition to expediting our 2030 goal of carbon neutrality in our extended ecosystem by 2025, we commit to net-zero operational emissions by 2030 and a net-zero supply chain by 2050. But we should go further. Therefore, we support partners and customers on their individual sustainability journeys, and team up with likeminded vendors and suppliers. We work with public and private sector members to reduce carbon emissions and limit rising temperatures to 1.5 °C, end poverty, and assure equal rights. As companies that are part of local communities, we all play a crucial role,” he said.

“In 2019, we partnered with the Business for Inclusive Growth (B4IG) coalition, joining forces with 34 international companies to invest a combined total of over $1 billion in more than 50 current and future initiatives, benefiting 100 million people to date. In 2020, we launched the Tomorrow Rising Fund to support the communities around us facing the coronavirus pandemic. Schneider is a responsible company that engages with its environment.”

“This is part of the momentum we’ve been building through 20 years of engagement and innovation in sustainability. We have positioned Schneider to empower everyone to make the most of their energy and resources. Our technologies reconcile growth, access to energy for all, and a carbon-free future for our planet. We play a unique role in contributing to the solutions of global issues. More than just economic actors, we bring ideas, skills, and technologies and deploy them at scale. Our people and partners see them through by serving local communities around the world,” he added.

“At Schneider, we believe that companies can make a positive impact and contribute to societal progress. We empower all to make the most of their energy and resources to ensure that Life Is On everywhere, for everyone, and at every moment. We pioneer digital solutions for sustainability. We have the duty to be profitable. We also have the responsibility to build a resilient and sustainable future where energy and digital are available to everyone. These are fundamental human rights giving access to a decent and safe life, and to education and economy,” he concluded.