Schneider Electric Exceeds 2024 Sustainability Goals

Schneider Electric, the world leader in energy management and automation, has beaten its 2024 sustainability goals, further solidifying its environmental and social responsibility commitment. Its Sustainability Impact (SSI) score hit 7.55 out of 10, surpassing the 7.40 target. This accomplishment evidences Schneider Electric's excellent performance in all 11 of its global ESG commitments, which are monitored and reported every quarter to gauge sustainability performance.

Chris Leong, Schneider Electric's Chief Sustainability Officer, was proud of these achievements and highlighted the company's commitment to taking sustainability further. "These outstanding accomplishments, in addition to other major ESG accolades, encourage us to scale even higher in 2025," she added. "With the last year of our Sustainability Impact program on the horizon, we are committed to keeping pace with turning ambition into action."

Driving Carbon Reduction and Supplier Impact

One of the strongest impacts of Schneider Electric's sustainability initiatives has been its contribution towards carbon footprint minimization. Ever since 2018, its energy-efficient offerings, software, and services have enabled customers to save and prevent a whopping 679 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. The accomplishment comes at a time when the world is trying to overcome climate change, and it identifies Schneider Electric as a critical catalyst for sustainable energy transitions.

One of its key components for carbon reduction is the Zero Carbon Project, with which 1,000 of Schneider's key suppliers participated collectively to decrease emissions. Together, these suppliers ended 2024 with a success of decreasing their emissions by 40%, affirming the strength of collaborative sustainability efforts. Apart from emission cuts, Schneider Electric has also committed to enhancing ethical practices among its supply base. 63% of its suppliers reached the company's criteria for fair remuneration, a safe working environment, and ethical working conditions by the end of 2024—a far bigger leap from only 21% at the end of 2023.

Increasing Global Access to Clean Energy

In addition to reducing carbon, Schneider Electric has played a key role in increasing access to clean, reliable electricity, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas. Through all its initiatives, the company has electrified 53.4 million individuals across the globe, beating its initial target of 50 million ahead of time.

Among the highlights of the initiatives is the installation of solar microgrids across Africa. Not only have these microgrids offered consistent power to off-grid villages, but they have also enhanced livelihoods and stimulated local economic development. Through new opportunities for enterprises and communities, Schneider Electric's clean energy solutions are enabling sustainable development in among the most energy-deficient places on the planet.

The firm has also made great progress in education and workforce development. In support of its commitment to shaping a sustainable future, Schneider Electric has educated 824,000 individuals in energy management, advancing towards its target of educating 1 million professionals by 2025. In its Youth Education & Entrepreneurship initiative, the company equips youth with the skills to implement energy efficiency and prepares them for sustainable careers as well as creating a pool of professionals to advance the clean energy revolution.

Sustained ESG Excellence and International Recognition

Schneider Electric's sustainability efforts have not escaped attention. For the 14th year in a row, the company was included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) World Index, a high-profile recognition of its ESG performance leadership. Schneider Electric also retained its AAA rating from MSCI ESG, a highest-rated designation that reflects its dedication to sustainability and ethical business practices.

The company also earned a position on CDP's A List, a ranking of global leaders in corporate climate action. Schneider Electric also received a Platinum medal from EcoVadis, an independent group that evaluates companies according to their performance on sustainability. These accolades demonstrate the company's continuous commitment to ESG excellence and striving to infuse sustainability into every part of its business.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As Schneider Electric enters the last year of its Sustainability Impact program, the company is committed to further advancing its ESG agenda. With its aggressive targets yet to come, including ongoing emissions reductions, increased access to clean energy, and increased workforce training, the company will be making an even greater impact.

The success of 2024 has provided solid grounds for the future to build upon, solidifying Schneider Electric's status as a top innovator for sustainability. The company is not just fulfilling its own lofty goals by integrating ESG considerations into its business model but is also powering industry-wide change toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.

For an in-depth analysis of Schneider Electric's sustainability achievements and upcoming ambitions, stakeholders may view the firm's Q4 and full-year 2024 reports, offering a detailed view of its ESG performance and strategic direction.