Schneider Electric backs Energy Transitions Initiative

Schneider Electric has welcomed the announcement of the Energy Transitions Initiative and calls on all Australian companies to work towards becoming carbon neutral by 2050. The company says it will work with participating companies to develop a path toward net-zero emissions across industry.

“The technology to achieve this is available now,” said Pacific Zone President Gareth O’Reilly. “We have already achieved significant increases in energy efficiency and reductions in emissions for corporations across the globe through decarbonisation, electrification and other energy efficiency solutions.

“This initiative is vital for our climate and our planet, and every company has a responsibility to take part. Increasing energy efficiency actually benefits the bottom line; there is no excuse to not contribute to combating climate change.”

“We’re excited to bring our energy management and digital expertise to the Energy Transitions Initiative,” he added. “The technology is available today to help heavy industry reach their sustainability and carbon emissions goals. We’re looking forward to working with these companies to help develop solutions that will work for them.”

The initiative aims to harness industry knowledge to accelerate emissions reductions across whole supply chains. It will focus on five supply chains that contribute more than a quarter of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions: steel, aluminium, liquefied natural gas, other metals and chemicals.

The initiative, announced today, is funded by Australian Renewable Energy Agency and supported by the Australian Industry Group and the Australian Industry Greenhouse Network.

Participating companies represent 13.6% of Australian industrial emissions, including BHP, Woodside, BlueScope Steel, BP Australia, Orica, APA Group and Australia Gas Infrastructure Group.

“Schneider Electric has already pledged to become carbon neutral in our operations worldwide by 2025 and to have a net-zero supply chain by 2050,” said O’Reilly.

Schneider Electric says it has helped many major Australian companie to reduce their carbon footprints. Working with BlueScope Steel, Schneider Electric delivered energy savings and a purchasing agreement for renewable power that reduced the company’s greenhouse gas emissions by 300,000 tons of CO₂ a year.

Schneider Electric says its technology and software enable significant improvements in efficiency and energy use. The company can also facilitate the transition to renewable energy and the establishment of initiatives such as microgrids. Its Energy and Sustainability Services business partners with companies to advise on sustainable strategies and technology, including active energy management and power purchase agreements.

“As well as minimising their own carbon footprint, companies need to ensure their supply chains also work to become carbon neutral if we are going to achieve the targets set out in the Paris Agreement and avoid environmental catastrophe,” added O’Reilly.

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