Schneider Electric Surpasses 2024 Sustainability Targets

Schneider Electric, a global leader in digital energy management and automation, has exceeded its 2024 sustainability goals, marking a milestone in its ongoing commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership. The company announced that its Sustainability Impact (SSI) score reached 7.55 out of 10, surpassing its year-end target of 7.40. This progress underscores Schneider’s ability to deliver measurable, impactful changes as it approaches the conclusion of its current sustainability programme.

A Legacy of Sustainability Leadership

The company’s dedication to sustainability has not gone unnoticed. “In 2024, Schneider Electric was recognised by TIME and Statista as the World’s Most Sustainable Company. Earlier this year, we were honored to receive the same recognition from Corporate Knights as part of its Global 100 ranking – marking our second time topping this list and a first for any corporation. These remarkable achievements, alongside other key ESG recognitions inspire us to reach even greater heights in 2025,” said Chris Leong, Chief Sustainability Officer at Schneider Electric.

Schneider Electric’s SSI programme monitors and reports on 11 global commitments, ensuring consistent progress across all dimensions of ESG. As the company moves into the final year of its current sustainability plan, it remains committed to driving tangible improvements across its extensive ecosystem.

Carbon Footprint Reduction: A Key Success

Schneider Electric’s initiatives to help customers reduce their carbon footprints continue to make a significant impact. Since 2018, the company’s energy-saving products, software, and services have enabled customers to save and avoid an impressive 679 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. This achievement highlights Schneider’s role as a key player in the fight against climate change and its ability to deliver scalable solutions that drive global carbon reduction.

Further demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, the company’s Zero Carbon Project has led its top 1,000 suppliers to make notable progress in energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption. By the end of 2024, these efforts contributed to an overall reduction in supplier emissions by 40%, underscoring the power of collaborative action in building a more sustainable supply chain.

Ethical Supply Chains and Social Impact

Beyond environmental progress, Schneider Electric is also prioritizing ethical labor practices across its supply chain. The company has significantly improved supplier adherence to its rigorous standards for fair wages, safe work environments, and improved labor conditions. Within just one year, the percentage of suppliers meeting these standards surged from 21% in 2023 to 63% by the end of 2024.

Schneider’s sustainability efforts extend to expanding global access to clean energy. “A year ahead of schedule, over 53.4 million people have now access to clean and reliable electricity exceeding the SSI ambition of 50 million,” the company reported. Through rural electrification projects, such as solar microgrids in Africa, Schneider is transforming lives by enhancing community resilience and economic development.

Investing in a Sustainable Workforce

Schneider Electric is also making strides in workforce development. By the end of 2024, the company had trained over 824,000 individuals in energy management, moving closer to its ambitious goal of one million trained professionals by the end of 2025. Through its Youth Education & Entrepreneurship programme, Schneider is equipping young people with vital skills for careers in sustainable industries, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to fostering a greener economy.

Industry Recognition and Future Ambitions

Schneider Electric’s accomplishments continue to be recognized by industry leaders. For the 14th consecutive year, the company secured a place in the DJSI World Index, received a Platinum rating from EcoVadis, and maintained a AAA rating from MSCI ESG. Additionally, Schneider earned a spot on CDP’s A list, reaffirming its leadership in climate action and transparency.

As the company approaches the final year of its current sustainability programme, its leadership remains steadfast in turning ambition into action. “As we enter the final year of our Sustainability Impact programme, we are determined to continue transforming ambition into action. There’s still work ahead, but with the support of our extensive ecosystem, our people, and all our Impact Makers, we will succeed,” Leong emphasized.

With 2025 on the horizon, Schneider Electric’s momentum in sustainability continues to set a benchmark for the industry. Through strategic partnerships, technological innovation, and steadfast commitment to ESG principles, the company remains at the forefront of global efforts to build a more sustainable and equitable future.

Sustainable Business Magazine