Schneider Electric Gets Global Award for Contribution to Circular Economy

Schneider Electric, a leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, has won The Circulars 2019 award in the Multinational category.

The Circulars, an initiative of the World Economic Forum and the Forum of Young Global Leaders, run in collaboration with Accenture Strategy, is the world’s premier circular economy award program. It recognises private and public organisations, as well as individuals, who make a significant contribution to the circular economy. 40,000 tonnes of primary resources avoided being consumed and 30 million tonnes of CO₂ saved in 2018 thanks to the circular economy Schneider Electric’s approach to the circular economy is a concerted move away from the wasteful linear system of “extract, manufacture, dispose” (or “take, make and dispose”) that is demonstrably damaging to the planet and climate. The Group’s approach to circularity, which reflects the principles of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, is to:

• Preserve and enhance natural capital;
• Minimise use of primary resources;
• Foster new systems including leasing, extending product life, repair and reuse and finally recycling of materials, if all other options are exhausted. The Circulars 2019 award recognises Schneider Electric’s commitment to the circular economy everywhere and at all levels, as part of a universal approach that encompasses all of Schneider Electric’s activities:
• Eco-design of products with minimum use of primary raw materials;
• Circular Value Propositions (connected objects, services, leasing, repair, take-back etc.);
• A circular supply chain (reverse logistics, repair centers, modernisation and reconditioning centers etc.);
• Corporate governance around four ‘circular economy’ indicators in the quarterly non-financial Schneider Sustainability Impact barometer, which impacts remuneration of thousands of Schneider Electric managers. All new products are eco-designed, which means they are created, to be easily repaired, upgraded and finally dismantled at end-of-life. Digital Product Environmental Profiles (PEP) give customers straightforward information on a product’s carbon footprint, environmental impact, as well as detailed end-of-life instructions that maximise products’ circularity after their “first life”. In 2019, Schneider Electric will make a strong effort to increase the use of recycled plastics in its products.