Schneider Electric energy program supports World Environment Day

World Environment Day, which encourages worldwide awareness and action for the protection of the environment, is celebrated on 5 June each year. This year’s theme is ‘Air Pollution’.

Fossil fuel combustion is the biggest contributor to air pollution. The leading culprit today is traffic, but factories and power plants also continue to contribute to some extent. Conventional power plants that combust fossil fuels to produce energy emits hazardous gases such as oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, particulates and hydrocarbons into the air.

“At Schneider Electric, we care about the many places where we have a corporate presence. This means playing an active role in serving markets that consume 70% of the world’s energy demand but also bringing economic and sustainable development to some of the most remote, off-grid communities around the world,” says Taru Madangombe, Vice President of Power Systems Business in Anglophone Africa for Schneider Electric. “Our commitment to solar power and electric vehicles is well documented. However, in addition, globally Schneider Electric can state that:

• It is moving to using 80% renewable electricity in its production facilities
• It has achieved 10% CO2 efficiency in transportation
• Our customers have avoided 120 million metric tons of CO2 through our offers
• We have seen a 25% increase in turnover for our EcoStruxure Energy & Sustainability Services
• 75% of our sales are under our new Green Premium program
• 200 of our sites labelled toward zero waste to landfill
• 100% cardboard and pallets for transport packing is from recycled or certified sources
• We have avoided primary source consumption of 120,000 metric tons through ecoFit recycling and take-back programmes

“In South Africa, we take great pride in our installations of solar powered lights at various schools and communities thus not only saving on fossil fuel but also providing a safer environment,” concludes Madangombe.