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"We firmly believe that a world without carbon emissions is possible, and that digitalization is key to achieving it," says the executive, adding that in every decision and operation they undertake, Schneider Electric prioritizes the well-being of the environment, society, and responsible governance.

ISSUE 136 | 2024

Raúl Serrano

1Schneider Electric, a global leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, tops Time magazine’s list of the "World’s Most Sustainable Companies for 2024." Is this a good incentive for the company?

We are extremely proud to be recognized as the most sustainable company in the world. This achievement not only reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability but also highlights the collective effort of our team. In every decision and operation we carry out, we prioritize the well-being of the environment, society, and responsible governance. This recognition motivates us to keep moving toward even more ambitious goals, ensuring that everyone contributes to creating a positive and lasting impact for future generations.

2Can you specify some of Schneider Electric’s goals in reducing its own emissions and its commitment to helping its customers become more energy-efficient and reduce their emissions?

Of course, our goals are clear and ambitious. We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions by 50% by 2025, with the ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. But it’s not just about us. We are also committed to helping our customers reduce their emissions.

We do this through solutions that combine digitalization and electrification under the concept of Electricity 4.0. We offer them decarbonization plans, which include the electrification of operations and the optimization of energy processes through digitalization, allowing them to monitor their operations, identify savings opportunities, and, most importantly, reduce their carbon footprint. Our ultimate goal is to accelerate the collective journey toward Net Zero.

3Does the use of digital technologies complement these goals?

Yes, absolutely. Digital technologies are essential for achieving our sustainability and energy efficiency goals. Digitalization allows us to monitor energy consumption in real-time, which helps us identify inefficiencies and optimize energy usage. We have tools like AVEVA and ETAP that we developed to facilitate this monitoring and management. These technologies enable us to offer our customers solutions that are not only sustainable but also efficient.

“Our plan is to integrate clean and sustainable energy solutions, leveraging advanced technologies to improve efficiency and reduce emissions…”

4Is it possible to achieve a carbon-free world through digitalized energy management?

Yes, we firmly believe that a world without carbon emissions is possible, and that digitalization is key to achieving it. Electricity is the most efficient energy vector we have, and digitalization allows us to manage that energy more intelligently. This not only reduces energy waste but also improves the resilience of infrastructures. By integrating digital technology into energy management, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions and minimize environmental impact.

5What role do data centers play in the transition to greater sustainability and digitalization in the energy sector?

Data centers play a crucial role in this transition. Their energy demand is enormous, and we know that this consumption will only increase as more companies adopt emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. At Schneider Electric, we have developed modular data centers that enable greater energy efficiency and a lower environmental impact. Additionally, we are integrating the circular economy into these centers to reuse resources and reduce waste. We believe this is one of the most effective ways to address sustainability in the technology sector.

6How does Schneider Electric ensure the accessibility and effectiveness of its solutions across different types of businesses?

We work with a vast network of partners and distributors globally, which enables us to ensure that our solutions are accessible to businesses of all sizes, from large corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises. In total, we have more than 650,000 business partners and 45,000 system integrators who help us adapt our products and services to the specific needs of each client. Additionally, our solutions are modular and scalable, so they can be tailored to the particular requirements of each business.

7In the long term, what are Schneider Electric’s plans to develop Electricity 4.0 in Latin America?

In the long term, our goal in Latin America is to widely deploy Electricity 4.0. We are focused on promoting electrification and digitalization in homes, buildings, industries, and infrastructures. Our plan is to integrate clean and sustainable energy solutions, leveraging advanced technologies to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions across the region. We believe Latin America has enormous potential in this regard, and we want to be leaders in this transition to a more sustainable future.

8From macro to micro, what is Schneider Electric's contribution to the transformation towards Electricity 4.0 in Bolivia?

In Bolivia, we are actively working with various industries and sectors to drive the adoption of Electricity 4.0. We have implemented technological solutions that help businesses become more energy-efficient while contributing to the decarbonization of their operations. Locally, we are working with our business partners to develop more resilient and sustainable infrastructures aligned with our global sustainability goals. We believe that with the right strategy, Bolivia can greatly benefit from this transition.

9What is the response of companies in Bolivia to an integrated approach to digitalization and decarbonization?

The response has been positive, although the process has been gradual. Many companies in Bolivia are already beginning to adopt integrated approaches to digitalization and decarbonization, driven by the need to align their operations with international sustainability standards. We have seen concrete efforts by several industries to adopt cleaner and more digitized technologies. At Schneider Electric, we are closely collaborating with these companies to offer solutions that help them improve their efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.

“In Bolivia, we are actively working with various industries and sectors to drive the adoption of Electricity 4.0.”