Focus on the decarbonization path proposed by Schneider Electric 

Nowadays climate change has got relevance as utmostly urgent matter. Companies must act now to succeed in limiting their impact through the mindful use of resources and technologies.

For this reason, the sustainable transition has become an opportunity as there is an increase in the market demand for environmentally friendly technologies and innovative technological solutions that could help reduce carbon emissions.

Decarbonising means embarking on a journey with the aim of progressively reducing the use of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas or oil, in order to switch to renewable and carbon-free energy sources. According to the "GHG Protocol Corporate Standard", the Carbon Footprint of a company is an ecosystem that depends on 3 factors:

• "Scope 1", i.e. direct emissions from company buildings, production processes and means of transportation,
• "Scope 2", i.e. indirect emissions generated by purchased or acquired energy,
• "Scope 3", i.e. the indirect emissions generated by the supply chain.

The social community, investors, customers and company employees require targeted actions and public commitments to reduce emissions. Large companies adopt sustainability strategies by acting along the three "Scopes". This impacts those SMBs which, as suppliers, are part of the Scope 3 of large companies.

European and international regulations, such as the EU Green Deal (strategy to transform the EU economy in a sustainable one) and the CSRD - Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (obligation of companies to report on the basis of sustainable economy criteria established by the EU Taxonomy), require greater attention to the definition of corporate objectives that reduce the company's carbon footprint. More and more companies, therefore, are focusing on sustainability as a differentiation tool, investing in innovation and energy efficiency. Consequently, there is a stronger need to electrify processes and diversify sources with the aim of making the company less exposed to fluctuations in raw material costs, more reliable and more resilient. Energy efficiency is the fastest and cheapest way to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase productivity.

The decarbonization path proposed by Schneider Electric provides for a medium and long-term strategy based on the identification of the current carbon footprint, the definition of KPIs and the planning of actions, with a measurable impact, to achieve the defined objectives.

The Schneider Electric proposal
Our proposal consists of a five-step consultancy service to give substance to corporate strategies and base sustainability reporting on solid and measurable foundations.
We measure the company's current carbon emissions according to the GHG Protocol and SBTi guidelines. We then identify probable CO2 emissions using company growth projections and set reduction targets consistent with internal strategies and national/international targets. At this point we identify possible energy efficiency actions and a strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
With a decarbonisation strategy in place, companies – even SMBs – are able to achieve their sustainability goals actually, to reduce energy-related costs, to satisfy the demands of their customers, to acquire a better reputation and make a long-term vision profitable.
In fact, companies that invest in sustainability are longest and more solid and resilient than their competitors and attract more talents