Friday 26 January 2018

‘Many businesses not taking steps to go green’

Many global businesses are not taking the necessary steps to integrate and advance energy and sustainability programmes.

That's according to new research from Schneider Electric, based on a survey of how 236 organisations are preparing for a low carbon economic landscape.

Although most organisations say they feel prepared for a decentralised, decarbonised and digitised future, the survey suggests many have a false sense of security and are still taking fairly conventional approaches to energy management and climate action.

The report shows 61% of people believe limited coordination, as well as inefficient data collection and sharing, is largely to blame.

Around 81% of companies have made efficiency upgrades or plan to but less than 30% are considering new energy opportunities such as microgrids and demand response.

Similarly, 51% have completed or are planning to pursue renewable energy projects but less than half this figure have demand response strategies or plan to in the near term.

Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman and CEO at Schneider Electric, said: "Companies need to prepare to be an active energy participant, putting the pieces in place to produce energy and interact with the grid, utilities, peers and other new entrants.

"Those that fail to act now will be left behind."