Editor’s note: Sustainability isn’t just part of Schneider Electric’s business—it is their business, and it’s one that is helping create cleaner, more efficient and smarter energy systems. Gwenaelle Avice Huet, executive vice president of Europe operations, sat down with former BiGS head of communications Barbara DeLollis to discuss how the company is advancing the energy transition. The interview has been edited for length, clarity and style.
Schneider Electric has long positioned itself as a leader in sustainability. How does that translate into your business today?
Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We’ve been integrating it into our business model for years, and now it drives our operations across Europe. Our focus is on enabling the energy transition through electrification, energy efficiency, and digitalization. That means we don’t just sell renewable energy solutions, we provide the full ecosystem needed to optimize and sustain them, including software and automation.
So, you see climate as a business opportunity?
Absolutely. The energy transition is about more than just generating renewable energy. It’s about making energy systems smarter and more efficient. That’s why electrification and digitalization are key. Whether it’s industry, buildings, or homes, reducing energy consumption and optimizing energy use is just as important as producing clean energy.
Where are you seeing the greatest demand for these solutions?
The building sector is a major focus for us because it accounts for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. There’s a huge push to decarbonize buildings, especially in Europe, where the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is driving significant changes. We help businesses and property owners meet these new requirements by integrating sensors, electrical products, and digital platforms.
And when you say ‘buildings,’ are we talking about just office spaces?
Not at all. This includes retail spaces, commercial properties, and even private homes. Homeowners, in particular, are increasingly interested in energy independence—producing and consuming their own energy—because electricity costs in Europe are three to five times higher than in the U.S. For many, controlling energy use isn’t just about sustainability, it’s about financial security and predictability.
Beyond buildings, are there other industries where you’re seeing significant impact?
Yes, one example is the pharmaceutical sector. Many pharmaceutical companies are working to decarbonize, but like many industries, their biggest challenge is Scope 3 emissions, the emissions that come from their supply chains. We faced the same challenge ourselves and developed a roadmap to decarbonize our suppliers. Now, we’re offering that expertise to our customers, including major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Sanofi, and GSK. We act as a trusted advisor, helping them develop decarbonization strategies for their supply chains.
That type of collaboration seems essential for driving systemic change. How does Schneider Electric approach collaboration more broadly?
Collaboration is critical. No single company can solve the energy transition alone. We work closely with customers and suppliers to make sure decarbonization efforts extend beyond our own operations. Policy is another key piece—so we engage with governments and regulators, especially in Brussels and across Europe, to advocate for policies that support sustainability while also driving economic competitiveness.
And then there’s innovation. We partner with startups to stay ahead of emerging technologies. Our Schneider Electric Ventures initiative has invested $1 billion into startups that accelerate the energy transition.
Can you share an example of one of those startups?
One example is AIDASH, a San Francisco-based company specializing in climate risk assessment for grid operators. As more renewable energy enters the system, grid operators face increasing variability—sometimes the sun doesn’t shine, and the wind doesn’t blow. At the same time, climate change is bringing more extreme weather events, so they need better predictive tools to manage these challenges. AIDASH helps grid operators anticipate and adapt to these risks, improving resilience and reliability.
How do you deploy this kind of technology, and who uses it?
We have a dedicated center in Serbia with 1,000+ software engineers focused on grid digitalization. AIDASH’s technology complements our own digital solutions, allowing us to bundle cutting-edge innovations with our existing software. The goal is to provide utilities with a complete solution that makes their grids smarter and more adaptive to climate risks.
Given all these efforts, how hopeful are you about Schneider Electric’s ability to continue making an impact?
Incredibly hopeful. We define ourselves as an impact company. Sustainability isn’t just a part of our business—it is our business. We’ve been working in this space for nearly two decades, and it’s fully embedded in our culture and business model. We see sustainability as a marathon without a finish line—there’s always room to push further, innovate more, and make a greater impact.
And finally, what’s your message to companies that are still hesitant to act on sustainability?
Time is of the essence. Sustainability is not an abstract vision for the future—it’s about taking action today. We already have the technology to make a difference. Companies that delay will not only miss out on opportunities but also risk falling behind in a rapidly changing energy landscape.