Connecting to an energy-efficient future

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As the world continues through large transitions, including increased digitization and the seemingly endless demand for more energy, accurate data collection has become a priority — the foundation of successful innovation and collaboration. Realizing this need, many companies have initiated efforts to collect energy data. This admirable and critical first step is not enough, however. The next step is to connect the data to the right people quickly, consistently, and effectively.

The data disconnect

Many companies are collecting data but not transforming that data into meaningful action to reduce energy spend or consumption. A recent Schneider Electric study found that 79 percent of companies have energy and sustainability data collection projects, but only 41 percent said this information is shared globally across their enterprise.

Solutions like Schneider Electric EcoStruxure™ software bridge the gap, connecting IoT devices in buildings to enable experts to analyze data and find opportunities for greater efficiency. In fact, Verdantix recently named Schneider Electric a leader in facility optimization software, and our software has won multiple awards across energy management and sustainability management software.

Innovation: Connecting technology

For example, Marriott uses enterprise-wide sustainability data collection and reporting to monitor and improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions and waste.

This is what the digital transformation of energy management and automation is all about: empowering facility managers to make the best decisions about energy procurement and risk management; more accurately tracking energy performance through connected energy meters, sensors, HVAC equipment, and lighting systems; and streamlining maintenance to help facility managers make the most of their time. This is what it means to power the digital economy.

Collaboration: Connecting people

The best strategies for efficiency are achieved through a collaborative process — not by applying a one-size-fits-all solution. Active energy management addresses this issue head-on at an operational level, breaking down departmental siloes so that energy supply, demand, and sustainability strategies and data can combine to form a cohesive strategy that benefits all.

But the speed at which the new energy landscape is forming means that collaboration isn’t enough. External expertise is also needed. In a world transforming as rapidly as ours in terms of technology, energy resources, connectivity, and whatever obstacles or advantages tomorrow brings, continual access to expertise is a must.

This is essentially our philosophy behind energy services — encouraging increased collaboration between an organization’s energy departments and offering our expertise to help them keep their energy strategy sharp, flexible, and effective. In fact, Navigant Research recently ranked Schneider Electric as the leading energy service company in their ESCO Leaderboard.

Connecting to an energy-efficient future

The combination of connected people (collaboration) supported by connected technology and data  (innovation) has the power to truly transform businesses for the better. This is not just an opportunity to boost business performance through energy efficiency and operational efficiency; it’s also an opportunity to fulfill our responsibility to fight climate change and co-create a sustainable future.