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They say the only constant in life is change. That’s especially true in today’s energy world, where the demand for electrification and decarbonization is surging. By 2050, global electricity demand is expected to double. This is driven by the push for clean energy and the electrification of everything from transportation to industry. At Schneider Electric, we realize that the infrastructure powering our lives must evolve or be left behind. Because of this, we are committed to leading the charge on infrastructure modernization solutions.
To efficiently and sustainably meet the energy demands of the future, we must look to power modernization and breathe new life into our infrastructure. We’ve taken many steps to reach this goal. One of these is to fully modernize our North Haven, Connecticut facility. Our $15 million energy transformation investment turned this aging building into a 90,000-square-foot state-of-the-art, all-electric facility. We feel it is a symbol of what is possible when innovation, sustainability, and collaboration converge. And it exemplifies our commitment to creating a safer, more efficient, and sustainable future for our customers and partners.
We’re proud of the results, and I want to highlight some of the insights we learned in this process – along with the key features and advancements that make this facility a fantastic example of what’s possible in infrastructure modernization.
Designed for collaboration and innovation
We designed Schneider Electric’s North Haven to support the growing needs of our internal Services Group, which leads critical infrastructure modernization projects for utility companies across the Northeastern U.S.
Now, housed under one roof at the new North Haven facility, the Services Group can collaborate closely with our engineering and production teams. This creates a seamless workflow for our utility clients, from project design to implementation. Teams can rapidly develop, test, and deliver tailored infrastructure modernization solutions. These solutions extend the life of critical electrical systems by replacing outdated components and retaining existing infrastructure.
The space also allows us to collaborate with our electric customers. We’ve set up dedicated demo rooms, training spaces, and customer areas so our teams can interact directly with clients. This allows us to develop customized infrastructure modernization solutions for their projects. We also involved local contractors, electricians, and architects to ensure the success of our modernization and sustainability efforts. It’s a place where modernization meets collaboration—where engineers, customers, and partners come together to co-create the future of energy.
Sustainability is at the heart of North Haven
While having our teams housed together in a safer, more comfortable facility was a key driver for the investment, this expansive renovation was also a prime opportunity to put our principles into action – or, as the French would say, a chance to “drink our own champagne.” We’re proud of our status as the world’s most sustainable company, so naturally, sustainability and circularity were at the forefront of our design.
We carefully assessed each element of this 60+-year-old building for reuse, from LED lighting to warehouse racks. Nearly 35,000 pounds of materials were diverted from landfills by reusing, recycling, and repurposing resources to extend their lifecycle. By taking a circular approach, we reduced our environmental impact. This ensured that these valuable materials would continue to serve a purpose within the system.
Showcasing expert solutions for infrastructure modernization
The facility is now fully electric. It utilizes solar power and battery storage to reduce energy consumption and increase operational efficiency. And, it features Schneider Electric’s expert solutions. Each of the below solutions contributes significantly to promoting efficiency, safety, and sustainability:
- EcoStruxure™ Power Monitoring Expert and EcoStruxure Asset Advisor provide real-time insights into energy usage and asset performance, optimizing energy consumption and preventing equipment failures. These technologies ensure smooth facility operations while optimizing efficiency and minimizing energy waste.
- EcoStruxure Security Expert ensures the safety and security of our employees and the facility. We maintain a secure environment while providing operational continuity by integrating access control, video surveillance, and alarm management into one platform.
- Connected Service Hub integrates Schneider Electric’s various hardware and software systems for continuous, seamless monitoring and management of the facility’s operations.
- Microgrid solution, powered by GreenStruxure, features an energy-as-a-service model that aligns with our commitment to providing customers with clean, resilient, and efficient energy solutions. We will share more details about this innovative solution in future communications.
Bridging the present and the future
For us, the North Haven facility modernization is about more than a building—it symbolizes our vision for a more sustainable, efficient, and modernized energy future. We aim to set a new standard by blending cutting-edge technology with a commitment to circularity and collaboration. As we continue to support infrastructure modernization across the Northeast, this facility is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets sustainability.
Learn more about the North Haven facility and how it’s shaping the future of infrastructure modernization.
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