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Asia has embarked on a journey of putting sustainability at the core of its economic and environmental agenda. With its rapid urbanization, industrialization, and technological advancements, Asia has encountered both unprecedented opportunities and challenges in its pursuit of a sustainable future. From implementing innovative green technologies to fostering sustainable business practices, Asia’s commitment to sustainability is not only shaping its own future but also influencing global efforts to build a more resilient and environmentally conscious world.
In the latest Thriving in the Green Economy: 2024 Sustainability Report by Schneider Electric and Milieu, 95% of business leaders surveyed in the APAC region indicated that their companies have established sustainability targets. Meanwhile, 60% expressed sustainability as a high priority with sustainable innovation/technological advancements (56%) and environmental responsibility (55%) as the common sustainability focus areas.
A call to shift to more sustainable business operations has been gaining momentum in the Asian business landscape the past few years. According to the 2024 report, 47% of companies in the region have implemented comprehensive sustainability strategies with target setting – a 3% increase from last year’s results. 36% plan to invest at least USD 1M or more into sustainability in the next 2 years. Digitization (42%), enhancing supply chain sustainability (41%) were the top priorities.
Asia is in a greater position to develop and strengthen its sustainability agenda because of two reasons: rapidly growing industrialization of economies and extreme vulnerability to the effects of climate change. In the study, companies have conveyed that climate change poses a substantial risk to business. 41% have reportedly experienced impact to their supply chain operations and costs driven by climate change. Another 42% also felt effects from climate change on their logistics operations or costs. Businesses have also indicated climate change as one of the top energy threats in the region resulting to companies adopting technologies to mitigate risks and attain their energy efficiency goals.
As a global sustainability expert, Schneider Electric specializes in supporting its customers’ decarbonization journey through a combination of global expertise paired with award-winning software. Being a trusted partner to our customers, we also help them apply the integrated approach: strategize, digitize, decarbonize for their robust long-term electrification plan.
- Strategize is about building a clear and effective sustainability strategy and aligning business goals with environmental and social impact targets. Sustainability is at the core of business strategy.
- Digitize is about understanding and monitoring energy and carbon in real time. When we monitor consumption, we can understand where we can save.
- Decarbonize is the combination of replacing energy supply, electrifying processes for more efficiency and circularity.
As an IMPACT company, we are committed to helping the communities that act towards achieving a sustainable future. By making a positive impact together through smart technologies and solutions, we are embracing a future where sustainable progress is possible, and everyone can thrive.
About the author
Anh-ha Delegue Ep. De Foucauld, Sustainability and Business Development Director –
Emerging and Frontier Markets
Anh-Hà de Foucauld is the Sustainability and Business Development Director for Emerging Markets at Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Business, a division of the global leader in digital transformation, energy management, and automation. Leading a team of business developers and delivery experts across regional offices in South East Asia,| including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Viet Nam, and the Philippines, Anh-Ha’s primary mission is to establish partnerships and projects that support customers in crafting and executing their sustainability and decarbonization strategies. Anh-Hà has prior experience in M&A projects, business strategy, and energy audits focusing on energy efficiency, carbon footprint, and renewable energy. She holds an Advanced Master’s Degree in International Environmental Management and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from renowned universities in France, the US, and China. On a personal note, Anh-Hà is a mother of two daughters, a marathon runner, and has a strong passion for equestrian activities.
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