French engineering company Schneider Electric has achieved a 15 per cent reduction in energy consumption since 2005.
This was achieved through an energy efficiency programme combining hardware and software solutions with expertise and education.
Several million Euros have been invested across 160 sites, which are now equipped with almost 500 variable speed drives, 1,900 smart meters, along with hundreds of sensors, controllers and other building management systems.
The company has now set a new target of reducing consumption by ten per cent per person and per site by 2014.
Jean-Yves Blanc, Schneider energy action manager, said, 'As a whole, Schneider Electric's sites globally consume very little energy in comparison with other industrial activities. However, we want to set an example, applying our own solutions. The Schneider Energy Action programme makes use of all our know-how, from global energy expertise to hardware and software solutions.
'We have achieved excellent results with the Schneider Energy Action programme: to date we have reduced our energy consumption by 15 per cent and we are continuing our efforts.
'Implementing a programme like this requires a solid project management methodology to coordinate the various actions required. This experience will now enable us to support our customers worldwide in similar energy efficiency processes.'