How Schneider Electric is Decarbonising Properties
The commercial and industrial real estate sectors face a sizable challenge in reducing carbon emissions.
According to the UN Environment Programme, buildings and construction are responsible for 37% of global emissions, driven by energy consumption and the carbon-intensive production of materials like cement.
To combat this, Schneider Electric, Signify and Pineapple Partnerships have initiated a collaborative effort with the launch of Pineapple CoRE.
This aims to expedite decarbonisation efforts within the commercial and industrial property sectors, initially focusing on the UK but with potential plans for global implementation.
According to Andrew McKenzie, Commercial Leader for Consultancy UK&I at Schneider Electric: “This collaboration offers a valuable opportunity to support commercial and industrial clients in boosting operational resilience and achieving net zero goals. We will provide a clear roadmap for those facing aging infrastructure, rising energy costs and the need to modernise, helping them build a more efficient, optimised and safer estate.”
Understanding pineapple CoRE
Pineapple CoRE is a strategic endeavor bringing together the expertise of Schneider Electric's infrastructure consultancy, Signify’s connected lighting systems and Pineapple Partnerships’ knowledge in systems-change consultancy.
This collaboration addresses common decarbonisation barriers such as limited access to finance, fragmented supply chains and shortages in skilled labour.
Rupert Snuggs, Managing Director at CoRE, highlights the ambition: “We are delighted to work with our world leading collaborators Signify, Schneider Electric and Atlas Copco as we take the first step on our journey to accelerating the decarbonisation of the built environment by rapidly decarbonising more than 1m buildings in the coming years.”
Implementation of pineapple CoRE
The program sees its first implementation with Edwards Vacuum, part of the Atlas Copco Group, at its manufacturing site in Clevedon, UK. Several energy-efficient solutions are being put into practice:
- Schneider Electric deployed a digital twin for real-time energy performance modelling.
- A new solar PV installation enhances renewable energy use.
- Signify introduced LED lighting upgrades alongside IoT-based controls.
- Pineapple Partnerships facilitated financing to prompt capital investment.
These measures aim to lower energy consumption by 35% and cut emissions by over 80%.
Chris Adams, Site Manager for Edwards Vacuum, underscores the benefits: “Working with Pineapple Partnerships has been a game-changer in accelerating our factory’s carbon reduction efforts. Their expert assessment of our energy performance has enabled data-driven decisions, including the transition from gas heating to air source heat pumps and the installation of solar panels across our factory roof.
"The collaboration they’ve facilitated with experts such as Signify and Schneider Electric has significantly shortened our learning curve, allowing us to explore and implement best-in-class solutions with confidence.”
The role of partnerships in decarbonisation
Nico van der Merwe, Cluster Leader for Europe West at Signify, emphasises the critical role of partnerships: “Signify thrives on partnerships, and CoRE is a powerful example of how collaborations can unlock decarbonisation at scale.
"As a global leader in lighting and sustainability, we know that upgrading to LED and connected lighting is one of the fastest, most cost-effective and impactful actions building owners can take to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.
"We’re proud to be working alongside Pineapple Partnerships and Schneider Electric to help organisations like Atlas Copco accelerate toward net-zero and build a more resilient, sustainable built environment in the UK and beyond.”
"As a global leader in lighting and sustainability, we know that upgrading to LED and connected lighting is one of the fastest, most cost-effective and impactful actions building owners can take to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.
"We’re proud to be working alongside Pineapple Partnerships and Schneider Electric to help organisations like Atlas Copco accelerate toward net-zero and build a more resilient, sustainable built environment in the UK and beyond.”
