Smarter energy management, AI-driven tech: How firms can navigate the net-zero transition

In recent years, many organisations have increasingly embraced green operations, with sustainability becoming a central focus of their strategies. This momentum is expected to accelerate, as more companies recognise the long-term business benefits and environmental responsibility that come with adopting sustainable practices.

A Schneider Electric study published in October 2024 found that 53 per cent of local companies planned to invest $700,000 or more in sustainable transitions over the next two years. Most of these companies, or 43 per cent, prioritised investments in digitalisation. This was followed by 37 per cent and 35 per cent of companies prioritising investments in supply chain sustainability and product development, respectively.

In Singapore, the French industrial group has worked with multiple organisations to drive sustainability initiatives.

At Dulwich College Singapore, Schneider Electric’s solutions help achieve net-zero status through energy monitoring and solar panels. Seng Heng Engineering is retrofitting operations with Schneider’s guidance to reach 50 per cent energy savings by 2030. Similarly, Chew’s Agriculture used Schneider Electric’s digital solutions to reduce maintenance time and operational costs.

Leveraging technology to guide decisions for sustainable impact

Globally, technological advancements are reshaping industries by enabling smarter energy management. Digitalisation and smart technologies are allowing for better tracking of energy usage, helping to improve efficiency, mitigate rising costs and reduce carbon footprint, augmented by the move towards cleaner energy sources such as renewables and electrification.

These developments, coupled with regulations such as the carbon tax and growing expectations for greener supply chains, are pushing more companies to pursue net-zero operations.

It is against this backdrop that Schneider Electric will be showcasing its suite of digital automation and energy management solutions at

Innovation Day 2025

. “Scaling up for a net-zero Singapore” is the theme of this year’s event, underlining the company’s commitment to equip more local businesses to meet the country’s net-zero ambitions. The opening of this year’s Innovation Day will be graced by guest of honour Mr Lee Chuan Teck, chairman of Enterprise Singapore.

Director of Enterprise Sustainability at Enterprise Singapore Lixia Ong says: “Sustainable companies are more resilient and better positioned for growth. Understanding and measuring their carbon footprint is an integral first step towards transitioning towards sustainability. Together with the government, partners including financial institutions and solution providers such as Schneider Electric play a key role in enabling companies to progress in their sustainability journey and achieving our national climate goals.”

As in previous years, participants can expect to attend keynote speeches, panel discussions and breakout sessions, which will shed light on how companies can leverage technology to decarbonise their operations and improve efficiencies.

Chief sustainability officer at Asian consultancy CPG Corporation Gavin Chan says: “Technology is a key enabler of sustainability, as it drives data-intensive and data-driven solutions. We integrate digital innovations with our green design expertise to help companies make informed decisions that balance social, environmental and economic needs.”

Attendees can expect to learn about the new energy landscape, particularly how renewables together with traditional energy sources are driving the shift towards more environmentally sound systems, along with the impact of artificial intelligence.

There will also be a look at net-zero opportunities through public-private partnerships, and the importance of well-designed regulations in helping society transition towards a low-carbon future while ensuring all stakeholders benefit equally.

Participants attending breakout sessions will be able to observe case studies of industry best practices and successful strategies in green buildings, data centres and industrial digital transformation. There will also be guided tours providing first-hand experience on Schneider Electric’s latest technologies and innovations.

“As we enter 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to support Singapore in achieving its sustainability goals and driving a greener, more resilient future together. By using technology to guide decisions and track progress, we can ensure tangible outcomes that achieve lasting change,” says Mr Yoon Young Kim, cluster president of Singapore and Brunei at Schneider Electric. 

Collaborations key to achieving a green future

Going forward, Schneider Electric looks to play an even bigger role in 2025 as other local businesses accelerate their own efficient, low-carbon goals, in line with the Singapore Green Plan 2030, a movement to advance sustainable development nationwide.

This year is all the more significant given that Singapore celebrates her 60th year of independence.

“Having been part of Singapore’s journey for over 50 years, we have had the privilege of witnessing and contributing to the nation’s remarkable growth and transformation. From supporting the foundations of industrial growth to fostering innovation in today’s dynamic landscape, we take pride in being a partner in the advancement of local industries,” says Mr Kim.

Mr Eric Lim, UOB’s chief sustainability officer, who will be in attendance at Innovation Day 2025, concurs: “Combining purpose with responsible profit enables us to take decisive action to mitigate our impact on the planet. Partnerships between governments, businesses and individuals will allow for shared resources and expertise to drive innovative sustainable solutions. Together, these efforts will help turn Singapore’s net-zero goal from aspiration into reality.”

Schneider Electric’s Innovation Day will be held on Feb 25, 2025 at Marina Bay Sands Singapore, from 12.30pm to 7.00pm.

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