Schneider Electric is a leading global provider of low- and medium-voltage electrical products and systems as well as automation control equipment. It specialises in digital automation and energy management, serving customers in the home, building and infrastructure industries. Its products and services promotes sustainability and energy efficiency through driving digital transformation in manufacturing processes and energy technologies.
Topic: Carbon - Net Zero Target/Strategy
WHEB’s Objective: Limiting material negative social or environmental impacts
Company Objective: For Schneider Electric to accelerate and enhance the positive impact of its net zero strategy. Specifically, we sought publication of a comprehensive, Paris-aligned strategy to reduce absolute Scope 1–3 GHG emissions across the business.
Desired Outcome: Improved disclosure and target setting in line with Paris Agreement as a precursor to absolute Scope 1–3 GHG emissions (tCO₂e) reductions.
Background: Schneider Electric has been included in the Net Zero Engagement Initiative (NZEI1 due to its material operational and value chain emissions, and its important role in enabling low-carbon transitions across industry. The company put a transition plan to vote in 2023, receiving near-unanimous shareholder approval. With its current strategy covering 2021–2025, the engagement group sought to influence the development of the next phase of the company’s climate strategy (2026–2030), encouraging stronger ambition, transparency, and delivery mechanisms.
Engagement Activity: WHEB has been working with the NZEI investor group. Having written to the company multiple times we are planning a meeting in 2025 to influence the next phase of Schneider’s climate strategy.
Engagement Outcome:
M4 - company provides evidence that the issue is being managed in line with the policy or strategy, demonstrating concerns have been addressed
Schneider Electric has published a strengthened, Paris-aligned net zero strategy with clear measures to reduce absolute Scope 1–3 GHG emissions. The strategy includes interim targets, implementation mechanisms, and transparency on decarbonisation levers. The company’s efforts are now better aligned with investor expectations and global climate goals, enhancing its credibility and positive impact.
1 The Net Zero Engagement Initiative (NZEI) is coordinated by the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) and focuses on engaging with publicly listed companies that are not currently covered by Climate Action 100+ (CA100+), but are still material to the net zero transition. These companies typically fall into the next tier of emissions or strategic importance—they may not be among the world’s largest emitters, but they are influential in key sectors or supply chains.