#France #Schneider Electric #One Click LCA #MEP Products #Rueil-Malmaison

Schneider Electric and One Click LCA: A Model for Sustainability in Construction

Introduction

In a groundbreaking initiative, Schneider Electric, a leader in energy management and automation, has joined forces with One Click LCA, renowned for their sustainability software. Together, they strive to tackle one of the pressing issues in the building sector—the lack of reliable environmental data for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) products. This collaboration represents a pivotal movement in the quest for sustainable construction and renovation practices that can effectively reduce carbon emissions.

The Environmental Challenge

Buildings are significant contributors to global carbon emissions, accounting for 39% of energy-related emissions. With projections that 50% of today’s buildings will still be operational by 2050, it becomes imperative to address the carbon footprint of existing structures. Schneider Electric emphasizes the importance of retrofitting; this approach could lead to a staggering 83% reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions. The demand for accurate environmental assessments is crucial for driving informed decision-making in building projects.

Bridging the Data Gap

The partnership aims to address the persistent data gaps in the construction industry. MEP product data has traditionally been incomplete, creating hurdles in evaluating the environmental impact of building projects accurately. By integrating Schneider Electric's detailed environmental product data into the One Click LCA platform, architects, engineers, and contractors can now access reliable information to conduct lifecycle assessments more effectively. This integration marks a significant advancement in enabling more sustainable design practices.

Statements from Leaders

Sorouch Kheradmand, Global Head of Sustainability at Schneider Electric, highlights the necessity for reliable data: "The building industry needs reliable environmental data to make informed decisions. By making our MEP product data publicly available through One Click LCA's platform, we aim to set a new standard for transparency in our industry."

Panu Pasanen, CEO and Founder of One Click LCA, also weighed in, stating: "Access to manufacturer MEP product data has been a significant gap in building life-cycle assessments. This first-of-its-kind partnership with Schneider Electric marks an important step toward closing that gap."

Key Features of the Collaboration

1. Integration of Environmental Data: Schneider Electric’s environmental product data will be incorporated into the One Click LCA platform, allowing users to readily access comprehensive product information.
2. Focus on New Projects: The initiative will initially center on new building projects across Europe, providing targeted support in pilot markets to maximize impact.
3. Enhanced Sustainability Design: By improving product selection capabilities for sustainable building design, the partnership aims to empower stakeholders across the construction industry to make smarter, more sustainable choices.

The Broader Impact

The implications of this collaboration extend beyond individual projects. With over 170 countries already utilizing One Click LCA, the reach of this initiative could lead to significant improvements in how environmental impacts are assessed globally. The seamless integration with key building information modeling (BIM) software will facilitate this evolution, making sustainability a core consideration in building design and renovation.

Conclusion

The partnership between Schneider Electric and One Click LCA showcases a strategic response to the dual challenges of environmental impact reduction and data accessibility within the construction sector. By prioritizing accurate MEP environmental data, they aim to set a new benchmark for transparency and efficiency in sustainability practices. As the industry moves forward, collaborations like this will play a critical role in achieving the ambitious targets necessary for a sustainable future in construction and beyond.