By: Thabang Byl - Buildings Segment Lead at Schneider Electric

One should never underestimate human nature, and certainly not our need to feel that we navigate our lives in a responsible and positive manner. This reassurance also translates directly to business operations; no organisation wants to be constantly reminded that it is “personally responsible” for today’s global challenges.

And yes, whilst we absolutely do have an obligation to contribute to the wellbeing of the planet, this role should also be balanced, benefiting both the globe and the business bottom line.  It is aftercall business profitability that benefits its hardworking employees,

In fact, recent research from Bain & Company and EcoVadis covering 80,000 private companies and 20,000 listed companies came to important conclusion – a more sustainable business is a more profitable business.

The study cited that ESG allowed businesses to align profitability and sustainability with a focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy procurement. It found the correlation to be particularly strong in energy and carbon-intensive industries.

Sustainability is therefore a pragmatic and strategic business decision—one that enhances financial performance and ensures operational resilience.

In practice

Reinforcing the business case for sustainability, South African organisations are increasingly procuring renewable energy to not only reduce dependence on a fragile grid system but also enhance uptime, ensuring operational continuity. 

Indeed, companies are now leveraging Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and financing models that eliminate the need for upfront capital. These arrangements allow businesses to buy energy on a per-megawatt basis, making green energy accessible and affordable.

As an example, the Sandton City shopping centre, based in Sandton, Gauteng recently announced its interest in procuring renewable energy as part of the Independent Energy Pool (IEP) platform, a significant milestone in its sustainable electricity procurement journey.

The IEP is designed to accommodate a wide array of off-takers and generators. The proposed marketplace offers transparent and cost-efficient trading of energy and does not involve an intermediary, thereby allowing direct and cost-efficient trading of electricity, which is agnostic to generation technologies.

Schneider Electric – contributing to the sustainability business case

Schneider Electric’s acquisition and subsequent integration of building information modelling (BIM) software solution provider, RIB Software undoubtedly strengthens our ability to contribute to the entire building lifecycle, starting from the earliest stages of design and construction. 

Indeed, it expands our value proposition into the design and construction phases, enabling a seamless approach to sustainable building development.

RIB Software’s advanced tools for cost estimation and real-time construction offer architects, engineers, and developers improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimise waste in the early stages of construction—critical components of sustainable building practices and overall efficiency.

This integration ensures that sustainability goals are incorporated from the conceptual phase and carried through to operation and maintenance. Schneider Electric complements these capabilities with tools like EcoStruxure Building Advisor, a building management system  (BMS) solution that enables seamless and efficient building operations.

By bridging gaps across the design, construction, and operational phases, companies like Schneider Electric can assist companies in implementing end-to-end solutions for sustainable buildings. 

This, in turn, can aid organisations in prioritising sustainability as both a business and social imperative.