Driving Decarbonisation Through Purpose and Innovation
For Esther Finidori, sustainability is “a marathon without a finish line.” As Schneider Electric’s Chief Sustainability Officer, her mission is to advance one of the world’s most recognized sustainability leaders toward deeper decarbonisation and energy transformation.
Schneider Electric’s core business—optimizing how organizations consume and manage energy—places it at the centre of the global push toward electrification and efficiency. Despite recent accolades for sustainability excellence, Esther emphasizes that the journey has only just begun.
A 25-Year Commitment to Energy Transition
The foundation of Schneider’s leadership in sustainability was laid more than two decades ago when the company redefined its purpose: to empower customers to deliver the energy transition through electrification and efficiency.
This strategic pivot reshaped the company’s portfolio, aligning product development, services, and innovation around decarbonisation. Today, operating across more than 100 countries, Schneider continues to demonstrate that sustainability can be both a business growth driver and an operational philosophy embedded into every decision.
Accelerating Operational Decarbonisation
Schneider Electric’s commitment to achieving net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030 represents one of the boldest targets in global industry. To reach it, the company is electrifying its vehicle fleet, transforming its facilities, and integrating renewable energy solutions across operations.
Where existing sites cannot meet sustainability requirements, Schneider is relocating or retrofitting facilities using technologies like heat pumps, on-site renewables, and digital energy management systems. These visible actions empower employees to connect corporate climate goals with daily operational practices, reinforcing a culture of responsibility and innovation.
Innovation for a Renewable-Powered Future
As an energy technology leader, Schneider Electric invests heavily in R&D for electrification, efficiency, and digitalisation. Esther describes the power sector as an “old industry facing disruptive innovation,” particularly in integrating intermittent renewable energy sources.
To address this challenge, Schneider develops advanced grid infrastructure, smart devices, and software that enable stable operations in a renewable-dominant future. Collaborations such as the Schneider–Nvidia partnership illustrate how the company brings high-efficiency data centre designs to a broader market—helping even small enterprises access world-class sustainable infrastructure.
Empowering the Supply Chain for Decarbonisation
True sustainability transformation extends beyond company walls. Schneider Electric actively engages its suppliers through training and energy audits, focusing on collaboration over compliance. Internal energy experts support suppliers from awareness to implementation, enabling shared progress toward emissions reduction.
On the customer side, Schneider’s sustainability consulting branch helps organizations design and execute tailored energy transition strategies. From diagnostics to operational change, the company empowers clients to modernize energy management, reduce waste, and accelerate carbon reduction.
Sustainability as a Continuous Journey
For Esther Finidori, sustainability is not a destination but a continuous process of reinvention and collaboration. Schneider Electric’s success lies in combining technological innovation, employee empowerment, and strategic partnerships to drive measurable change.
By embedding sustainability into every layer of operations and extending its influence through value chains, the company demonstrates how large-scale organizations can decarbonise rapidly—and inspire others to follow.