Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has joined forces with One Click LCA, a leading sustainability software provider for the construction and manufacturing sectors, to tackle the challenges of environmental impact assessments in electrification. This partnership promises to revolutionize the way the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry measures and mitigates its environmental footprint, focusing on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems.
The Urgency of Sustainable Building Practices
Buildings are a major contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for 39% of energy-related emissions worldwide. Alarmingly, 50% of the buildings standing today are projected to remain in use by 2050. Recognizing this, Schneider Electric advocates for retrofitting existing structures as a key strategy to combat climate change. Retrofitting has the potential to reduce the lifecycle carbon emissions of a building by up to 83%. However, achieving such substantial reductions requires accurate environmental data and tools for decision-making.
Filling the Gaps in MEP Environmental Data
One of the AEC industry’s longstanding challenges is the lack of reliable, comprehensive data for MEP systems. These systems play a critical role in building operations but are often overlooked in lifecycle assessments due to insufficient data. Schneider Electric and One Click LCA’s collaboration directly addresses this gap by providing detailed environmental data for Schneider Electric’s MEP products via the One Click LCA platform.
This initiative represents the first time such extensive MEP manufacturer data has been made widely accessible, empowering professionals to perform more accurate calculations of a building’s environmental impact. The integration of this data enables architects, engineers, and contractors to make informed decisions that align with sustainability goals, advancing the industry toward a more transparent and eco-conscious future.
A Milestone for Environmental Transparency
“The building industry needs reliable environmental data to make informed decisions,” said Sorouch Kheradmand, Global Head of Sustainability – Partners at Schneider Electric. “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.”
Echoing this sentiment, Panu Pasanen, CEO and Founder of One Click LCA, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “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. By integrating detailed electrical products data into our platform, we’re enabling AEC companies to perform more precise environmental impact calculations.”
Key Features of the Partnership
The collaboration between Schneider Electric and One Click LCA includes several transformative elements:
- Integration of Environmental Product Data
Schneider Electric’s detailed environmental product data is now available on the One Click LCA platform. This integration allows users to seamlessly incorporate this information into lifecycle assessments, enhancing the accuracy of environmental impact evaluations. - Mutual Learning and Collaboration
The partnership facilitates a two-way exchange of knowledge, enabling both organizations to refine tools and methodologies for environmental assessments. This collaboration ensures that impact evaluations can be conducted effectively during the early stages of building projects, where design decisions have the greatest influence on sustainability outcomes. - Enhanced Sustainable Product Selection
By providing precise environmental data for Schneider Electric’s MEP products, the partnership empowers stakeholders to choose products that align with sustainable building design goals, fostering a shift toward greener construction practices.
Implications for the AEC Industry
This collaboration signifies a breakthrough in sustainable construction practices, particularly in addressing the often-overlooked role of MEP systems in building emissions. By bridging data gaps, the initiative supports more accurate lifecycle assessments, encouraging the adoption of energy-efficient solutions. It also sets a precedent for other manufacturers to prioritize transparency and collaboration in environmental impact reporting.
For the AEC industry, this partnership means better tools to achieve net-zero goals, improved resource efficiency, and enhanced decision-making processes for sustainable design and retrofitting projects. As the demand for environmentally conscious construction grows, such collaborations will be pivotal in shaping a greener, more sustainable future.
Paving the Way for Industry-Wide Change
Schneider Electric and One Click LCA’s partnership serves as a model for how industries can come together to tackle climate challenges through innovation and transparency. By integrating comprehensive MEP product data into lifecycle assessment platforms, this collaboration not only addresses existing challenges but also inspires a broader movement toward sustainability in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
As the AEC industry continues to evolve, initiatives like this will play a critical role in reducing the environmental impact of buildings, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and create a more sustainable built environment.
