Schneider Electric, a global pioneer in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, recently announced that its Smart Factory in Lexington, Kentucky, had been named a Sustainability Lighthouse by the World Economic Forum (WEF), one of only three in the world.
Lexington Smart Factory has recognised the potential of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies in manufacturing while also adopting environmental stewardship pledges, ushering in a cleaner, more sustainable future.
By merging IoT connectivity with power meters and predictive analytics to reduce energy costs, the US Department of Energy certified the project as Platinum Superior Energy Performance 50001.
It resulted in a 26 per cent reduction in energy (GWh), 30 per cent reduction in nett CO2 and 20 per cent reduction in water use.
“Our Lexington Smart Factory is an example to manufacturing facilities around the country that sustainability needs to be part of their operational model. Smart, connected technologies can drive efficiency, profitability and sustainability together,” said Kenneth Engel, Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain, North America, Schneider Electric.
Lexington will revamp its end-to-end value chain in 2022 using Schneider Electric’s 4IR-based EcoStruxure technology.
Companies are employing cutting-edge digital solutions such as automated supply chain management, 5G assisted flexible production, augmented reality, and digital twins to increase flexibility, efficiency, time to market, and sustainability.
WEF launched the Global Lighthouse Network project in 2018 in cooperation with McKinsey & Company to identify manufacturers that are driving 4IR growth further illustrate how digital operations boost productivity and efficiency, allowing for long-term growth in the face of widespread shocks and challenges.
This project, which is part of the company’s Tailored Sustainable Connected Supply Chain 4.0 programme, attempts to solve the core issue of sustainability while boosting profitability and efficiency.
Schneider Electric’s worldwide smart factory and distribution centre effort is part of the company’s vision that electrification and digitalisation are inextricably linked in the battle against climate change.
This resulted in the company being recognised as the world’s most sustainable organisation by Corporate Knights in 2021 and placing fourth in the Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 for 2021.
