Kapila Mehta, Vice President Sustainability Power Product, Schneider Electric at World MSME Day 2024

Summary

The video script addresses the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions, emphasizing the role of digitalization and electrification in reducing carbon footprints. It highlights the importance of global collaboration, government support, and corporate commitment to innovate and build a stable future. The script discusses the challenges of climate crisis and energy, advocating for a comprehensive approach involving supply-side electrification, renewable energy adoption, and smart technology integration for efficient energy use.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The speaker emphasizes the importance of exploring clean energy and transportation solutions, highlighting the need for businesses to adopt solar and wind power as well as electric vehicles to lead the charge in reducing carbon footprints.
• 📉 The script mentions that the speaker's organization has made commitments to sustainability, with 90% of their power coming from renewable sources and over 50% of their employment being in renewable energy sectors.
• 💼 Ms. Kapila Mehta, with nearly 20 years of experience in various functions including manufacturing, quality sales, R&D, and strategic marketing, leads sustainability efforts for power products at an electrical company.
• 🚀 The script underscores the role of Schneider Electric as a leader in sustainability, with a division focused on power products under LV distribution, which is integral to their carbon footprint reduction strategies.
• 🌍 The challenges of limited access to finance and technology support from governments, financial institutions, and larger corporations are discussed as crucial barriers to innovation and building a sustainable future.
• 🔗 The importance of partnerships between organizations, suppliers, and governments is stressed as essential for driving collective action towards sustainability and overcoming the climate crisis.
• 🌡 The script discusses the current energy crisis and the urgent need to transition to renewable energy sources to combat both short-term energy shortages and long-term climate change.
• 🛠️ The concept of 'Electricity 4.0' is introduced as a solution, which involves the integration of digital and electric technologies to create smarter and more efficient energy systems.
• 📈 The script calls for a shift towards a circular economy model, where businesses are encouraged to use all the resources available to them, including suppliers, manufacturers, and consumers, to minimize waste and carbon emissions.
• 📊 The need for organizations to measure and report their carbon footprints accurately is highlighted, as transparency in environmental impact is crucial for driving change and accountability.
• 🌐 Geographical considerations are important, with the script mentioning that different regions, including Europe, North America, and Asia, have varying levels of commitment and capacity to address sustainability and carbon reduction.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speakers in the transcript?

The main focus of the speakers is on sustainability, energy, and transportation, with an emphasis on reducing carbon footprints and adopting renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, as well as electric vehicles.

What is the role of Schneider Electric in this context?

Schneider Electric is mentioned as a leader in sustainability for one of their divisions, which falls under the LV (Low Voltage) distribution category. They are involved in efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote the use of energy-efficient technologies.

What challenges are being faced in the energy sector according to the transcript?

The challenges in the energy sector include dealing with the climate crisis, energy shortages, and the need for reliable energy sources. There is also a focus on the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

What is the significance of the term 'Electricity 4.0' mentioned in the transcript?

Electricity 4.0 refers to the next phase of the energy industry evolution, which involves the integration of digital and electrical systems, making energy supply smarter and more efficient. It is seen as a solution to the current energy crisis.

How is the concept of 'Scope 1, 2, and 3' emissions being discussed in the context of corporate responsibility?

Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions represent the different levels of a company's carbon footprint. The transcript discusses the importance of large corporations taking commitments to reduce these emissions, especially Scope 3, which involves indirect emissions from the company's value chain.

What is the importance of digitalization in the context of the discussed energy solutions?

Digitalization is crucial as it can provide data insights, optimize energy consumption, and make operations more efficient. It is a key component in achieving sustainability and reducing carbon footprints.

What are the key takeaways from the session led by Ms. Kapila Mehta, Vice President of Sustainability at Schneider Electric?

Ms. Kapila Mehta emphasizes the need for sustainable power products, the role of digitalization in energy efficiency, and the importance of collaboration across the industry to combat the climate crisis.

How does the transcript highlight the importance of supply chain involvement in sustainability efforts?

The transcript mentions that companies are no longer just selecting suppliers but are also engaging with them to ensure they are part of the sustainability journey, contributing to the overall goal of reducing carbon emissions.

What is the role of governments, financial institutions, and large corporations in supporting technological advancements for sustainability?

Governments, financial institutions, and large corporations play a crucial role in providing the necessary support, including financial backing and policy frameworks, to encourage and facilitate the development and adoption of sustainable technologies.

How does the transcript address the issue of climate change and its long-term impacts?

The transcript addresses the issue of climate change by discussing the urgent need for action, the long-term consequences of inaction, and the importance of collective efforts to mitigate the crisis and build a sustainable future.

What strategies are being proposed to reduce carbon emissions in the corporate sector?

The transcript proposes strategies such as setting clear sustainability goals, investing in renewable energy, electrifying operations, and engaging with the supply chain to reduce carbon emissions across the board.