Schneider Electric, a leader in energy management and automation, has announced a transformative multi-year initiative aimed at developing an integrated ecosystem centred around sustainability and energy management.
This ambitious project is anchored by the emerging technology of Agentic AI, which promises to revolutionise how organisations approach these critical areas.
At the heart of this initiative is the concept of Agentic AI, a new breed of software designed to operate both independently and collaboratively with clients and consultants.
Unlike traditional software, which functions merely as a tool, Agentic AI is capable of anticipating needs and adapting to complex environments in real time. This advancement signifies a paradigm shift towards an AI-native ecosystem that simplifies and automates sustainability efforts.
Steve Wilhite, president of Schneider’s Sustainability Business division, elaborated on the vision: “Our aim is collaborative intelligence—agentic AI that works alongside human experts as a true digital teammate."
"This technology automates complex data analysis and tasks, allowing clients to concentrate on strategic initiatives that drive greater impact in their energy and decarbonisation journeys.” Steve Wilhite
Leadership and strategic focus
To spearhead this initiative, Schneider Electric has appointed Julien Picaud as head of Product Management. Picaud brings a wealth of experience in strategic leadership and product management, particularly in AI-driven initiatives that enhance business performance.
He will lead efforts to reimagine core functionalities from the company’s existing software platforms while incorporating new features from the recent acquisition of EcoAct, a leading sustainability firm.
Key elements of this new ecosystem will include:
- Decarbonisation strategy
- Scenario analysis
- Emissions management
- Reporting and compliance
- Climate risk assessment
- Energy management
- Resourceefficiency
- Data integration, automation, and visualisation
- Modern user experience
Commitment to responsible innovation
Schneider Electric’s extensive expertise in the energy sector, built over two decades, underpins this initiative. The company’s commitment to responsible resource usage is evident, particularly given the energy intensity associated with AI.
Dan Whitsell, CTO and head of Software Engineering for the Sustainability Business division, stated that the initiative will focus on computational efficiency and frugal AI principles. “We aim to deliver maximum intelligence with minimal resource consumption,” he noted, emphasising the importance of optimised infrastructure.
Setting new standards in sustainability management
As the world’s leading provider of solutions for the energy transition, Schneider Electric is poised to set a new standard in sustainability management. According to IDC's research director, Amy Cravens, the effectiveness of agentic AI in specialised fields like energy and sustainability hinges on the depth of domain expertise embedded in its design.
Schneider Electric’s initiative aims to equip organisations to tackle increasingly complex challenges, transforming information management into actionable systems for the future.
This innovative approach not only reinforces Schneider Electric’s leadership in sustainability but also positions the company at the forefront of digital transformation within the energy sector.
