Schneider Electric's Wuxi factory named Jiangsu's first 'Sustainable Lighthouse'

Schneider Electric's factory in Wuxi National Hi-Tech District. [Photo/WeChat account: xinwu_wx]

The World Economic Forum recently recognized Schneider Electric's Wuxi factory as a Sustainable Lighthouse, the first-ever in Jiangsu province.

In just two years, the Wuxi factory achieved remarkable sustainability milestones, including a 90 percent reduction in emissions and a 15 percent decrease in water usage. This was accomplished through innovative measures such as AI-driven eco-design, developing a closed-loop carbon tracking platform, machine learning models to enhance energy efficiency, and adopting new circular economy business models.

Cutting-edge equipment is employed at the Wuxi factory of Schneider Electric. [Photo/WeChat account: xinwu_wx]

The factory has pioneered the introduction of circular business models to China's manufacturing sector. This approach encompasses recycling, replacement, refurbishment, and 24-hour rapid delivery services. Compared to producing new products, these circular practices significantly reduce raw material consumption and the carbon footprint across the product lifecycle while maintaining the same high-quality standards.

First launched in September 2021, the Sustainable Lighthouse initiative recognizes carbon reduction and circular economy innovation leaders. To date, 25 factories worldwide have earned the title, with eight located in China.

In recent years, the Wuxi National Hi-Tech District, where Schneider Electric's Wuxi factory is located, has championed its manufacturing sector's intelligent transformation, digitalization, and networking. The district has accelerated the growth of new quality productive forces by integrating next-generation information technologies with industrial development.

The district now boasts three WEF lighthouses, accounting for 75 percent of Wuxi's total and leading all national high-tech zones in China.