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Schneider Electric is pursuing its commitment to continuously improving the energy efficiency of its buildings, reducing their environmental footprint and enhancing user comfort.

“This latest certification recognizes our commitment to energy efficiency and our expertise in this field,” says Frédéric Abbal, President of Schneider Electric France. “More than ever, we are aiming for the highest standards in energy management for both our customers’ buildings and our own. The Hive provides valuable feedback that we can leverage to develop efficient, operational energy performance solutions that create value for our customers.”

The new ISO 50001 standard defines the requirements for the development, implementation, maintenance and improvement of energy management systems. It is designed to help organizations to continuously improve the energy performance of commercial and industrial buildings, optimize their use and reduce their operating costs. It was officially released on the 15 June 2011.

To meet the new standard’s requirements, Schneider Electric began adapting its energy management system in late 2010, based on the various drafts. Its compliance with ISO 50001 has been recognized by AFNOR Certification2.

“Last year,” continues Mr. Abbal, “the Hive was the first building in France to be certified to HQE Exploitation, ISO 14001 and NF EN 16001 standards, officially recognizing the assertive efforts we have made since we moved to the site in January 2009. Today, we have reached a new milestone.”

Other Schneider Electric sites are following in the Hive's footsteps.

The commercial and R&D buildings in the Grenoble area, for example, have already obtained NF EN 16001 certification and are now preparing to meet the new ISO 50001 standard.

1 The Hive, a French acronym for “The Hall of Innovation and Energy Showcase”, is a 35,000 square-meter building that accommodates more than 1,800 employees in Rueil-Malmaison, France.

2 AFNOR Certification is France’s leading certification body and one of the top-ranking certification organizations worldwide. It has received accreditation for its certification activities.