How H&M Is Decarbonising Its Stores Using Honeywell's Tech

The demand for smart buildings, particularly in commercial contexts, continues to grow as companies seek sustainable solutions.

Smart buildings provide numerous advantages, such as decreased energy consumption and enhanced operational efficiency, aligning with sustainability goals.

With energy costs rising and environmental regulations becoming stricter, retailers face increasing pressure to operate more sustainably and cost-effectively.

As part of their sustainability initiatives, Swedish multinational fashion brand H&M is incorporating Honeywell's cloud-based building automation technology in more than 90 of its stores across Southern Europe, demonstrating how technology can transform retail spaces into efficient, sustainable assets.

H&M stores and sustainability

Retailers like H&M must balance cost control with achieving ambitious environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives.

H&M has committed to reducing absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 56% by 2030 and at least 90% by 2040, as part of its long-term goal to reach net zero by 2040. Integrating advanced building management systems is a crucial step in advancing these objectives.

The company has also pledged to lower electricity use per square metre in its stores, a goal supported by Honeywell's technology.

Honeywell’s Remote Building Manager solutions will be implemented in H&M stores located in Spain, France, Italy, Belgium, and Portugal.

The technology will link to a centralised database that monitors energy usage, providing actionable insights for energy savings and optimised operations.

"Through our advanced remote building management solutions and managed services, we enable H&M to optimise energy use and reduce maintenance costs, while also enhancing the in-store experience," comments Sudhakar Janakiraman, President of Building Solutions at Honeywell Building Automation.

"Our connected technology not only boosts efficiency and comfort but also supports H&M’s broader sustainability commitment, ensuring a smarter, energy-conscious retail environment," he says.

How Honeywell’s cloud-based building automation works

Traditional building management systems often rely on on-site infrastructure and manual oversight. Honeywell’s cloud-based Remote Building Manager transforms this approach by offering centralised, real-time oversight of HVAC, lighting, and energy systems from any device, anywhere.

This system provides several key benefits:

• Centralised control: A single digital platform allows for remote monitoring and management across all sites, reducing the need for on-site interventions and enabling portfolio-wide benchmarking.
• Smart Optimisation: Real-time data analytics and machine learning continuously analyse each store’s energy consumption, automatically adjusting settings for optimal efficiency and comfort.
• Scalability: Cloud-native systems can be quickly deployed across multiple locations, future-proofing buildings against evolving regulations and business needs.

How tech shapes H&M’s sustainability strategy

The application of technology in H&M's sustainability strategy extends beyond its stores.

H&M has plans to create digital twins of its models for product campaigns, which is part of its broader technology strategy, according to Chief Creative Officer Jörgen Andersson.

"We are eager to explore innovative ways to showcase our fashion and embrace new technology while remaining true to our commitment to personal style," he says.

Digital twin technology also offers sustainability advantages. "By creating digital twins of our products, customers can try on clothes virtually," says Frans Borgstrand, who has worked on developing 3D technology at H&M Group.

"If these virtual try-ons are based on individual measurements, such as from a digital body scan, the customer is more likely to find the perfect size."

This can help reduce returns based on sizing issues, which H&M notes account for half of its returns volume.

"Technology allows customers to experience products before purchasing, potentially reducing return rates significantly," Frans says.

3D technology has also aided H&M in reducing material waste by moving away from traditional sketches and physical samples towards 3D-based design production.

"Currently, too much fabric is used in the initial design process to create prototypes," says Borgstrand. "3D technology drastically cuts down on the material needed for this stage."

"We are continually exploring new ideas and companies focused on sustainability and technology to help transform our operations," says Leyla Ertur, H&M’s Chief Sustainability Officer Sustainability.

Explore the latest edition of Sustainability Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Sustainability LIVE. 

Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.

Sustainability Magazine is a BizClik brand