How Schneider Electric’s Smart Tech Cuts 22% Energy & CO₂

Smart building technology is revolutionising commercial office spaces by enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability. 

Schneider Electric’s research is demonstrating how occupancy-based controls can significantly cut energy consumption and carbon emissions. 

Schneider’s innovations offer businesses a cost-effective way to meet sustainability goals without requiring extensive building modifications.

Cutting energy use and carbon emissions

A recent study by Schneider Electric has quantified the significant impact of occupancy-based controls in commercial office spaces. 

Conducted at 150 Holborn in London, the research found that meeting rooms equipped with intelligent energy conservation measures (ECMs) achieved a 22% reduction in operational energy use and carbon emissions. 

The findings, unveiled in a white paper at MIPIM 2025, offers a compelling case for businesses looking to improve energy efficiency without extensive building retrofits.

Schneider Electric’s study highlights that meeting rooms remained in an energy-efficient state 76% of the time during business hours due to occupancy setbacks. 

These controls automatically adjusted HVAC, lighting and plug loads based on real-time room usage – reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

Jean-Marc Zola, Building Segments President at Schneider Electric, explains: “This study is compelling and demonstrates how simple, smart adjustments to room settings can have a measurable impact on energy efficiency and carbon, without compromising comfort or air quality.” 

A sustainable office space

The research took place in Holborn, a 9-story, 18,500-square-meter smart office building in central London. 

The facility is designed to maximise energy efficiency while maintaining a high standard of occupant well-being. 

The efficiency is due to being equipped with Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Building Advisor, IoT-enabled EcoStruxure Connected Room Solutions and Planon’s Integrated Workplace Management System.

By focusing on meeting rooms, the study ensures broad applicability of its findings. 

Occupancy-based setbacks reduced energy demand by lowering temperature setpoints and minimising HVAC usage when rooms were unoccupied. 

Even on low-occupancy business days, meeting rooms at 150 Holborn consistently achieved a 22% reduction in energy use and carbon emissions.

Crucially, these savings came with no sacrifice to indoor air quality. 

CO₂ levels, relative humidity and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) remained within healthy ranges – ensuring optimal conditions for occupants.

“Everyone has a role to play in our journey towards net zero and businesses of all sizes are under pressure to decarbonise their operations," says David Williams, Schneider Electric’s Vice President, Transactional Businesses, UK&I. 

“We are looking for partners who understand the evolving energy landscape and are committed to delivering innovative solutions to drive energy efficiency and decarbonisation for their customers.” 

Scalable solutions for smarter offices

While the study was conducted in a cutting-edge smart building, its insights are applicable to a wide range of commercial properties. 

Any office equipped with a modern Building Management System (BMS) and sensor-based occupancy detection can replicate similar savings. 

The financial benefits are also noteworthy, Schneider Electric’s analysis estimates a conservative two-year payback period for implementing these occupancy-based ECMs, with the potential for even greater returns if broader HVAC energy savings are included.

As businesses face increasing pressure to meet sustainability targets, solutions like these present a practical, high-impact strategy for reducing energy consumption and emissions. 

By leveraging smart technology, commercial buildings can move beyond sustainability goals to achieve real-world carbon reductions – creating more efficient and responsive office environments for the future.

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