Schneider Electric, the French multinational specializing in energy management and automation, launched its first “Impact Building” in Dubai on Tuesday, marking the start of a global initiative to transform its real estate footprint into intelligent, low-carbon, high-efficiency spaces.
The new program, unveiled under the company’s sustainability strategy, is designed to showcase how the combination of electrification and digitalization — what Schneider Electric calls Electricity 4.0 — can revolutionize buildings’ performance, reduce emissions and improve occupant experience.
First Site: Dubai’s ‘Nest’ Office
The pilot site, known as The Nest, is situated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Spanning over 10,000 sq.m. and housing more than 1,000 employees, the facility is equipped with a suite of Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure solutions, including building operation, power monitoring and a building data Platform, alongside Planon’s integrated workplace management software.
The office also hosts Dubai’s first Schneider Electric Global Innovation Hub — an interactive space showcasing technologies for electrification, automation and digitalization, including live demonstrations of building digital twin technology and integrated operations platforms.
“The Nest is more than a building. It is a statement of intent,” said Olivier Blum, CEO of Schneider Electric. “This project demonstrates how digitalization and electrification can accelerate national net-zero goals while creating world-class environments for collaboration and innovation.”
Environmental Impact and Global Rollout
The Nest aims to reduce energy consumption by 37 percent compared to Schneider’s previous Dubai site, resulting in an annual reduction of approximately 572 metric tons of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of the annual power usage of about 77 homes, according to US EPA equivalency metrics.
With buildings accounting for 37 percent of global carbon emissions, Schneider says the initiative marks a blueprint for next-generation commercial spaces.
The company plans to scale the Impact Buildings Program globally, targeting both new construction and retrofitting existing properties over the next 18 months.
Driving Smart and Sustainable Spaces
“Now is the time to rethink buildings,” said Manish Kumar, executive vice president of digital energy at Schneider Electric. “We are walking the talk by transforming our own sites. Buildings must evolve to meet tomorrow’s business needs — intelligently adapting and connecting to business goals, people, and purpose.”
The NEST features 29 focus rooms, 90 meeting rooms, 36 project areas, 360 workstations, and a dedicated amphitheater, highlighting Schneider’s emphasis on flexible, collaborative, and digitally enabled workplaces.
