Schneider Joins Forces to Cut Carbon in Commercial Property
The construction and property sector generates 37% of all global emissions, according to the UN Environment Programme. Buildings demand heavy energy use once in operation, and the production of core materials like cement contributes vast carbon emissions. That’s where Pineapple CoRE comes in.
This collaboration, launched by Schneider Electric, Signify and Pineapple Partnerships, is targeting emissions across the commercial and industrial building sector. Though beginning in the UK, the group sees clear potential for scaling the model worldwide.
Andrew McKenzie, Commercial Leader for Consultancy UK&I at Schneider Electric, explains: “This collaboration offers a valuable opportunity to support commercial and industrial clients in boosting operational resilience and achieving net zero goals.”
He adds: “We will provide a clear roadmap for those facing aging infrastructure, rising energy costs and the need to modernise, helping them build a more efficient, optimised and safer estate.”
Connecting expertise to cut emissions
Pineapple CoRE combines several areas of technical knowledge. Schneider Electric brings its infrastructure consulting services, designed to map out assets and identify where improvements can be made for sustainability. Signify contributes lighting systems and Internet of Things (IoT) based controls that can improve building efficiency. Pineapple Partnerships offers its consultancy focused on systems-level change, along with financial planning to help unlock investment.
These three firms have set out to overcome the standard barriers that hold back decarbonisation. These include gaps in funding, complex and fragmented supply chains and a shortage of skilled labour to carry out upgrades. The goal is to help clients take practical steps toward low-carbon infrastructure, one building at a time.
Rupert Snuggs, Managing Director at CoRE, says: “We are delighted to work with our world leading collaborators Signify, Schneider Electric and Atlas Copco as we take the first step on our journey to accelerating the decarbonisation of the built environment by rapidly decarbonising more than one million buildings in the coming years.”
First project rolls out at UK manufacturing site
The first project to use Pineapple CoRE’s model is now underway. Edwards Vacuum, a manufacturing firm and part of the Atlas Copco Group, has started work at its Clevedon site in the UK. The aim is to cut energy use and carbon emissions on site through a series of tech-led interventions.
Among the changes: a digital twin developed by Schneider Electric gives real-time models of energy use. Digital twins are virtual models that mirror real-world systems, allowing data-driven decisions to be made quickly. The site also gains a new solar photovoltaic (PV) system and a switch to LED lighting, managed by Signify through connected IoT controls. Pineapple Partnerships provides financial solutions to help unlock the investment required for these upgrades.
The overall aim is clear: to reduce energy use by 35% and cut emissions by more than 80%.
Chris Adams, Site Manager at Edwards Vacuum, says: “Working with Pineapple Partnerships has been a game-changer in accelerating our factory’s carbon reduction efforts.
“Their expert assessment of our energy performance has enabled data-driven decisions, including the transition from gas heating to air source heat pumps and the installation of solar panels across our factory roof.
“The collaboration they’ve facilitated with experts such as Signify and Schneider Electric has significantly shortened our learning curve, allowing us to explore and implement best-in-class solutions with confidence.”
Lighting up pathways to net zero
Nico van der Merwe, Cluster Leader for Europe West at Signify, believes partnerships like CoRE are key for progress: “Signify thrives on partnerships, and CoRE is a powerful example of how collaborations can unlock decarbonisation at scale.”
As a lighting company with a focus on sustainability, Signify backs the idea that simple upgrades can deliver fast impact. “Upgrading to LED and connected lighting is one of the fastest, most cost-effective and impactful actions building owners can take to reduce energy use and carbon emissions,” says Nico.
“We’re proud to be working alongside Pineapple Partnerships and Schneider Electric to help organisations like Atlas Copco accelerate toward net-zero and build a more resilient, sustainable built environment in the UK and beyond.”
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