Integrating biodiversity concerns in sustainability strategy: A case study at Schneider Electric
(2024) FMIM01 20241Environmental and Energy Systems Studies
- Abstract
- Climate change and biodiversity loss present critical challenges for humanity, yet biodiversity often remains overlooked in corporate sustainability strategies. This study, conducted within Schneider Electric’s environ- mental team, aims to address this gap by comparing the carbon intensity and biodiversity impacts of new production processes for aluminum and steel against conventional methods. Utilizing the ReCiPe Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) model, the research quantifies biodiversity impacts and normalizes them relative to unabated technologies to evaluate their environmental relevance. The analysis reveals that while carbon intensity and biodiversity impacts are correlated, focusing solely on carbon emissions does not provide a... (More)
- Climate change and biodiversity loss present critical challenges for humanity, yet biodiversity often remains overlooked in corporate sustainability strategies. This study, conducted within Schneider Electric’s environ- mental team, aims to address this gap by comparing the carbon intensity and biodiversity impacts of new production processes for aluminum and steel against conventional methods. Utilizing the ReCiPe Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) model, the research quantifies biodiversity impacts and normalizes them relative to unabated technologies to evaluate their environmental relevance. The analysis reveals that while carbon intensity and biodiversity impacts are correlated, focusing solely on carbon emissions does not provide a com- prehensive understanding of a technology’s overall environmental footprint. Some low-carbon technologies may inadvertently lead to negative biodiversity outcomes, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to sus- tainability. The study also identifies promising technologies, such as green hydrogen and electrification, which have the potential to reduce both carbon emissions and biodiversity impacts. The findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive strategies that prioritize both carbon reduction and biodiversity conservation in industrial decision-making processes. This approach is essential for fostering resilience against environmental changes and ensuring the long-term sustainability of natural ecosystems. (Less)
- Popular Abstract
- Can we reduce carbon emissions without threatening biodiversity? This question is the core problem of this study conducted at Schneider Electric. As industries try to reduce carbon emissions, they may inadvertently overlook the critical role of biodiversity in maintaining our planet's health.
This research delves into the complex relationship between carbon reduction and biodiversity impacts in industrial processes, specifically focusing on aluminum and steel production. So, by comparing traditional manufacturing methods with innovative low-carbon alternatives, the study quantifies their carbon and biodiversity impacts through a Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) model.
Moreover, this study challenges the conventional wisdom that... (More) - Can we reduce carbon emissions without threatening biodiversity? This question is the core problem of this study conducted at Schneider Electric. As industries try to reduce carbon emissions, they may inadvertently overlook the critical role of biodiversity in maintaining our planet's health.
This research delves into the complex relationship between carbon reduction and biodiversity impacts in industrial processes, specifically focusing on aluminum and steel production. So, by comparing traditional manufacturing methods with innovative low-carbon alternatives, the study quantifies their carbon and biodiversity impacts through a Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) model.
Moreover, this study challenges the conventional wisdom that low-carbon automatically means environmentally friendly. In some cases, technologies that effectively reduce carbon emissions may still pose significant threats to ecosystems.
The study's results have far-reaching implications for how companies approach sustainability. It emphasizes the need for a holistic strategy that considers both carbon reduction and biodiversity preservation. This balanced approach is crucial not only for environmental protection but also for long-term business resilience, as many industries depend heavily on nature's services.
For Schneider Electric and other manufacturers, these insights offer a new perspective on sustainable procurement and eco-design. The research provides a framework for evaluating production processes beyond just their carbon footprint, enabling more informed decision-making that supports both climate action and biodiversity conservation.
As we face the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, this study serves as a timely reminder that our solutions must be as interconnected as the problems they address. By broadening our view of sustainability, we can work towards a future where industrial progress and environmental preservation go hand in hand. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9174197
- author
- Corru, Samuel LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- FMIM01 20241
- year
- 2024
- type
- H3 - Professional qualifications (4 Years - )
- subject
- keywords
- Life Cycle Assessment, Sustainability strategy
- report number
- LUTFD2/TFEM—24/5218--SE + (1-54)
- ISSN
- 1102-3651
- language
- English
- id
- 9174197
- date added to LUP
- 2024-09-13 13:21:58
- date last changed
- 2024-09-13 13:21:58
@misc{9174197,
abstract = {{Climate change and biodiversity loss present critical challenges for humanity, yet biodiversity often remains overlooked in corporate sustainability strategies. This study, conducted within Schneider Electric’s environ- mental team, aims to address this gap by comparing the carbon intensity and biodiversity impacts of new production processes for aluminum and steel against conventional methods. Utilizing the ReCiPe Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) model, the research quantifies biodiversity impacts and normalizes them relative to unabated technologies to evaluate their environmental relevance. The analysis reveals that while carbon intensity and biodiversity impacts are correlated, focusing solely on carbon emissions does not provide a com- prehensive understanding of a technology’s overall environmental footprint. Some low-carbon technologies may inadvertently lead to negative biodiversity outcomes, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to sus- tainability. The study also identifies promising technologies, such as green hydrogen and electrification, which have the potential to reduce both carbon emissions and biodiversity impacts. The findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive strategies that prioritize both carbon reduction and biodiversity conservation in industrial decision-making processes. This approach is essential for fostering resilience against environmental changes and ensuring the long-term sustainability of natural ecosystems.}},
author = {{Corru, Samuel}},
issn = {{1102-3651}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Integrating biodiversity concerns in sustainability strategy: A case study at Schneider Electric}},
year = {{2024}},
}