Climate Adaptation Unlocking Value Chains with the Power of Technology 2025

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has pioneered innovative solutions that combine real-time data and advanced technology to enhance energy system resilience. By partnering with Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and Salix Finance, Schneider Electric implemented a comprehensive climate adaptation strategy using the EcoStruxure platform. Challenge: Avoiding grid failures due to climate events Climate change is placing increasing strain on energy systems, with rising temperatures and extreme weather events leading to more frequent and severe disruptions. Power outages driven by heatwaves, storms or grid failures not only compromise the resilience of essential services but also increase energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Action: Tech-driven, collaborative platform for energy systems resilience To address these challenges, Schneider Electric partnered with MMU and Salix Finance to deploy a climate adaptation strategy centred on its EcoStruxure platform, which integrates real-time energy monitoring, smart infrastructure and data-driven decisionmaking. This allowed MMU to gain continuous visibility over its energy consumption and adjust dynamically during extreme weather conditions, reducing the risk of power outages. The initiative involved modernizing MMU’s energy infrastructure, by consolidating IT services into a resilient, energy-efficient data centre designed to withstand extreme conditions including high winds and flooding. For example, providers such as Tonaquint developed data centres capable of withstanding tornado-force winds up to 310 mph. The design also incorporated redundant power systems, advanced cooling technologies and floodresistant infrastructure, ensuring continued operation during climate- induced disruptions. Deployment included: –Elevating structures above flood levels and installing flood barriers. –Deploying back-up power systems and robust defences to protect infrastructure. –Distributing sites geographically to build redundancy and mitigate localized failures. Results Rémi Paccou, Director of Sustainability Research at the Schneider Electric Research Institute, describes the results: “Manchester Metropolitan University’s investment in a resilient, energy-efficient data centre showcases the critical role of infrastructure modernization in climate adaptation strategies for higher education institutions. By implementing Schneider Electric’s modular architecture, the university has not only enhanced its IT service reliability but also fortified its operations against future climate-related challenges, setting a benchmark for sustainable and adaptable technological infrastructure in the industry.” This partnership achieved significant outcomes in both climate adaptation and operational efficiency. MMU successfully enhanced its energy resilience by reducing its vulnerability to power outages during extreme weather events, while cutting energy costs by 30%. The project is expected to reduce MMU’s carbon footprint by 15,600 tonnes, translating to annual savings of £3.8 million and showcasing how investments in energy resilience can also deliver financial and sustainability benefits. Furthermore, the initiative embraced sustainable energy models, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and implementing AI- driven energy management systems that optimize energy use and enable predictive maintenance as climate impacts intensify. Looking ahead, Schneider Electric plans to scale-up its efforts by fostering greater cross-institutional collaboration, enhancing data interoperability and integrating AI-driven energy analytics to further optimize energy performance and climate adaptation across its value chains.CASE STUDY 2 Enhancing resilient energy systems through smart technology Sources: Schneider Electric, TechTarget, Green City Times, Elea Data Centers, Foster Fuels.47 Climate Adaptation: Unlocking Value Chains with the Power of Technology 22