Schneider Electric Partners with GSK to Help Suppliers Reduce Carbon Emissions

• GSK Supplier Exchange serves as online community to support more than 360 suppliers in their efforts to improve sustainability and energy efficiency
• Building on a 14-year relationship, this programme will help GSK reach its goal of a 25 per cent reduction in value chain emissions by 2020

LONDON, UK – 28th June, 2017 – Schneider Electric, the global energy and sustainability specialist, today announced a partnership with GSK to manage an online community that gives the healthcare leader’s suppliers information and tools to improve environmental performance through energy, water and waste management.

Schneider Electric will serve as the community manager for the GSK Supplier Exchange, which has more than 700 members representing 360 of GSK’s biggest suppliers. The Exchange delivers informative content, and provides a forum for collaboration and networking, helping accelerate sustainability and efficiency projects.

GSK has set ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions. The company is targeting a carbon-neutral value chain by 2050 and plans to cut emissions 25 per cent by 2020 to start. With more than 50 per cent of emissions tied to purchased materials and services, GSK recognised the need to support its supplier network in reducing its carbon footprint.

“GSK recognises that reducing our carbon footprint requires action across our entire value chain,” said Matt Wilson, Head of the Environmental Sustainability Centre of Excellence at GSK. “We found that many of our suppliers may not be entirely sure where to start when it comes to identifying resource conservation opportunities. We have partnered with Schneider Electric to develop sustainability expertise that will help our suppliers expand their knowledge on sustainability topics and practical solutions.”

Launched in 2014, the Exchange is a members-only online community that helps suppliers create positive and tangible environmental change. Schneider Electric will create and curate content for the Supplier Exchange including webinars, case studies, newsletters and Q&As — covering topics from sustainability reporting to renewable energy opportunities.

“It can be challenging for companies with a global footprint to engage their diverse supplier community, and coordinate broad sustainability and efficiency efforts,” said Steve Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Energy and Sustainability Services at Schneider Electric. “GSK’s approach of building a connected and dynamic community is an ideal way to drive action. We’re excited to use our experience to educate, consult, and ultimately deliver carbon reduction and associated savings for GSK and each of the businesses in its value chain.”

This initiative builds on a 14-year partnership between GSK and Schneider Electric.

GSK suppliers can register for the Exchange here https://www.2degreesnetwork.com/groups/gsk-supplier-exchange/.