As the world grapples with climate change and increasing energy demands, the importance of sustainable energy solutions cannot be overstated. Socomec, a leader in critical power applications, has been at the forefront of driving innovation while committing to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and environmental stewardship.
In this insightful interview with Mr. Meenu Singhal, Regional Managing Director, Socomec Greater India, we delve into Socomec India's strategic approach to sustainable energy solutions, their transformative School Adoption Project, and their commitment to environmental governance through their advanced facilities in Gurugram. Mr. Singhal, shares the company's vision for aligning with India's sustainable development goals and the challenges ahead.
Scroll down to explore how Socomec integrates cutting-edge technology with sustainability and community engagement:
Q. Socomec has been a pioneer in energy innovation. Could you share your vision for Socomec India's role in driving sustainable energy solutions, especially in critical power applications?
A. Socomec is a globally renowned specialist in Low Voltage (LV) Power Switching, Monitoring, and Power Conversion products, focusing on managing power and safeguarding people, equipment, and installations. Our product lineup includes Uninterruptible Power Supplies, Static Transfer Switches, Transfer Switching Equipment, Load Break Switches, PV Switch Disconnectors, Advanced Energy Meters, Multifunction Meters, and monitoring solutions. We serve six primary market segments in India: Data Centres, Healthcare, Industry, Infrastructure, Commercial Buildings, and Renewable Energy.
Socomec's vision for driving sustainable energy solutions in India is deeply rooted in its commitment to fostering sustainable growth. This vision is guided by our principles of independence and long-term perspective.
Our products are PEP-certified and ROHS-compliant, emphasizing responsible sourcing practices. Socomec is also a proud member of the Green Grid association, enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in power management solutions for critical applications. Socomec's commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been recognized with a 'Gold' status by the Ecovadis rating platform in 2023, reflecting our dedication to continuous improvement and social responsibility.
Q. With the School Adoption Project being a key CSR initiative, how does Socomec balance its focus on educational development with other sustainability and community engagement programs? What are the long-term goals for this program?
A. Socomec India, in collaboration with the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) launched the School Adoption Project to make a lasting impact on educational facilities and community development in underprivileged regions across India. By addressing critical gaps in educational infrastructure, the initiative ensures students in these areas have access to quality education within a supportive and nurturing environment.
In the first phase of this three-year initiative, Socomec has committed to refurbishing and renovating school buildings in Noida and Gurugram. The goal is to create physical infrastructures that not only meet functional requirements but also foster a positive and conducive learning atmosphere.
Sustainability is a key focus of the project. Central to the initiative is the installation of solar panels in schools, providing a renewable energy source that reduces the carbon footprint while serving as an educational tool. This initiative will teach students the importance of renewable energy and environmental stewardship.
As the project progresses, future phases will include teacher training, student scholarships, and the integration of new technologies in classrooms, further enriching the learning experience.
Q. Socomec’s Gurugram facilities are part of the 'Make in India' initiative. How do these facilities incorporate sustainable practices in production processes, and what measurable impacts have been achieved so far?
A. Socomec’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Gurugram, Haryana, are designed with flexibility and advanced technology, embracing lean manufacturing principles for continuous improvement. These facilities offer innovative and sustainable solutions, featuring smaller footprints, modular designs, and scalability to meet varying load requirements in different environments. The Gurugram facilities are ISO 14001 certified, ensuring strong environmental governance.
Key sustainable practices include energy efficiency and waste management. The buildings are designed to comply with high energy performance standards and incorporate renewable energy sources like solar power, Piped Natural Gas (PNG). Additionally, a comprehensive system for responsible collecting, sorting, and recycling industrial waste ensures efficient and sustainable waste management.
These sustainable practices align with Socomec's commitment to environmental stewardship and support the broader goals of the 'Make in India' initiative by promoting sustainable industrial growth.
The measurable impacts of these practices are significant. The implementation of energy-efficient practices and renewable energy sources has led to substantial energy savings. Effective waste management practices have minimized the environmental impact of industrial waste.
Q. As a global leader in critical power solutions, how does Socomec innovate to enhance energy efficiency in industries like healthcare, infrastructure, and data centers?
A. As a global leader in critical power solutions, Socomec continuously innovates to enhance energy efficiency across various segments including: Data Centres, Healthcare, Industry, Infrastructure, Commercial Buildings, and Renewable Energy. For data centers, we focus on efficient cooling systems, power management technologies, and IT equipment, achieving Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) values close to 1.0. This indicates highly efficient operations, further supported by the adoption of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient practices. In healthcare, the resilience of electrical architecture is crucial. Socomec’s products monitor, analyze, and optimize energy consumption, ensuring sustainable management and high availability for both equipment and data.
Our latest UPS systems feature high power density solutions that combine compact footprints with the reliability of traditional designs and the flexibility of modular architectures. These innovations enhance operational efficiency, reduce Mean Time To Repair (MTTR), and boost power availability. Advanced monitoring capabilities also facilitate effective energy management, enabling data centers to optimize power usage while supporting sustainability goals.
Overall, Socomec empowers our customers in various market segments to achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence through smarter, more efficient energy management.
Q. Digital transformation plays a crucial role in modern energy management. How is Socomec integrating digital technologies to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of its products and services?
A. Socomec is at the forefront of integrating digital technologies to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of its products and services, particularly in India's power sector. By leveraging our expertise in critical power applications and digital solutions, we address challenges related to power availability, quality, and energy efficiency, promoting sustainable growth.
Our innovative connected technologies and digital services revolutionize asset and performance management. With a robust mobile app, customers can monitor and manage assets in real-time. Our 24/7 remote monitoring service ensures peace of mind, with equipment in expert hands. Patented technology enables remote diagnostics and operations, facilitating fast and effective maintenance. IoT-connected units benefit from advanced data analytics, extending equipment lifetimes.
Digital innovation in maintenance significantly reduces waiting times, lowers downtime risks, and optimizes global asset management costs. All remote connections adhere to cybersecurity protocols, complying with IEC 62443 and ISO 27001 standards. Additionally, our products feature remote troubleshooting technology, allowing Socomec experts to perform diagnostics and tests, with a more sustainable service model, reducing travel-related carbon emissions and enhancing safety. The patented Socomec remoteXpert technology transforms service delivery, moving away from traditional field interventions for UPS systems.
Q. How does Socomec engage employees and local communities in its sustainability and environmental stewardship journey? Are there specific training or engagement programs to build awareness and skills?
A. Socomec actively engages its employees and local communities in its sustainability and environmental stewardship journey through various initiatives aimed at raising awareness, building skills, and promoting participation. The company promotes gender equality by encouraging female participation in the workplace and ensuring a safe, discrimination-free environment through POSH training and awareness programs. The company supports local communities by partnering with educational institutions for sustainability education and backing environmental projects like tree planting and energy awareness campaigns. Socomec emphasizes sustainable product design and encourages employee involvement in developing energy-efficient solutions. Additionally, the company integrates sustainable practices into its operations, such as waste management and renewable energy use, and sets internal goals to reduce its carbon footprint.
Health and wellness activities, Safety Week celebrations, and compliance with labor laws ensure a safe and equitable workplace. All employees have signed the Code of Conduct, and the majority of our suppliers have agreed to the Business Ethics policy. Regular training sessions raise awareness about human rights, fostering a respectful and informed workforce.
Overall, Socomec’s approach fosters a culture of sustainability by involving employees and local communities in both practical and educational activities, making them active contributors to its environmental goals.
Q. What are Socomec India’s key priorities for sustainability over the next decade, and how do you envision the company’s contribution to India’s sustainable development goals? Comment about the challenges faced.
A. Socomec India’s key sustainability priorities over the next decade align with India's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Faced with the challenges of climate change, dwindling natural resources, and growing inequalities, Socomec is reaffirming its social and environmental commitment. Through the ACT 360 program, Socomec integrates sustainable development into its core strategy, focusing on three strategic pillars: employee well-being, environmental preservation, and responsible partnerships. This commitment is embodied in our ACT 360 program, which guides every action and decision, integrating sustainable development at the heart of our strategy. Our ambition is simple but powerful: to be where energy matters, while protecting the environment and strengthening social ties. We firmly believe in the need to act every day, across all our activities and throughout our value chain. By combining performance, responsibility, and innovation, ACT 360 structures our actions for a 360° impact: environmental, social, and economic. Within this SDG framework, Socomec is committed to 10 Sustainable Development Goals, among the 17 set by the United Nations for 2030.
Achieving these sustainability goals comes with several challenges. A supportive regulatory framework is essential to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices. Additionally, keeping pace with rapid technological advancements and optimizing the energy management of our customers across diverse sectors like data centers, healthcare, and renewable energy is crucial. By constantly exploring new strategies, Socomec India strives to enhance energy efficiency and contribute to carbon neutrality.
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