SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC TRAINS 50,000 IN ENERGY MANAGEMENT

 Lagos, 25 August, 2014- Schneider Electric has exceeded its 2014 set target for the number of people trained from new economies in energy management. The energy giant, as part of its international Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities has now trained 50,000 people. This is 10,000 more than what was envisaged in its BipBop energy access program for communities at the base of the pyramid.

Launched in 2009, the aim of the Schneider Electric BipBop program is to help resolve the issue of energy access by implementing a virtuous circle based on three pillars: social investments (Business), the creation of specific products (Innovation) and training (People). These Training pillars help to support and develop training programs on activities linked to energy management (electricity, industrial maintenance, etc.) in order to overcome the lack of local expertise in emerging economies and to increase the standard of living of people in disadvantaged communities.

Commenting on the achievement, Gilles Vermot Desroches, Sustainability Senior Vice-President at Schneider Electric  stated, "We are delighted with these excellent results in training people at the bottom of the pyramid, and they encourage us to step up our efforts. Training is the key to success of all the actions we take through BipBop”. Gilles also emphasised that the program allows local communities to obtain the long-term skills required to maintain and sell energy access solutions. “Through the diffusion of this know-how, the social business initiative launched by Schneider Electric many years ago is gradually bearing fruit.” he said.

By equipping the centres with the electrical and teaching material required for learning and practical work, as well as training the trainers by relying on the involvement of current and retired employees of Schneider Electric, the training programs which are financed by the Schneider Electric Foundation, is also committed towards the professional integration of young people and is implemented in partnership with NGOs and local authorities.

It would be recalled that Schneider Electric in its exemplary commitment towards training and sustainable development, launched a loyalty programme for electricians earlier in the year, as part of its initiative to develop the electrical retail business in Nigeria, a programme which also won the organization an award.

About Schneider Electric
As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in Utilities & Infrastructure, Industries & Machines Manufacturers, Non-residential Building, Data Centres & Networks and in Residential. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green, the Group's 150,000 plus employees achieved sales of 24 billion euros in 2013, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations make the most of their energy.

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