Schneider Electric | Using Available Tech, We Can Help #MoveTheDate Starting Now

Earth Overshoot Day: It’s the day of the year when we’ve used more natural resources than our planet can renew in 365 days. This year in the United States, Earth Overshoot Day falls on March 15th , — the earliest it has ever been . Despite the progress made in recent years, it has been steadily moving up since 80’s.

This signals the urgency of the climate crisis and pressure on natural ecosystems. It tells us that the time to act is now, because there is good news: Earth Overshoot Day is moveable. We can work together to engage eco-friendly technology, employ forward-thinking solutions, and #MoveTheDate back toward December 31. We can do this by collectively living within the means of our planet’s natural resources.

Together, Global Footprint Network — a research organization changing how the world manages its natural resources — and Schneider Electric have analyzed how to move Earth Overshoot Day. Research estimates that if 100 percent of existing building and industry infrastructure were equipped with readily available energy efficiency and renewable energy technology from Schneider Electric and its partners — assuming no shift in human habits — the world could move the date back by at least 21 days.

Download the report here

Taking Action Now

Earth Overshoot Day is a chance to ask whether your business model is One-Planet compatible. Are you able to thrive within the means of Earth’ natural resources? Businesses worldwide are answering the call. An increasing number are making long-term plans to operate in a world of finite resources and finding that sustainable choices makes solid business sense. In fact, Schneider’s 2019 Corporate Energy & Sustainability Progress Report shows the number of surveyed companies who had implemented energy efficiency and renewable projects in just one year rose by 12 percentage points.

More stories of promise come from Schneider customers who demonstrate that with collaboration and innovation, we can move Earth Overshoot Day — and offer proven business benefits. For example Carrefour Egypt is on a sustainability mission. With EcoStruxure™ analytics and services, they gained the visibility and insights needed to cut 7% on its electrical bills across 19 stores.