May 24, 2023
'Being recognised on a global level for our commitment is a huge honour'
Michael Smith Switchgear has won an international award for its outstanding efforts in driving sustainability in manufacturing.
Schneider Electric - which provides world-leading energy technology - has named the Leicester-based business as the winner of both national and global prizes in its National Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Awards.
Michael Smith Switchgear, a multi-award winning carbon neutral electric equipment manufacturer, received the awards in the Impact to My Company category in recognition of its sustainability leadership in its operations.
The firm’s work included extensive research and development to increase airflow within switchboards and to not use plastics as insulating materials. It resulted in a 25% reduction in raw material usage within the manufacturing process.
Michael Smith Swithgear offset more than 137 tonnes of CO2e across its Group in 2021. Other measures have included installing LED lighting throughout its factory, fitting 284 solar panels to the roof of its building, and swapping to sustainable packaging.
One of 6 global winners
The company was just one of six global winners in its category of the Schneider awards. Judges described Michael Smith Switchgear Ltd as “committed to sustainability in all aspects of their business”.
The awards are part of Schneider’s support for partners which are concerned about climate change. Prizes are used to recognise firms which are working to address the issue for shareholders, customers, employees, and the younger generation.
Schneider Electric facilitates sustainable practices, enabling partners to assess their own carbon footprint and build a trackable and traceable plan of action. It also certifies partners’ ability to assess the sustainability of their supplier and customer ecosystems.
Sean Smith, Managing Director at Michael Smith Switchgear, said he and colleagues were extremely proud to win theSustainability Impact Awards, both globally and for the UK and Ireland.
“Sustainability is at the forefront of our business decisions within MSSL and to be recognised on a global and national level by Schneider Electric for our commitment is a huge honour,” he added.
“Partnering with Schneider Electric and the EcoXpert programme has helped us offer our customers more sustainable solutions using Schneider’s innovative technologies.”
'Exceptional commitment and success'
Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Awards were launched earlier this year to celebrate and recognise the pivotal role that Schneider’s extensive network of partners play in delivering a more resilient and sustainable electric world.
Participants are carefully assessed on how they are leveraging energy, and digital and automation solutions in operations in order to reduce energy usage, increase operational efficiency, and embrace circularity across the value chain.
"My congratulations go to Michael Smith Switchgear, whose story of exceptional commitment and success is an inspiration to others embarking on their decarbonisation journey," said David Williams, Vice President, Transactional Businesses at Schneider Electric UK and Ireland.
"Eliminating energy waste and being more energy-efficient has a significant impact on an organisation's carbon footprint and helps to address the global energy crisis.
"However, no organisation is an island, so the Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Awards has set out to highlight the valuable contributions of local and global partnerships."
Learn more about Michael Smith Switchgear’s awards here.
