This study by IPSOS, commissioned by Schneider Electric, paints a positive picture of Dutch businesses' attitudes towards sustainability, electrification and digitalisation. Here are some of the key findings from the research:
- Positive attitude towards electrification and digitalisation:
- A large percentage of Dutch companies (77% for electrification and 78% for digitalisation) consider these to be proven and effective ways of reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
- Key electrification initiatives:
- Replacing fossil fuels with electric technologies is considered important by 3 out of 4 companies.
- Popular electrification initiatives include the transition to energy-efficient equipment, the electrification of vehicle fleets, and encouraging alternative modes of transport.
- Digitalisation as a sustainability initiative:
- Digitalisation initiatives are seen by 78% of companies as helpful in reducing CO2 emissions.
- Digitalisation initiatives include digitising documentation and administration, moving data storage to the cloud, and using sensors and automation systems.
- Challenges in electrification and digitalisation:
- Electrification faces challenges such as high investment costs and issues with the power grid.
- For digitalisation, challenges mentioned include investment costs, buildings that are unsuitable for sustainable digitalisation, and concerns about cyber security.
- Active use of energy data:
- Around 60% of companies collect and use data to identify opportunities for energy savings.
- Large to medium-sized companies appear to use energy data more actively than small companies.
- Sustainability goals and data use:
- About half of companies have formulated sustainability goals.
- Of the companies that collect data, a significant percentage use this data to set energy reduction targets, map energy waste, and monitor carbon emissions.
This study suggests that there is broad support within the Dutch business community for sustainable initiatives, with recognition of the benefits of both electrification and digitalisation in the pursuit of decarbonisation and energy efficiency. It also highlights some of the concrete challenges companies face in implementing these initiatives.