APC 2009 Annual Report Download - page 14

2009 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC12
2009 IN BRIEF
Products and solutions
On November 20, 2009, Schneider Electric announced the
debut of its EcoStruxure™ solution architecture, which unites its
unique expertise in power, data centres , process and machines,
building control, and physical security to enable intelligent energy
management solutions for customers seeking to optimise energy
effi ciency across their businesses.
On May 15, 2009, Schneider Electric inaugurated the Vinon-
sur-Verdon Solar Park in southeastern France, in partnership
with SolaireDirect and Caisse des Dépôts. With this solar farm,
Schneider Electric sets the standard for safe, reliable, effi cient,
productive, green energy. The Group’s ability to offer an array-
to-grid solution and related services to manage and convert the
electricity produced by the photovoltaic modules and feed it to the
grid makes Schneider Electric the only market operator to provide
end-to-end management of solar array intelligence.
On June 17, 2009, Schneider Electric unveiled a programme
deploying its full range of skills and competencies to provide access
to renewable energies to residents of Marovato, Madagascar. To
carry out this project, the Group forged an innovative partnership
with businesses, associations and residents within an association.
Schneider Electric and its partners developed a dedicated solution
tailored to the nature and size of the project. The solution’s
components ensure that the system operates smoothly, at top
effi ciency, and protect the solar installation.
On February 13, 2009, Schneider Electric and Philips launched
a new vision for interoperability in home automation and building
control, demonstrating innovative multi-vendor system components
that operate seamlessly in ZigBee wireless networks.
On June 29, 2009, Schneider Electric achieved a world technological
fi rst with the introduction of a ZigBee-based wireless, batteryless
switch.
O rganisation
On July 1 , 2009, Emmanuel Babeau was appointed Executive
Vice President, Finance and member of the Executive Committee
following Pierre Bouchut’s departure. In this capacity, Mr Babeau
is in charge of Corporate Financial Control, Internal Audit, Investor
Relations, Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Real Estate, Legal &
Tax Affairs and Financing & Treasury.
On July 1
, 2009, Executive Committee member Eric Pilaud was
appointed President of the Custom Sensors & Technology Division
(CST). Strategy & Innovation is now headed by Philippe Delorme,
who has been appointed to the Executive Committee.
Employees
On March 25, 2009, the Group announced plans to issue shares
to employees who are members of the Employee Stock Purchase
Plan and to entities set up to purchase shares on employees’
behalf. This issue will strengthen ties with employees by giving them
a stake in the Group’s future growth and performance.
On November 20, 2009, Schneider Electric was recognised with
the 2009 Grand Prix de l’Actionnariat Salarié award from the French
Federation of Employee Share Owners (FAS). This distinction is
a tribute to the close, long-standing relationship established with
employee shareholders over the years through regular, informative
communication initiatives both in France and abroad.
On September 8, 2009, Schneider Electric announced the award
winners in its second “Vivez l’Aventure!” contest, which recognises
former employees who take over existing businesses or create
new enterprises with support from Schneider Initiatives Emploi,
an association that nurtures spin-offs. On November12, a former
Schneider Electric employee received the “Talents de l’Essaimage”
award for the company he created with the support of Schneider
Initiatives Emploi.
C orporate Social Responsibility
On September 25, 2009, Schneider Electric announced the
creation of a global socially responsible venture capital fund
called Schneider Electric Energy Access, with an initial capital
of EUR 3 million. The fund intends to bring together different
stakeholders by encouraging Schneider Electric’s employees
and business partners around the world to play an active role in
making this commitment a reality. The structure of this fund, which
is designed to promote responsible development, represents an
original and innovative response to the latest legislation on employee
savings. The fund illustrates the shared societal commitment of the
entire corporate community.
On December 8, 2009, Schneider Electric and the Grenoble
chamber of commerce and industry inaugurated a training course
on home automation and new energy technologies at the École
des Métiers de l’Énergie Paul-Louis Merlin. This course provides
a tangible response to the need for an innovative, industrial-based
approach to teaching how to resolve the environmental and energy
challenges facing our planet.
On December 10, 2009, Schneider Electric executives at the United
Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark
actively encouraged public debate by presenting the Group’s
unique competencies and innovative architectural solutions with
the potential to dramatically improve current energy management
options within buildings, homes, industries, data centres and
infrastructure.