APC 2011 Annual Report Download - page 83

REGISTRATION DOCUMENT 2011 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC 81
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
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SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC, A RESPONSIBLE CORPORATE CITIZEN
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5. Schneider Electric, a responsible
corporate citizen
Schneider Electric has consistently been committed to playing an
active role in the economic development of the communities in which
it has a presence. This is refl ected in the substantial involvement of
the Group and its employees in supporting communities, particularly
by helping people to enter the workforce, and through its access to
energy program.
5.1 The BipBop energy access program
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IB BOP
P
B
O
P
I
O
P
B
O
P
IB BOP
The "BipBop"program
Business
Create an
investment fund
for business
development in
the electricity
sector.
People
Help provide electrical training for young
people looking to enter the workforce.
Innovation
Conceive and
provide electrical
distribution solutions
for disadvantaged
populations.
Context and aims
In today’s world, 1.3 billion(1)
people, approximately 300 million
households, do not have access to electricity; 585 million of
these live in Sub-Saharan Africa, 404million in India, 100million in
Indonesia and in Bangladesh.
In general, these disadvantaged groups live on less than US$ 2
per day.
While their families’ energy costs may run to more than US$15
a month. Improved access to energy not only improves quality
of life, but also facilitates access to healthcare, education and
development for those who need it most.
Through its energy access “BipBop” program, Schneider Electric
wants to play a major role in helping people at the base of the
Pyramid to gain access to electricity.
Schneider Electric is involved in three specifi c areas:
•Business (Investment) – manage an investment fund for
business development in the electricity sector;
•Innovation (Economic and Offers and Models) – build and
deliver electricity distribution solutions for disadvantaged groups;
•People (Training) – help provide electrical training for young
adults looking to enter the workforce. The Schneider Electric
Foundation and Schneider Electric’s team members support this
focus through their collective and individual commitment.
Created in 2008 and launched in 2009, the BipBop (Business,
Innovation, People at the Base of the Pyramid) internal energy access
program illustrates Schneider Electric’s desire to create a virtuous
circle combining business, innovation and socialresponsibility.
(1) Source: International Energy Agency – World energy poverty 2010.