APC 2012 Annual Report Download - page 85

2012 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC 83
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 through its access to energy program, its “Schneider
Electric Teachers” Foundation and ONG, and by helping people to
enter the workforce.
5.1 Energy access program
Context and aims
In today’s world, 1.3 billions (1) people, approximately 300million
households, do not have access to electricity; 590 million of
these live in Sub-Saharan Africa, 293million in India, 88million in
Bangladesh, 63million in Indonesia and 56million in Pakistan.
In general, these disadvantaged groups live on less than USD2
per day.
Their families’ energy costs may run to more than USD15 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 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 Outlook 2012.
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BOP
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P
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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.