From waste to wisdom
- By Gilles Vermot-Desroches
- 24 Jul 20253 min
The need for a circular economy has never been more urgent—for both planet and people. In 2019, 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste were generated, yet only 17.4% was properly recycled. At the same time, the global energy skills gap is widening, with a predicted shortage of 2.8 million electricians worldwide and only 24% of the energy sector workforce being women.
Businesses can play their part, and drive a meaningful change, by integrating corporate responsibility with innovation to minimise environmental impact while maximising the positive reuse of resources.
At Schneider Electric, the equipment donation program, initiated as part of our ‘Youth Impact Through Learning’ initiative and supported by the Schneider Electric Foundation, contributes to this ambition. By donating valuable equipment to education partners, training centres, NGOs, and institutions, we enable practical training to prepare tomorrow’s workforce.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation defines circularity as considering a product's full lifecycle; “from cradle to cradle.” At Schneider Electric, we translate this into a three-pronged approach: use better, use longer, and use again.
On a practical level, this means being responsible stewards of our resources, therefore, keeping products and materials in optimal condition for as long as possible. In simple terms: Maximum Lifetime, Minimum Resources, Zero Waste.
Using materials with low environmental impact—or repurposed materials like ocean plastic—also extends product lifecycles, reduces environmental harm, and cuts costs. Circularity, therefore, is not only a business imperative but also a social responsibility and a vital lever for shaping the future energy landscape.
What began as a localised initiative in France in 2011 now contributes to the Schneider Sustainability Index (SSI), having supported the training of young people in over 15 countries. The equipment donation program gives a second life to equipment that enables hands-on, field-based energy training at numerous centres around the world.
Logistics are key to this success; equipment must be sorted, matched to training needs, and shipped responsibly. In France, the program serves as a model for sustainable donation, grounded in circular economy principles.
This program supports over 70 institutions, including the Schneider Electric Apprenticeship Training Center (CFA SE), public vocational high schools, and NGOs like Impala Avenir. It helps young people in technical and vocational tracks, often undervalued in the French system, to access modern, reliable tools.
In South America, Schneider Electric’s donations have significantly boosted technical education and energy access. In Brazil, the mobile school "EcoStruxure on the Road" travels across São Paulo, promoting Industry 4.0. In Colombia, Afro-descendant youth in the Pacific and Atlantic regions have received technical training and digital tools, enabling safe energy use and innovation.
In South Africa, the Ukufunda Youth Development Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and part of the French South African Schneider Electric Education Centre (FSASEC), offers automation and renewable energy training using donated equipment. With 55% female participation, the centre champions gender equality and youth empowerment.
Lastly, in Indonesia, was the reallocation of equipment from a decommissioned factory in Jakarta. With support from the Ministry of Education, 15 polytechnics were identified based on their technical focus and lab readiness to receive the donated equipment. This initiative marked a significant milestone in strengthening partnerships between local institutions, industry and government for training in the field of energy.
By diverting valuable equipment from waste streams, our donations help keep materials in use, in order to mitigate the demand for raw materials and easing pressure on the environment.
The goal is to minimise the environmental footprint of our products while maximising their social impact by supporting the revitalisation of industrial education in both emerging and mature economies.
A blueprint for circularity should always integrate planet, people, and purpose by aligning business strategy with environmental responsibility and social impact. By addressing both the rising waste issue and the widening energy skills gap, and engaging the wider ecosystem, we can bridge progress and sustainability for all.
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