Schneider Electric has introduced a new tool called the Building Decarbonization Calculator, aimed at helping building owners and operators reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. This innovative tool allows users to quickly assess and implement a variety of energy and carbon conservation measures (ECCMs), providing options that comply with increasingly strict regulatory standards, such as New York City's Local Law 97, which enforces emissions limits on buildings over 25,000 square feet from 2025 onward.

With buildings contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions—accounting for 40% of the EU’s energy consumption and 36% of its energy-related emissions—Schneider’s tool addresses an urgent need for scalable, actionable solutions. Built from a dataset of nearly 500,000 building models, the system provides recommendations for improving energy efficiency, retrofitting, and construction, focusing on achieving the best return on investment (ROI) while meeting regulatory compliance.

Mike Kazmierczak, Global Vice President of Digital Energy at Schneider Electric, emphasized the tool’s ability to guide owners and operators through the increasingly complex landscape of decarbonization mandates. The calculator not only assists in ensuring compliance but also optimizes operational improvements, helping users reduce emissions and operational costs. A recent retrofit project in Boston, highlighted by Schneider, demonstrated potential savings of $3.7 million in energy costs and $1 million in avoided fines over the next decade, with a seven-year ROI.

The Building Decarbonization Calculator is designed to work across various sectors, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and office buildings. It provides users with scalable scenarios, from light interventions to deep renovations, allowing for tailored solutions for individual buildings or portfolios. Developed in collaboration with JLL and C.scale, the calculator leverages machine-learning models to support rapid and large-scale climate action.

By enabling more informed decision-making, Schneider’s tool positions building owners and managers to meet financial and environmental goals, ultimately contributing to global efforts toward decarbonization.