Schneider Electric’s Green Impact Gap Signals Steady Trajectory for Sustainable Transformation in Malaysia

Schneider Electric, the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced that its annual Green Impact Gap showed a steady trajectory in sustainable transformation among businesses in Malaysia. The Green Impact Gap survey, in partnership with Milieu Insight, aimed to identify the intention-action gap among companies in Malaysia that undertake sustainable business practices, and the investment or tangible commitment required to achieve their internal goals. This year’s survey results launch was held at the Tribeca Serviced Hotel by Millennium, a smart building that embodies energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced occupant comfort.

A total of 500 business leaders in Malaysia participated in the Green Impact Gap survey, where middle to senior-level executives were asked to respond to a series of questions about their sustainability priorities, goals, commitments, and efforts. The 2024 results showed steady progress in Malaysia’s sustainability efforts, with 93% of Malaysian companies reporting that they have set sustainability goals, and 45% have successfully turned those goals into actionable strategies.  With a variance of less than 5% as compared to the 2023 results, the gap is considered stable.

Eugene Quah, Country President of Schneider Electric Malaysia, said: “In Malaysia, that future is already taking shape. The government has taken bold steps to embed sustainability into the national agenda. From the National Sustainability Reporting Framework to the mandatory ESG disclosures for listed companies, Malaysia is recognised for aligning itself with global standards such as the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), ensuring transparency and accountability. This year’s results reflect a steady trajectory in Malaysia’s sustainability journey, with more work to be done for ambition to turn into action.”

The survey also identified key barriers and opportunities to narrow the gap by boosting momentum and supporting further initiatives to promote sustainable business practices. Respondents highlighted barriers such as economic uncertainties (56%), internal budget constraints (47%), poor incentives (46%), lack of priority (40%), and regulatory and policy issues (35%).

Green Impact Gap Highlights Urgent Need for Proactive Sustainability in the Real Estate Sector 

Schneider Electric has identified three critical areas where the real estate industry must take decisive action to drive sustainability and resilience.

Firstly, with climate change no longer a distant threat, businesses must shift from reactive to proactive strategies. By leveraging digital tools, predictive analytics, and integrated energy and sustainability management systems, organisations can monitor risks in real-time, forecast disruptions, and optimise energy usage, enabling them to reduce carbon emissions, cut costs, and meet rising ESG expectations.

Secondly, energy security remains a pressing concern, highlighting the need for diversified and resilient energy strategies. Schneider Electric advocates for the adoption of renewables, microgrids, and smart energy management to ensure that sustainability efforts are both impactful and future-proof.

Thirdly, Schneider Electric acknowledges that limited resources and internal resistance can hinder businesses’ progress in complying with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA).

“That is why we work closely with our partners to align strategy with action, demonstrate quick wins, and embed sustainability into the core of business operations. When sustainability is treated as a strategic priority, it becomes a powerful driver of long-term value. That’s where we come in, not just with digital tools and technologies, but with support through partnerships, guidance, and shared expertise,” Quah said.

In line with the survey findings, a thought-provoking panel discussion was held under the theme “Narrowing the Green IMPACT Gap: Digitalisation for Greater Energy Efficiency in Buildings.” The session brought together key voices in the energy and sustainability space, including Amutha Socklingam, Principal Assistant Secretary of the Energy Sustainability Division of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA); Ir. Ts. Zulkiflee Umar, Director of Energy Efficiency and Conservation at the Energy Commission Malaysia; Wong Wen Chet, Executive Director of Millennium Welt Land Sdn Bhd; and Jackson Seng, Vice President of Digital Energy at Schneider Electric. The panel explored the critical role of digitalisation in accelerating energy efficiency and offered actionable insights for building owners and industry stakeholders.

Tribeca Serviced Hotel Charts a Bold Part—From Digitisation to Decarbonisation

The timely launch and discussion were held at the Tribeca Serviced Hotel by Millennium, a smart building with reduced energy consumption, a lower carbon footprint, and enhanced tenant comfort. Tribeca leads the way in sustainable urban development, guided by Schneider Electric’s 3-step approach and supported by its EcoXpert partner, Advance Industrial Solutions Sdn Bhd also an Energy Service Company (ESCO) registered under Suruhanjaya Tenaga, setting a benchmark for others in the industry to follow.

1. Strategise: The journey began with a strategic assessment of energy flows and infrastructure, conducted through an energy audit. This revealed that the majority of energy consumption stems from air conditioning systems, with lighting and plug loads contributing to a lesser extent.
2. Digitise: To support data-driven decision-making, Tribeca has already installed the EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert (PME) system, laying the foundation for real-time energy insights. Currently in the digitisation phase, Tribeca is leveraging the PME system to gain full visibility into energy consumption patterns. Real-time monitoring is being implemented across key loads, including HVAC systems, lighting, common areas, and tenant usage. This phase also involves establishing a baseline of energy performance, with Phase 1 focusing on data collection at the main incomers.
3. Decarbonise: Looking ahead, Tribeca’s decarbonisation strategy will follow four key steps: establishing a baseline and benchmarking energy use over the next three months (with potential expansion to individual AC monitoring); setting a 3% energy reduction target within the first year by prioritizing quick wins like lighting retrofits and HVAC optimisation; implementing decarbonisation measures over 6 to 18 months including exploring rooftop solar and carbon offsetting; and continuously monitoring progress using PME analytics to guide regular reviews and strategy adjustments.

“We are proud to lead the way in sustainable building transformation and to host the launch of the Green Impact Gap survey here at Tribeca,” said Wong Wen Chet, Executive Director at Millennium Welt Land Sdn Bhd. “Our journey toward decarbonisation reflects what’s possible when innovation meets commitment. We hope our efforts will inspire other building owners and real estate players to take bold steps toward a greener, more energy-efficient future.”