Schneider Electric to Acquire EcoAct to Boost Sustainability Consulting Capabilities

Schneider Electric is looking to bolster its sustainability consulting credentials with the purchase of EcoAct from Atos Group.

The vendor has entered exclusive negotiations with Atos to acquire the European firm to expand the company’s global sustainability consulting and carbon market capabilities.

Schneider isn’t disclosing the purchase price.

Founded in France in 2006, EcoAct works with clients to drive decarbonization through climate change consulting and carbon offsets. The company’s climate change consulting services include net-zero strategy development, climate risk assessment and sustainability reporting. In recent years, the company has also expanded its carbon markets capabilities.

Steve Wilhite, president of Schneider’s sustainability business, said addressing climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. However, “we also know that the solutions for companies can be complex to navigate,” he said.

Schneider Electric’s Steve Wilhite

“By combining forces with EcoAct, we have an opportunity to deepen our ability to serve the growing demand by our clients for consulting that drives action and impact, across new service areas and expanded geographies.”

Complementary Services

Upon closing the acquisition, the EcoAct team will join Schneider’s Sustainability Business division. This is a global consultant in energy management, energy efficiency and decarbonization.

Schneider said EcoAct’s portfolio would complement its own services. These include climate change advisory and risk services, sustainability reporting and disclosure, renewable energy and carbon advisory. It also offers services for energy efficiency and energy commodities management.

EcoAct’s portfolio also encompasses a variety of digital tools and offers that further expands Schneider Electric’s current sustainability consulting capabilities — particularly in Europe. The potential acquisition also expands Schneider’s carbon markets expertise, demand for which is expected to grow significantly as corporate commitments to decarbonization continue.

Sustainability Criteria For Partners

Schneider’s sustainability business originated with the acquisition of Summit Energy Services in 2011. The division has continued to grow since then, both organically and with the acquisitions of M&C Energy, Renewable Choice Energy and Zeigo. Today, the business is one of the world’s largest sustainability advisors, serving more than 2,700 corporate clients across six continents, with operations in over 100 countries.

According to research by Canalys and Schneider Electric, 75% of European partners already have at least one person focused on ESG (environment, social, governance). More than 75% of customer RFPs have sustainability criteria included.

The deal remains subject to consultation and other approvals, but it is expected to close before the end of the year.

In January, Schneider completed the acquisition of Aveva in a deal worth $11 billion.