Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris 2021 renews commitments to green running, diversity, inclusion and local communities

Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, and recognized as the World’s Most Sustainable Corporation in 2021 by Corporate Knights, is back as the title sponsor of the Paris Marathon 2021, the world’s first 100% carbon neutral marathon. The event, taking place on October 17, 2021, brings runners together to take responsibility for their carbon footprints, reduce emissions and race for a greener, smarter future.

Racing for a more sustainable future

As a long-standing sponsor and sustainability leader, Schneider Electric’s sustainability commitments support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and seek to deliver on ambitious climate and biodiversity targets, while engaging with the broader global business ecosystem on this journey. In the same spirit, the Schneider Electric Green Runners community and program aims to inspire and encourage runners from all over the world to share their race preparation, training progress,  good sporting habits to reduce environmental impact that nurture togetherness.

“It takes a collective commitment to win the race toward a greener and smarter future,” said Chris Leong, Chief Marketing Officer at Schneider Electric. “We are proud of our Schneider Electric Green Runners community, where employees, customers and partners train and run together to make a difference for our planet”.

Supporting gender equality in sport

Given that the Schneider Electric Paris Marathon recognizes all runners equally and brings together participants from all backgrounds, Schneider Electric is partnering with the Paris Marathon’s organizer A.S.O. to implement initiatives that advance diversity and inclusion. Women competitors will start before their male counterparts, allowing both groups to cross the finish line together. Both award ceremonies receive the same media coverage when broadcast live, and prize money for both men and women winners will be awarded equally.

Committed to local communities, future generations and green innovation

From October 15 to17, the Run Experience fair will open its doors to 80,000 visitors to discover over 200 running exhibitors. Schneider Electric’s Foundation will showcase inclusion programs for children and young people in Paris, under development with PLAY International, a French NGO that teaches life skills through sport. Having successfully raised over €45,000 through virtual running challenges in 2021, fundraising efforts on Schneider’s stand will further benefit disadvantaged communities. Visitors will also experience how green and digital innovation enhances the resiliency and sustainability of homes with smart solutions, and will learn how to easily control both energy and comfort in the home, and put green energy first. For example, smart and sustainable homes in the future will charge electric vehicles with only locally generated solar power. This way, more consumers and households can actively reduce their carbon footprint.