IN a Schneider Electric survey entitled Green Impact Gap 2024, it was stated that 38% of Indonesian companies said they planned to invest more than US$1 million or the equivalent of IDR 15.7 billion to improve the sustainability of their operations in the next two years. The survey was conducted in nine Asian countries involving 4,500 business leaders, including in Indonesia.
Cluster President Schneider Electric Indonesia & Timor Leste, Martin Setiawan, revealed that these companies want to invest in the digitalization sector with a percentage of 44% and 43% wanting to invest in the field of supply chain sustainability.
“These two are the main focus of this investment,” he said at the Innovation Day Jakarta 2024 press conference in Jakarta, Thursday (7/11).
However, from the survey results it was also reported that only 51% of respondents had a clear action plan regarding decarbonization efforts.
Martin explained that several challenges that were obstacles in the company’s efforts to decarbonize were due to limited availability of clean energy to meet needs with a percentage of 39%, then 32% said it was due to operational, policy and financial constraints, and 29% of respondents said it was due to lack of access to available data. adequate.
“The main obstacle that we often encounter is limited operational data which makes it difficult for business people to map problems and take strategic steps in starting sustainability actions,” he said.
What’s interesting, from the Schneider Electric survey entitled Green Impact Gap 2024, it was also found that 58% of companies were facing problems. greenwashing or marketing tactics used by companies to create a misleading image of being environmentally friendly, with the aim of increasing sales without actually making significant changes to sustainable business practices.
“Greenwashing, for example, the sustainability targets are not as stated, aka they are exaggerated. Because all companies are required to sustainable,” he concluded. (J-3)
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**Interview with Martin Setiawan, Cluster President of Schneider Electric Indonesia & Timor Leste**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Martin. Schneider Electric’s recent survey, “Green Impact Gap 2024,” revealed that 38% of Indonesian companies are planning significant investments in operational sustainability. What do you think is driving this trend?
**Martin Setiawan**: Thank you for having me. The increasing awareness of climate change and the need for sustainable practices in business are pivotal factors driving this trend. Companies are realizing that sustainability is not just a regulatory requirement but also a key to enhancing their competitiveness in the market.
**Editor**: Interesting. The survey shows a strong focus on digitalization and supply chain sustainability. Why are these areas deemed the main priorities?
**Martin Setiawan**: Digitalization allows companies to optimize their operations and reduce waste, leading to cost savings and efficiency. As for supply chain sustainability, it’s critical for minimizing environmental impact. By investing in these areas, businesses can not only improve their sustainability metrics but also build resilience against future disruptions.
**Editor**: With 44% of companies interested in digitalization and 43% in supply chain sustainability, what specific initiatives do you see as beneficial?
**Martin Setiawan**: Companies can start by implementing smart technologies that monitor energy consumption and rapidly analyze data to inform decision-making. For supply chains, investing in transparent tracking systems can help companies understand their environmental footprint and identify opportunities to reduce emissions.
**Editor**: Lastly, what are the potential challenges these companies might face in their sustainability efforts?
**Martin Setiawan**: One of the main challenges is the initial investment cost and the need for a skilled workforce to manage new technologies. Moreover, there’s often a lack of immediate return on investment, which may deter some businesses. However, with the right long-term vision and commitment, these challenges can be overcome.
**Editor**: Thank you, Martin, for your insights into the important steps Indonesian companies are taking toward sustainability. It’s inspiring to see this progression.
**Martin Setiawan**: Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for businesses committed to sustainability, and I look forward to seeing how they evolve in the coming years.
