Siemens Financial Services Launches Decarbonisation Tool

Buildings are responsible for a staggering 40% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions, so the need for effective decarbonisation strategies in the built environment is critical. 

Siemens Financial Services (SFS) has launched an innovative cloud-based tool called the Decarbonisation Business Optimiser (DBO).

This tool offers a free solution for companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and optimise energy efficiency in their facilities.

"Companies, specifically those in the supply chain, are increasingly asked to report their carbon footprint to their customers — yet many do not know where to begin,” says Anthony Casciano, President and CEO of Siemens Financial Services Inc., the US financing arm of SFS.

“The DBO addresses these barriers by taking action and puts companies of all sizes and at all stages in a better position to create long-term value, accelerating participation in the transition to net-zero emissions."

How was the DBO created?

The DBO is not just another carbon calculator. 

Built on Amazon Web Services (AWS) using serverless architecture, the tool itself boasts a minimal carbon footprint. 

Amazon says AWS infrastructure can be up to four times more efficient than on-premises infrastructure. When workloads are optimised, the carbon footprint associated can be reduced by up to 99%.

This innovative approach allows the DBO to operate only when needed, rather than running constantly, embodying the very principles of efficiency it aims to promote.

The tool harnesses the power of verified datasets from authoritative sources such as the US Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). 

This ensures that the DBO's assessments and recommendations are grounded in robust, scientifically sound data.

Roderick Jackson, Laboratory Program Manager for Building Technologies at NREL, says: "Trusted data sets coupled with credible modelling and analysis tools are vital in the complex decision-making process to achieve a clean energy future. 

“NREL-developed tools are built to be leveraged in this way — including ComStock, REopt, and our Annual Technology Baseline framework. It's great to see that in practice."

Why the DBO is unique

The DBO has the ability to generate cost-effective decarbonisation scenarios tailored to specific facilities. 

By inputting an address, facility size and type, users can obtain an estimated carbon footprint based on data relevant to their geographic location. 

For more precise results, the tool can incorporate site-specific data such as annual energy use or load profiles.

Lee Evangelakos, Partner and ESG Pillar Leader at American Industrial Partners, says: "As an initial tester, we found that the DBO tool is a great way to get started in estimating facility footprints. 

“The tool enables industrial businesses to think through the building blocks of their emissions profiles and how they could begin to take action towards decarbonisation."

The DBO goes beyond assessment, offering users insights into the most suitable combination of generation and storage technologies for their site. 

This may include recommendations for thermal energy storage, battery storage, and solar panels.

About Siemens Financial Services

SFS has a team of approximately 2,700 employees and total assets of  €32.9bn (US$36.6bn) as of 2023 

The company is a division of multinational German company Siemens, and aims to empower customers in sustainable growth.

Veronika Bienert, CEO at SFS GmbH, explains: "By working closely with Siemens businesses and our external partners across our key industries, our passionate team is able to accelerate innovation and competitiveness for our customers, providing tailored financing solutions that unlock sustainable growth."

SFS aims to be a key player in financing greenfield renewable projects and contributing significantly to global decarbonisation efforts.

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