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Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Schneider Electric kicks off the year with significant sustainability milestones
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced that its Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) program achieved a score of 7.95 out of 10 for the first quarter of 2025, toward a target of 8.80/10 by the end of the year. Recognized in January as the world's most sustainable corporation by Corporate Knights, Schneider Electric remains committed to driving significant progress toward its sustainability goals as it embarks on the final year of its current SSI program. Throughout the first quarter, Schneider Electric has made substantial progress in various areas: The company has helped its customers save and avoid nearly 700 million tonnes of CO2 emissions through its solutions. This concurs with the launch of the second Energize Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) cohort, enabling four global healthcare companies to buy 245 GWh of renewable electricity annually for the next 10 years. Efforts to reduce upstream carbon emissions have also been accelerated, achieving a 42% decrease from the company's top 1,000 suppliers. Despite surpassing targets more than a year in advance, Schneider Electric's commitment to fighting poverty and supporting communities remains strong. To date, 56 million people have gained access to energy through initiatives that develop clean energy solutions for education, healthcare, agriculture, and small businesses. Moreover, by signing the Rise Ahead Pledge recently, Schneider Electric is also working to expand access to essential services and promote socio-economic development, by focusing on energy poverty and impact investing in underserved markets. Zone and Country presidents continue to drive local impact initiatives, following the advancement of over 200 initiatives started in 2021. These programs aim to enhance the company's sustainable impact by supporting and empowering local communities with training and mentoring, energy resiliency, environmental action, and more. For example, Schneider Electric UK and the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation have recently launched a STEM educational program to inspire local pupils with interactive workshops and digital resources, equipping them with essential skills for a sustainable future. 'At Schneider, we believe in strong partnerships with corporations, governments, local partners, and communities to uplift livelihoods, boost incomes, and expand access to education and reliable, clean energy,' said Chris Leong, Chief Sustainability Officer. 'I'm especially proud of our people's relentless pursuit to turn ambition into action, from innovating solutions for environmental impact to giving back to our communities. Together, we're making progress and sustainability a reality for all.' For more details, please refer to the Q1 2025 report of Schneider's Sustainability Impact program, including the progress dashboard: Recent recognitions: Schneider Electric's factory in Wuxi, China was recognized by the World Economic Forum as the company's fourth Sustainability Lighthouse, due to its significant reductions in emissions while promoting a circular economy. Schneider Electric has been ranked #1 in Europe and among the Top 10 globally in the 2025 Carbon Clean 200 list of publicly traded companies that are leading the transition to clean energy solution. Schneider Electric is included in Ethisphere's Top 100 World's Most Ethical Companies for 2025, demonstrating 14 years of unwavering commitment to business integrity. Schneider Electric is recognized as a Top-Rated ESG performer out of more than 5,000 companies in Sustainalytics' ratings universe. Schneider Electric was honored with the Gold Seal of the Capital Goods industry for Gender Equality by Equileap in 2025. Related resources: See Schneider Electric's Q1 2025 Financial and Extra-financial release. Schneider Electric's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG): Sustainability reports page Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Sustainability Disclosure Dashboard About Schneider Electric Schneider's purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On. Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency. We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers. We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. We embrace diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a sustainable future for all. Discover the newest perspectives shaping sustainability, electricity 4.0, and next generation automation on Schneider Electric Insights.
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Liva Insurance sets new benchmark with ‘Innovative Insurer of the Year' Award at the New Age Banking Summit 2025
Muscat – Recognized for reshaping the future of insurance in the Sultanate of Oman through bold innovation and digital excellence, Liva Insurance was crowned 'Innovative Insurer of the Year' at the New Age Banking Summit 2025 – affirming the brand's leadership in transforming Oman's insurance sector for the modern era. Celebrating its milestone 10th edition, the New Age Banking Summit has solidified its position as Oman's premier platform for banking, insurance and financial innovation. Held under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Ahmed Al Musalmi, Governor of the Central Bank of Oman, this year's summit brought together an influential cross-section of industry leaders, regulators, fintech pioneers, and technology experts. The event was anchored around two key themes – 'Navigating the New Era of Banking, Payments, and Customer-Centricity' and 'Innovating Financial Horizons: AI, Digital Transformation, and Beyond'. The summit served as a dynamic forum for strategic dialogue, where panel discussions and thought-leadership sessions explored how financial institutions are adapting to a rapidly shifting landscape. Topics such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, digital transformation, cybersecurity, ESG integration, InsurTech, and changing consumer behavior took CenterStage – all of which are areas that closely align with Liva Insurance's strategic goals and vision for the future. These focal points also resonate deeply with the brand's commitment to innovation and modernization – and several of these initiatives are already well underway. For instance, Liva Insurance was the first insurer to successfully integrate with Dhamani through the FSA's regulatory sandbox in December 2023. Since then, the company has processed more than 1.2 million electronic transactions, responded to over 765,000 eligibility requests, delivered upwards of 333,000 approval responses, and received more than 150,000 electronic claims, including a peak of over 21,000 transactions in a single day. These achievements reflect a tangible transformation in healthcare delivery, creating a smarter, faster, and more transparent experience for citizens and residents across Oman. Liva Insurance's Transformation Director – Khalid Al Zadjali said: 'Receiving the 'Innovative Insurer of the Year' award is a proud milestone for our team and a reflection of our unwavering commitment to innovation and customer-centricity. Our digital transformation journey is closely aligned with the broader goals of Oman Vision 2040, as we strive to support the nation's economic diversification and technological advancement. 'We are dedicated to delivering smarter, seamless insurance experiences that are future-ready to enhance the financial ecosystem in Oman. This recognition inspires us to continue leading with vision, agility, and a strong sense of responsibility to our community and country.' The honours came as part of the Oman Banking & Finance Awards at the flagship event, which formed a key highlight of the summit. Spanning banks, insurance providers, investment firms, and fintech providers, the awards recognised 27 high-performing institutions that have demonstrated innovation, resilience, and strategic excellence over a four-year review period from 2021 to 2024. About Liva Insurance: Established in 2023 through the integration of Al Ahlia Insurance and National Life & General Insurance Company (NLGIC), Liva Insurance is the region's leading multi-line insurance company that provides Motor, Home, Travel, Health, Life and various business insurances serving the GCC region for over 80 years. Liva Insurance is redefining insurance for today's realities, combining local knowledge, passion and presence with global expertise to go beyond premiums, products and policies, providing smart, quick and reliable solutions.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 SSD Review: Ultra-fast, durable, and portable storage solution
In a world increasingly dominated by cloud computing, one might assume that external hard disks and flash drives are relics of the past. But the truth is, these physical storage devices still play a vital role in our digital lives — often in ways the cloud simply can't replicate. Imagine you're working on a critical project in a remote location with no internet access. Your cloud storage is unreachable, but your trusty external hard drive is right there, ready to deliver. That's the beauty of offline storage. Then there's the matter of speed. Uploading gigabytes of 4K video or massive software builds to the cloud can be painfully slow, even with a decent connection. External drives, especially those using USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt, offer blazing-fast transfer speeds that make them indispensable for creatives, gamers, and professionals dealing with large files. Security is another key factor. While cloud providers invest heavily in cybersecurity, no system is completely immune to breaches. For those handling sensitive or confidential data, keeping a copy on an encrypted external drive offers peace of mind that no hacker can touch. And let's not forget cost. Cloud storage often comes with monthly or annual fees, especially if you need terabytes of space. In contrast, an external drive is a one-time purchase that can last for years, making it a cost-effective solution for long-term storage. So while the cloud has transformed how we store and access data, external hard disks remain relevant — quietly dependable, always accessible, and often the unsung heroes of our digital workflows. On this note, Sandisk, a leader in flash memory storage solutions and now a subsidiary of Western Digital, has recently released two products that will resonate with customers seeking offline storage. SanDisk has stepped up its game with the Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD, offering blazing-fast speeds and rugged durability. Designed for professionals handling large files, such as 4K/8K video editing, gaming, and real-time media access, this SSD promises top-tier performance with USB4 Gen 3×2 connectivity. Performance With read speeds up to 3,800MB/s and write speeds up to 3,700MB/s, this SSD competes with Thunderbolt 3 and 4 drives while maintaining broader compatibility. However, to achieve peak performance, users need a fully compliant USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 port—otherwise, speeds default to USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or lower. Design and build The Extreme PRO USB4 maintains SanDisk's signature rugged design, featuring IP65-rated water and dust resistance and drop protection up to 2 metres. While it's slightly larger than previous models, its textured silicone grip ensures a secure hold. The 5.51″ x 2.70″ x 0.47″ dimensions make it portable, though not the most compact option. Compatibility This SSD works seamlessly across Windows, macOS, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5, making it a versatile choice for console gaming storage and cross-platform media use. However, some users have reported connection issues, where the drive occasionally defaults to 10Gbps or 5Gbps speeds instead of the expected 40Gbps. Pricing & Warranty The 2TB model is priced at Dh1,349. SanDisk backs this SSD with a 5-year warranty. Pros Blazing-fast speeds (when connected to USB4) Rugged, durable design Broad compatibility across devices 5-year warranty Cons Larger than previous models Premium price tag Occasional connection issues Final verdict The SanDisk Extreme PRO with USB4 is a powerful, high-speed SSD that caters to professionals and gamers alike. While its performance is impressive, users should ensure they have USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 ports to unlock its full potential. If you need fast, reliable, and rugged storage, this SSD is a solid investment—but be mindful of its size and occasional connectivity quirks.
