Siemens Study: Data Deficiency Hinders Decarbonisation Efforts

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

Today, we delve into a pivotal report released by Siemens Smart Infrastructure titled “Digital Transformation, Sustainable Returns: The New Pathway of Infrastructure.” This insightful document is the result of a comprehensive survey involving 650 senior executives and aims to illuminate the crucial intersection of digitalisation and decarbonisation, particularly within the realms of energy, buildings, and industrial operations. With the pressing need for sustainable infrastructure, the findings shed light on how smart infrastructure can be leveraged to drive decarbonisation, enhance resource efficiency, and foster collaboration in achieving our sustainability goals.

While we have observed notable advancements in recent years, the report underscores a significant amount of untapped potential, especially concerning data-driven operations. This article will explore the report’s key insights and discuss the transformative power of digital technologies in our pursuit of net zero.

Digitalisation: A Catalyst for Sustainable Infrastructure

The report highlights an essential truth: digitalisation is a key enabler of decarbonisation. It elucidates the profound impact that digital tools can have on constructing a more sustainable infrastructure. One of the primary revelations is the necessity of accessing and utilising the right data to inform decision-making as we journey towards net zero emissions. The executives surveyed also identified specific technologies that they believe will yield the most substantial positive impacts in this endeavour.

Among the many advantages of digital platforms, respondents ranked the following five benefits as paramount: scalability, time and cost efficiency, faster implementation, reliability, and interoperability. These benefits collectively contribute to the overall enhancement of operational effectiveness, enabling businesses to navigate the complexities of sustainability more adeptly.

“Digitalisation is a powerful enabler of sustainability, and decarbonising our buildings, grids, and infrastructure is within reach with solutions that exist today. For example, with IoT driving down the cost of smart building technologies, we can connect systems, reduce energy use, and unlock massive savings,” stated Thomas Kiessling, the Chief Technology Officer of Siemens Smart Infrastructure. He emphasised the urgency of harnessing digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), to facilitate a more transformative approach to decarbonisation. The solutions are available, the potential savings are significant, and the time to act is now.

The Role of Digital Technologies in Reducing Carbon Footprints

The findings reveal that digital technologies play an instrumental role in minimising carbon footprints, optimising resource utilisation, and integrating renewable energy sources. Notably, 55% of respondents acknowledged that digital technologies possess significant or massive potential to advance the decarbonisation of their operations. However, a concerning 45% expressed scepticism, indicating a lack of understanding regarding the crucial link between digitalisation and decarbonisation. This gap in perception may hinder the widespread adoption of digital solutions that can facilitate significant environmental benefits.

Addressing Data Gaps: A Major Challenge

As we explore the challenges faced by organisations, one of the most pressing issues identified in the report is the availability of data. Although 54% of respondents deemed their organisations to be mature or advanced in terms of data-driven management, the research highlights that a significant portion of executives lack essential data needed to enhance their decarbonisation and resource efficiency efforts. Alarmingly, 44% of those surveyed reported insufficient emissions data, 46% required more plant and machinery performance data, and 30% needed better energy consumption data.

Moreover, even when organisations possess relevant data, they often struggle to leverage it effectively due to limitations in their capabilities to integrate, manage, and analyse diverse data sources. This lack of effective data management can stymie informed decision-making and consequently impede progress towards sustainability. There is a clear and urgent need for organisations to enhance the volume, quality, and availability of their data assets to facilitate better efficiency and sustainability outcomes.

Artificial Intelligence: The Key to Energy Transition

The survey results indicate a promising outlook for artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative technology in the realm of decarbonisation and resource efficiency. A notable 33% of respondents identified AI as the technology expected to have the most significant impact in the next three years. However, it is essential to recognise that other technological solutions are already contributing substantially to emission reductions. These include IoT, digital twins, smart grids, and edge technologies, which, collectively, play critical roles in facilitating the transition towards a greener future.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of climate change, the integration of these advanced technologies will be paramount in driving progress. By embracing digitalisation and harnessing the power of AI, organisations can not only optimise their operational efficiencies but also significantly reduce their carbon footprints.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The findings presented in Siemens Smart Infrastructure’s report serve as a clarion call for organisations to act decisively in their sustainability efforts. Embracing digital technologies is no longer merely an option; it is an imperative for those who wish to remain competitive and responsible in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. The pathway to net zero is laden with challenges, but with the right tools, data, and a commitment to collaboration, we can reshape our infrastructure for a sustainable future.

As we strive to achieve our net zero ambitions, let us take inspiration from the insights provided in this report and harness the power of digital transformation as a catalyst for meaningful change. The time for action is now. Together, as champions of net zero, we have the potential to create a more sustainable world for generations to come.

This article is based on findings presented in the March 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. For more insights and discussions, we encourage you to subscribe and stay informed about the latest developments in the realm of sustainability and infrastructure.