H&M Embraces Smart Building Tech

H&M partners with Honeywell. They will boost automation across operations. This involves cloud-based building automation. Over 90 European stores will get this tech. It will cut energy use. Moreover, it supports greener manufacturing.

The Rise of Smart Commercial Buildings

The demand for smart buildings is increasing. Commercial settings especially need them. Smart buildings offer many benefits. For instance, they reduce energy consumption. Also, they improve operational efficiency. Energy prices are rising. Environmental rules are becoming stricter. Therefore, retailers face pressure. They must make operations sustainable and cost-effective.

H&M's Sustainability Push

H&M aims to cut emissions significantly. Their goal is net zero by 2040. Advanced building management is key. They also want lower electricity use per square meter. Honeywell's solutions will help.

Honeywell's Cloud Solution

Honeywell’s Remote Building Manager will be implemented. It covers stores in Spain, France, Italy, Belgium, and Portugal. The technology connects to a central database. It monitors energy usage. Furthermore, it provides insights for savings. Better operations are also a result.

Benefits of Remote Management

Sudhakar Janakiraman highlights the benefits. He mentions optimized energy use. Reduced maintenance costs are also key. The in-store experience will improve. Their technology enhances efficiency and comfort. It supports H&M's net-zero commitment. This creates a smarter retail environment.

How the Cloud System Works

Traditional systems need on-site infrastructure. They also require manual supervision. Honeywell's cloud system is different. It offers centralized, real-time control. HVAC, lighting, and energy are managed remotely. This works from any device, anywhere.

Advantages of Honeywell's System

Centralized control is a major plus. One platform manages all sites remotely. This reduces the need for on-site visits. Portfolio-wide benchmarking is possible. Smart optimization is another advantage. Real-time data and machine learning monitor energy use. Settings adjust automatically for efficiency. Scalability is also important. Cloud-native systems deploy quickly across many locations. This ensures adaptability to changing demands.

Technology in H&M's Broader Strategy

Sustainability extends beyond stores for H&M. They plan digital twins of models. This is for product campaigns. Jörgen Andersson discussed their technology strategy. AI and digital twins are part of it.

Digital Twins for Sustainability

Digital twins offer sustainability benefits. Customers can virtually try on clothes. This can be based on body scans. Thus, customers find the right size. This addresses size-related returns. Returns account for half of their volume. Technology can significantly reduce returns.

Reducing Material Waste

3D technology also tackles material waste. H&M shifts from sketches to 3D design. This dramatically cuts fabric use for prototypes.

H&M's Commitment to Innovation

Leyla Ertur emphasizes sustainability. It is central to their business. They actively seek new sustainable technologies. These will help transform their business.