Schneider Electric selected students from the University of Bonn, Germany winners of its international case challenge: Go Green in the City

Rueil-Malmaison (France), June 27, 2011 – Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management, hosted the 50 student finalists of its innovative challenge Go Green in the City in Paris (France) on June 23rd and 24th, 2011.

During this competition, the first case challenge of international scope in Schneider Electric, the candidates presented their “green” solutions aiming to improve energy management in a city. Until recently, energy was a trivial thing. Today, energy has become scarce, expensive and is undergoing a technology revolution. The need for increased demand for electrical power will have to be balanced with social progress and environmental protection.

“With Go Green in the City, Schneider Electric aims to promote the creativity and originality of the solutions generated to counteract the current environmental issues”, said Karen Ferguson, Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources, Schneider Electric. “This competition will allow us to bond strongly with the young and emerging talents that will shape the future core strengths in our Group.”

The candidates, originating from Germany, Brazil, China, USA, France, India, Russia and Turkey were assembled in Paris for two days. They presented viable solutions in energy management for one of the following five essential urban issues: home, retail, hospital, university and water.

The 50 students, of which 60% were female, had the opportunity to mingle with the jury, comprising of high level Schneider Electric executives during cocktail and dinner hours. Each of the participants was interviewed for an internship, which if granted, can result in a permanent employment offer. The winning team, Suma Elengikal and Maria Consuelo Palacios Lafuente, from the University of Bonn in Germany will get to travel the world VIP style visiting Schneider Electric facilities and network with employees, high level management and senior executives.

More than 500 teams representing 1000 candidates from eight countries participated in this challenge. This first edition of Go Green in the City has been greatly welcomed and appreciated by the student population. Scheduled to be held for three consecutive years, the challenge aims to strengthen its reputation every year through the systematic success of the previous year’s challenge.

About Schneider Electric

As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in energy and infrastructure, industrial processes, building automation, and data centres/networks, as well as a broad presence in residential applications. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, and efficient, the company's 110,000 plus employees achieved sales of 19.6 billion euros in 2010, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations make the most of their energy.

www.schneider electric.com/company

www.gogreeninthecity.com

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