Anand Varahala
CEM, PE
Schneider Electric | Director, Energy & Sustainability - North America
Speaker
Track D: Better Plants Program
Session D1: Energy Efficiency and Management
September 17, 2025 | 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Successful Waste Heat Recovery at an Industrial Manufacturing Facility
Schneider Electric is committed to ambitious carbon reduction and energy efficiency goals in its own operations, specifically to be “net-zero ready” in operations by 2030 with plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 90% as compared to 2017.
This includes tackling challenging projects to reduce fossil fuel consumption through electrification while minimizing the impact on local utilities. In this session, learn about how Schneider Electric’s manufacturing plant located in Lincoln, Nebraska, utilized industrial waste heat to provide comfort heating through a low-temperature hot water solution, while optimizing the HVAC system through building pressurization to ensure energy efficiency, increased thermal comfort and indoor air quality for the employees.
Speaker Bio
In his current role as the Director, Energy & Sustainability, Anand Varahala is responsible for leading the operational decarbonization strategy for Schneider Electric North America including energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy procurement. He also serves as a global subject matter expert in decarbonization and energy management, supports other supply chain sustainability initiatives, and acts as an advocate for Schneider Electric and Sustainability at external engagements. During his 16+ years of experience in the field of energy management and sustainability, he has led the energy management program for Schneider Electric North America, supported implementation of ISO 50001 management systems, developed tools to measure and report energy efficiency performance, and conducted energy assessments at various commercial & industrial facilities. He has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Kentucky in Lexington and a bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering from Hyderabad, India. He’s also a Certified Energy Manager and a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of North Carolina. When he’s not thinking about energy & sustainability, he is exploring nature, hiking, climbing, traveling, dancing, and pondering the big questions of life with his family.