THE SUSTAINABILITY INTERVIEW
A digital twin allows Siemens to visualize and optimize entire factory operations in a virtual environment before changes are made on the shop floor
“ Every purchasing decision carries a CO₂ footprint,” Eva says. Data transparency enables more informed decision-making across procurement processes.
Designing products for circularity and longevity Product design plays a critical role in Siemens’ sustainability strategy.
“ More than 80 % of the footprint of a product happens in the design phase,” Eva explains.“ At Siemens, our strategy is to combine the real and the digital worlds to improve the sustainable performance and footprint of our products.”
Siemens uses digital twins, virtual replicas of physical assets, to optimise design and performance. These tools simulate real-world conditions, enabling more efficient and sustainable outcomes. Eco-design principles are applied across all products including selecting sustainable materials, reducing hazardous substances and improving energy efficiency. Products are also designed for durability, upgradeability and recyclability, and end-of-life considerations are integrated from the outset.
“ Longevity ensures uptime for customers while recyclability is fundamentally about supply chain resilience,” Eva explains. Keeping materials in circulation reduces dependence on raw resource extraction and processing and strengthens geopolitical independence and economic stability.
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