Siemens Launches Digital Decarbonization Tool at Climate Week NYC to Help Simplify the Path to Net-Zero Facilities
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- New Tool for Net-Zero Goals: Siemens’ Decarbonization Business Optimizer (DBO™) offers a streamlined approach to carbon reduction.
- Customized Scenarios: DBO™ uses verified data from U.S. agencies to create site-specific decarbonization strategies.
- Efficiency Boost: Built on AWS, it operates on a serverless architecture, reducing its own carbon footprint.
Siemens Financial Services has launched the Decarbonization Business Optimizer (DBO™), a cloud-based solution aimed at simplifying the complex journey toward net-zero emissions. The free tool helps companies break through the initial barriers of decarbonization by generating tailored strategies for reducing the carbon footprint of their commercial and industrial facilities.
Leveraging Trusted Data
The DBO™ integrates data sets from key U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), to deliver accurate baseline carbon assessments. This allows users to input specific details—such as facility size, type, and geographic location—to receive customized decarbonization scenarios.
“Companies, specifically those in the supply chain, are increasingly asked to report their carbon footprint to their customers—yet many do not know where to begin,” said Anthony Casciano, President and CEO of Siemens Financial Services, Inc. “The DBO™ addresses these barriers by taking action and puts companies of all sizes, and at all stages, in a better position to create long-term value.”
Flexible, Data-Driven Decisions
DBO™ not only estimates the carbon footprint but also helps companies explore various clean energy technologies, including solar panels, thermal energy storage, and battery storage, based on their unique requirements. Users can refine scenarios to include considerations for specific technologies, resilience to grid outages, or budget constraints. The tool then provides a summary of the estimated Return on Investment (ROI), facilitating informed decision-making.
“A lack of data sometimes can deter companies from initiating a sustainability strategy,” noted Lee Evangelakos from American Industrial Partners. “As an initial tester, we found that the DBO™ tool is a great way to get started in estimating facility footprints.”
Powered by AWS for Sustainability
Developed in partnership with Siemens Technology, the tool leverages Amazon Web Services (AWS) serverless architecture, optimizing its operations to run only when needed, which reduces its carbon footprint. A recent AWS study showed that optimized cloud workloads could cut carbon emissions by up to 99% compared to traditional on-premises solutions.
“Trusted data sets coupled with credible modeling and analysis tools are vital in the complex decision-making process to achieve a clean energy future,” said Roderick Jackson, Laboratory Program Manager for Building Technologies at NREL. “It’s great to see tools like DBO™ leveraging NREL’s resources, including ComStock™ and REopt®.”
Future-Ready Features
Looking ahead, Siemens plans to enhance the tool’s capabilities by adding a vehicle fleet analyzer for fleet electrification and a climate resiliency feature to assess a facility’s ability to withstand extreme weather events.
Related Article: Schneider Electric’s Building Decarbonization Calculator Accelerates Net Zero Pathways
“At AWS, we are committed to helping our customers build a more sustainable future,” said Chris Walker, Director of Sustainability for AWS. “This is a shared goal we have with Siemens and all of our customers.”
The DBO™ tool is available for free in the U.S. and can be accessed via Siemens Xcelerator, an open digital platform designed to accelerate digital transformation. Visit www.dbo.siemens.com for more information and to explore how Siemens Smart Infrastructure can support companies’ sustainability strategies.