Akila and Trajectry form a new partnership to support large retailers and property management companies to achieve their ESG goals in China
The innovation consulting firm Trajectry has signed an agreement with Akila to provide a digital twin platform solution helping large retailers and property managers to optimize their path to net zero.
One of the most important aspects of ESG in the current era is that of decarbonization. With the national "dual carbon" policies to reach peak carbon in 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 in China, and other policies around the world requiring more and more detailed emissions disclosures up and down the value chain, the challenge faced by businesses to prepare themselves to track and reduce emissions is immense.
In China, commercial buildings account for over 25% of the total national building area. And the energy consumption for heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and lighting in buildings represents approximately 40% of the total national energy consumption. To excel in ESG metrics, large organizations must efficiently capture data and possess the know-how to optimize internal activities and equipment management.
Digital twins leverage 3D modeling and Internet of Things (IoT) technology to create a twin model of the original facilities with real-time data collection. This data is visualized in a variety of dashboards and analysis tools focused on different operational sectors, like energy or maintenance, or different systems like HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). On top of this data can be deployed additional technology like AI, machine learning algorithms, and simulation that predict performance and outcomes in use cases like carbon forecasting or retrofitting.
By providing real-time insights and facilitating scenario planning, digital twin solutions empower organizations to proactively manage their ESG risks and opportunities, optimize resource utilization, enhance stakeholder engagement, and drive sustainable business practices across the value chain.
Through this partnership, the innovation consulting firm Trajectry will be enabled to provide the Akila Digital Twin SaaS solution to its customers base, as part of its “ESG Transformation'' programs dedicated to the retail, fashion, beauty, auto, property and luxury industry segments.
Patrice Nordey, Founder & CEO of Trajectry comments: “We observe a clear acceleration in China regarding ESG strategies deployed by large international corporations. Initiatives are ranging from onboarding their employees to become ESG changes makers, providing more eco-designed products, using recycled materials and pre-owned furniture for their new boutiques, launching return programs for their products or launching second-hand platforms. Chinese companies, especially the ones trading with overseas markets, are also multiplying ESG initiatives.”
In China, the Akila platform has already been successfully implemented for retail leaders such as IKEA. The Swedish multinational conglomerate has deployed this solution on over 4 million sqm across 37 locations across mainland China, where it will deliver a projected carbon reduction of more than 10,000 tCO2e. This will dramatically increase the level of digitalization at IKEA’s existing China facilities and will also include digitalization from the design and construction phase for greenfield sites.
“Akila is honored to have this opportunity to cooperate with Trajectry” Akila Vice President Philippe Obry stated, “Decarbonization of the built environment leans both on technology and the right partnerships to be successful. We’re optimistic that by working together with Trajectry we can meet our mission of guiding and companies through their net zero journeys driven by digital transformation.”
Awareness of ESG factors in China has been steadily increasing, driven by a combination of government initiatives, regulatory changes, investor interest, corporate engagement, social and environmental challenges, international collaboration, and growing public awareness. The Chinese government has integrated ESG principles into its policy frameworks, such as the 14th Five-Year Plan, emphasizing green development and sustainable growth.
Chinese companies, particularly those with global operations, are facing pressure to improve their ESG performance, reflecting a broader shift towards sustainable business practices. Social and environmental challenges, such as pollution and inequality, are driving the need for greater attention to ESG issues.
About Akila
Akila is a startup with a mission to help organizations decarbonize their operations and improve ESG compliance by leveraging digital twin technology. Akila was first incubated by Aden Group, a leading facility-management company with 26,000 employees and a 25-country presence. Founded in 1997, Aden Group’s divisions and joint ventures also include energy management, real estate development, and green financing.
ABOUT TRAJECTRY
TRAJECTRY is an independent innovation consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations unlock new business opportunities and achieve growth potential in China. With over 16 years of regional expertise, Trajectry is a trusted advisor to global industry leaders and a valued partner for Chinese companies expanding internationally.
