How Honeywell's Smart Tech Saves Energy for H&M

The demand for smart buildings, especially in commercial settings, is on the rise.

Smart buildings offer a variety of benefits, including reduced energy consumption and improved operational efficiency.

With energy prices climbing and environmental regulations tightening, retailers are under mounting pressure to make their operations more sustainable and cost-effective.

Swedish multinational fashion brand H&M is adopting Honeywell cloud-based building automation technology across more than 90 of its stores in Southern Europe.

This deployment showcases the transformation of retail buildings into smart, efficient and resilient assets through advanced technology.

H&M stores and sustainability

Retailers like H&M face the challenge of controlling costs while also meeting stringent ESG targets.

H&M aims to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 56% by 2030 and by at least 90% by 2040, aligning with its long-term goal to achieve net zero by 2040.

The integration of advanced building management is a pivotal step in accelerating this progress.

The retail giant also seeks to reduce electricity consumption per square metre in stores, utilising Honeywell’s solutions to aid this goal.

Honeywell’s Remote Building Manager solutions will be implemented in H&M stores across Spain, France, Italy, Belgium and Portugal.

This technology will be connected to a centralised database that tracks energy usage and provides actionable insights for energy savings and optimised operations.

“With the integration of our advanced remote building management solutions and managed services, we are empowering H&M to optimise energy use and reduce maintenance costs, while also working to enhance the in-store experience,” says Sudhakar Janakiraman, President of Building Solutions at Honeywell Building Automation. 

“Our connected technology not only improves efficiency and comfort but also supports H&M’s broader commitment to reaching net zero, helping ensure a smarter, energy-conscious retail environment.” 

How Honeywell’s cloud-based building automation works

Traditional building management systems often rely on on-site infrastructure and require manual oversight.

Conversely, Honeywell’s cloud-based Remote Building Manager offers centralised, real-time oversight of HVAC, lighting and energy systems, accessible from any device, anywhere.

This method brings several advantages:

• Centralised control: The solution enables remote monitoring and management across all locations from one digital platform, minimising the need for on-site interventions and allowing for portfolio-wide benchmarking
• Smart Optimisation: Real-time data analytics and machine learning analyse each store’s energy consumption continuously, automatically adjusting settings for optimal efficiency and comfort
• Scalability: The cloud-native system can be swiftly deployed across multiple locations, preparing buildings to adapt to changing regulations and business needs.

How tech shapes H&M’s sustainability strategy

Beyond the stores, technology plays a crucial role in H&M’s sustainability initiatives.

H&M has launched plans to create digital twins of its models for product campaigns, with Chief Creative Officer Jörgen Andersson saying using AI and digital twins is part of the company’s broader technology strategy.

“We are curious to explore how to showcase our fashion in new creative ways — and embrace the benefits of new technology — while staying true to our commitment to personal style,” he says.

But digital twin technology can provide a sustainability benefit, too.

“By creating digital twins of our products, customers can try on clothes virtually”, said Frans Borgstrand during his time developing 3D technology at H&M Group. 

“And, if these virtual try-ons are based on individual measurements, for example from a digital body scan, the customer is more likely to find the ultimate size of a garment.”

This will combat the issue of returns based on size — which H&M says makes up half of its returns volume.

“With the help of technology and this way of trying and experiencing products before deciding on a purchase, the number of returns could be reduced extensively in the future,” he adds.

3D technology has also helped H&M combat material waste, helping the brand move away from designing a product using traditional sketches and physical samples and favouring 3D-based design production.

Frans says: “Today, far too much fabric is used to create prototypes in the initial stage of the design process. 

“Using 3D technology dramatically cuts down the usage of that kind of material.”

Leyla Ertur, H&M’s Chief Sustainability Officer, adds: “Sustainability is at the heart of our business.

“We are always investigating new ideas and companies working with sustainability and technology that can help us transform our business.”

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