A global leader in corporate and technology transformation consistently relies on sustainable solutions in India to achieve its climate targets. Two central components play a crucial role: extensive retrofits of the ventilation systems using highly efficient EC fans from ebm‑papst and central control from the Energy Command Center (ECC).

Since 2016, Capgemini has been pursuing the goal of reducing its real estate energy consumption and cutting its environmental footprint. In close cooperation with ebm‑papst, more than 1,000 fans have already been replaced at eight locations in India. The old ventilation systems—including air conditioning and air handling units, cooling towers, and precision air-conditioning units for data centers—were equipped with outdated and energy-intensive fans. Significant savings have been achieved thanks to the use of modern EC technology.

The cooling towers were fitted with 142 AxiBlade axial panel fans of the latest generation from ebm‑papst, facilitating air flows of as much as 40,000 m³/h and an efficiency of up to 60 percent. In addition, several air handling systems of the same design were fitted with some 300 RadiCal 2 centrifugal fans equipped with an improved EC motor that is even quieter and yields greater efficiency. These components can be easily installed via plug & play and have active PFC to minimize the impact of grid failure.

The results speak for themselves: Since the retrofits, Capgemini has been able to reduce energy consumption by approximately 30 percent. Viswanathan Rajendran, Vice President of Engineering Services & Sustainability, emphasizes: “Just as impressive is the technical excellence of the products and the commitment to efficiency, resulting in large savings.” Capgemini relies on digital system control in addition to the hardware. All the fans are equipped with MODBUS interfaces and integrated into the Energy Command Center. This central monitoring system facilitates automatic and round-the-clock control by specialists. Since the establishment of the ECC, electricity consumption has been reduced across all locations and was 25 GWh lower in 2023 than in 2019.

In the future, Capgemini plans to leverage even more efficiency potential with the aid of artificial intelligence. Rajendran explains: “Together with ebm‑papst, we aim to push the boundaries of innovation and press ahead with our sustainability targets.” Both companies are relying on the latest technology, data and fresh air to ensure a sustainable future.