Honeywell Helps H&M Boost Automation Across Operations

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.

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

In a bid to tackle this issue, Swedish multinational fashion brand H&M is adopting Honeywell cloud-based building automation technology across more than 90 of its stores in Southern Europe — showcasing how technology is transforming retail buildings into smart, efficient and resilient assets.

H&M stores and sustainability

Fashion manufacturers like H&M are balancing two often conflicting goals: controlling costs while meeting ambitious environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets.

For H&M, which aims to cut Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 56% by 2030 and at least 90% by 2040 as part of its goal to reach net zero by 2040, advanced building management is a key part of its strategy.

The retailer has also pledged to lower electricity consumption per square metre in its stores, which is where Honeywell’s solutions come in.

Honeywell’s Remote Building Manager will be implemented across H&M stores in Spain, France, Italy, Belgium and Portugal. The technology will connect to a centralised database to monitor energy usage and provide insights for energy savings and better 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 functions

Traditional building management systems often need on-site infrastructure and manual supervision.

Honeywell's cloud-based Remote Building Manager flips this approach, offering centralised, real-time control of HVAC, lighting and energy systems from any device, anywhere.

This system offers several notable advantages:

• Centralised control: A single digital platform enables remote monitoring and management across all sites, reducing the need for on-site interventions and supporting portfolio-wide benchmarking.
• Smart optimisation: Real-time data analytics and machine learning continuously monitor each store’s energy use, automatically adjusting settings for peak efficiency and comfort.
• Scalability: Cloud-native systems can be swiftly deployed across multiple locations, ensuring buildings stay adaptable to changing regulations and business demands.

How technology shapes H&M’s sustainability strategy

It's not just stores that benefit from technology when it comes to sustainability.

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 address the issue of size-related returns, which H&M claims account for half of its return volume.

"By using technology and allowing customers to try and experience products before making a purchase, returns could be significantly reduced in the future," he explains.

3D technology has also enabled H&M to tackle material waste, shifting the brand away from traditional sketches and physical samples in favour of 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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