With net zero progress providing the backdrop for many challenges and changes in the electrical industry, manufacturers will need to deliver innovations and provide strong partnerships to their customers. Here, our CEO, Pascal Stutz, discusses how Legrand is the futureproof partner of choice, poised to support electrical contractors, consultants, wholesalers and those who work in the built environment to improve the places where we live and work into the future.

Energy efficiency

As the UK Government continues to set sustainability targets, and building standards focus on low energy usage, the pressure to decarbonise the built environment is increasing year upon year. To achieve and maintain this within the construction sector, there will be added pressure on electrical infrastructure, and therefore those who specify and install it. Facing this challenge requires not only efficient products at the disposal of industry professionals, but also the knowledge of how best to integrate these to maintain efficiency throughout a building’s lifespan. This means companies, like Legrand, must be a trusted partner to industry professionals, supporting with access to products, expertise and training to ensure this requirement is met.

Greater control over energy consumption is becoming a necessity for businesses and homeowners alike, so electrical specifiers and contractors also need to ensure they can monitor and optimise usage. Also helping reduce long-term running costs for electrical building services, the use of connected devices and smart technology will become key to reducing consumption and therefore emissions.

Futureproofing buildings

Another consideration for electrical professionals is delivering buildings that satisfy occupants’ current and future needs. Whether commercial or residential, electrical infrastructure must be flexible to meet changing power demand, rapidly progressing technology and digital transformation in homes and places of work. Beyond meeting requirements for how we use power in buildings, electrical services must be futureproofed from a sustainability standpoint as well. This means specified products must be of a high quality and deliver low consumption throughout the lifespan, whether used in new projects or upgrading existing buildings. 

Safety and wellbeing have also been a central priority in the built environment in recent years and must be a consideration when futureproofing projects. This means solutions must adhere to safety regulations, and suppliers should ensure that they support projects by making sure all installations are compliant first time. As part of our commitment to research and development, Legrand is innovating products that will meet requirements for efficiency, sustainability, safety and wellbeing. Beyond this, by being a strategic partner, we are futureproofing the industry by ensuring training and development for professionals moves with innovation, along with the expertise of our teams.

Modern construction

Efficiency is not just limited to energy consumption. Time-saving modern methods, such as modular and offsite construction, are becoming increasingly popular, which enable parts of buildings to arrive at sites fully formed. This helps reduce the level of emissions by minimising time spent on site.

The factory setup also enables more control over energy usage compared to a building site, which makes operations run more smoothly and efficiently. For instance, at Legrand’s Consett manufacturing site, energy-efficient solutions, such as solar panelling and light sensors, are used to save energy. Remote monitoring of usage and smart infrastructure enables control over energy use, which allows site managers to save money and emissions.

People-first practises

An approach to electrical installation that prioritises the needs of our society in a sustainable manner is what is key to a sustainable future for the industry. This way, we can meet the needs of a constantly evolving world by providing quality products that are also energy efficient, and therefore provide a sustainable solution to society’s electricity needs. As part of this, we are promoting a people-first approach.  In addition to product innovation, this approach includes a key focus on the wellbeing and safety of our colleagues and customers. Our mission is to improve lives by transforming the spaces where people live, work and meet and we do this with products, expertise, support and training. This starts from within – looking after the wellbeing and development of our teams – and extends to the wider industry from the partnerships we make with customers.

Legrand has been a trusted partner of electrical contractors, consultants, wholesalers and building professionals in the UK for over 50 years. To continue supporting the industry, we remain focused on offering expertise that helps solve both existing and new challenges.