We\u2019re just coming out of the national heatwave as I send EW to press – temperatures in the late 30s are not ideal for last minute folio changes, but the EW team did a great job pulling together to get the issue out. The Met Office’s first-ever red alert for extreme heat also brings the importance of making serious, legislative moves towards sustainable business and green energy into sharp focus.<\/p>\n
In the wake of the heatwave, the announcement of a landmark court judgement ruling that the UK government’s net-zero strategy is in breach of the law paints a pretty bleak picture.<\/p>\n
As Andy Saull identified in his recent podcast interview with amBX (highlights on page 18), “the market doesn’t yet value more environmentally sustainable buildings, largely because we have no real way of measuring the ROI of sustainable investment.\u201d<\/p>\n
A recent ElectricalDirect study found that a quarter of electricians (25%) say customers are becoming more interested in eco-friendly practices, but only 20% of electricians surveyed know how to make their work more sustainable. Almost two in five (37%) Brits try to only use companies who are socially and environmentally responsible, so there\u2019s a strong business case for sustainability, on top of the obvious benefits to people and planet.<\/p>\n
While sustainability is the word on everyone\u2019s lips, in practice it\u2019s not so simple. Talking about it isn\u2019t enough; so-called \u2018strategies\u2019 aren\u2019t enough – we need education, proactivity, and action – at all levels.<\/p>\n
This issue includes our regular news, views, product and installation features from market-leading businesses across the sector – topics this month include cable management, fire and safety, emergency lighting, and green energy.<\/p>\n
Enjoy the issue, and stay cool!<\/p>\n
Bryony Andrews, Editor<\/p>\n