I N D U S T R Y I N T E L L I G E N C E

lectrical cables are one

These cables , with copper or aluminium conductors with polymer insulations and sheathing ( and various other component layers ), must meet the conductivity and performance properties dictated by cable standards . To do this , it means virgingrade materials . In practical terms , there

are only limited amounts of recycled materials used – manufacturers estimate approximately 15 % recycled copper , and technological advances that will see increased use of recycled polymer content going forward , but for now , it ’ s still primarily new raw materials .

So , given that compliant manufacturing is a must , how do you weave in sustainability considerations too ?

Goal # 1 : Build it to last

It ’ s often said that the most sustainable decision you can make for any project – data centre or otherwise – is centred on specification : the right cable for the right job . Tightly match the performance demands , installation design and environmental challenges it will face in operation , and then confirm through testing that it meets the relevant standards and compliance requirements .

Doing so means it ’ s less likely to fail and require replacement ( whether at the commissioning stage or at any time short of the anticipated 25 – 30-year lifespan ), need remedial maintenance works , or have knock-on effects on the wider systems and equipment . It ’ s obvious really – sustainable operation avoids downtime .

Goal # 2 : Product details – understand embodied carbon emissions

Whatever the stage of your company ’ s sustainability journey , understanding baseline data from the products you ’ re using can help direct the path to take . How can you make progress and improvements if you don ’ t know where you are to begin with ? As reporting requirements and legislative compliance on sustainability matters increase , this becomes ever more important .

Embodied carbon emissions – the cumulative total of emissions from raw mineral extraction and materials used , the energy for manufacturing , transportation , packaging and other processes to create a finished product – are measured in tonnes of CO 2 equivalent ( tCO 2 e ). LifeCycle Analysis documents ( LCAs ) and Environmental Product Declarations ( EPDs ) with this product-level information is a good way to compare ‘ apples with apples ’.

Depending on relevant cable standards and building regulations , specifications could also potentially support projectwide emissions savings : What about using direct burial armoured cables instead of pouring concrete ducting for instance ? What about more flexible conductors so there ’ s a tighter bend radius , making installation easier ?

It would save time on digging trenches , meaning less plant equipment being run and fewer man-hours and make terminations easier . Consider the big picture alongside that product focus .

Goal # 3 : Identify supplierspecific benefits

Every supplier will talk about their ESG actions , but how does it benefit you ? For instance , running on 100 % renewable energy translates into reduced embodied emissions for the products supplied to you ; deliveries to sites from HGVs fuelled with sustainable HVO biofuels do the same – a circa 90 % reduction compared to diesel engines . But on-time delivery rates can also bring benefits as it means your contractors aren ’ t sitting idle waiting on a late delivery having driven to the site in their vans , with plant equipment running on diesel generators .

One of the big benefits of sustainability professionals is there ’ s a recognition that collaboration is essential – none of us can achieve our goals alone . Your supply chain is there to support you . Don ’ t hold back from requesting information and asking how it benefits you .

Goal # 4 : Try to quantify social value

Social value is a bit of a buzzword , but it brings in wider ESG aspects beyond

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