F E A T U R E is centred on data centres , Legrand ’ s sustainability initiatives across its entire value chain also consider the carbon emissions of its products , which can directly influence the Scope 3 emissions of the companies that purchase them . Its corporate culture of sustainability is broken down into four actionable goals .
• To begin , Legrand is establishing clear medium- and long-term goals to reduce its environmental impact . By 2030 , the company aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its operations by 42 %. To support this , 150 initiatives have already been implemented to reduce energy use , with Legrand ' s Data , Power and Control division cutting energy consumption by 1.4GWh in 2023 . Overall , Legrand reported it achieved a 14GWh electricity saving between 2022 and 2023 , a staggering 39 % reduction when compared to 2021 . Additionally , 84 % of the electricity used in Legrand ’ s manufacturing and distribution sites now comes from renewable sources , with 25 % of these sites equipped with a renewable microgrid .
• Legrand aims to reduce Scope 3 carbon emissions by 25 % by 2030 . A programme involving 250 suppliers has already secured commitments from 195 of them to reduce emissions by 215.5 ktons of CO2 by 2030 .
• Legrand also plans for 80 % of its sales to come from eco-responsible solutions by 2030 , with the company estimating that 76 % of its 2023 sales were from such products . To reach and exceed the 80 % target , Legrand is focusing on improving product efficiency through R & D and adopting Circular Economy principles . This includes using 15 % recycled plastic and 40 % recycled materials in its products and eliminating single-use plastics in packaging . The company reported it has already increased the use of recycled or certified renewable materials from 73 % in 2022 to 85 % in 2023 . A notable achievement by Legrand ’ s Data , Power and Control division was reducing packaging weight by over 700 tons between 2022 and 2023 .
• Lastly , Legrand has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050 , matching pledges by the US , UK and EU governments . This will involve a 90 % reduction in carbon emissions
with the remaining 10 % offset through investments in projects like protecting Kenyan flora and fauna and extending the New Delhi metro . These ambitious goals are validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative and will reduce Legrand ’ s Scope 1 , 2 and 3 emissions , thereby directly lowering the Scope 3 emissions of its clients .
Part 2 : Sustainability in product design and operations
Legrand ’ s data centre product portfolio includes power distribution , cabinets , cooling and management solutions . The company ’ s commitment to sustainability is evident in its approach to product development , which includes selecting sustainable materials , optimising production and logistics , and designing products with a longer lifespan . A key focus is on reducing the embodied carbon in its products . Since 2014 , Legrand has integrated ecodesign principles into its R & D processes , this approach prioritises sustainability in product design and lifecycle assessment .
Source : Legrand ’ s data centre product portfolio
Legrand ’ s efficient design principles : From lower power consumption to modularity
Track busways for power distribution : Compared to cables or conduit , Legrand ’ s busways are inherently more efficient for power distribution , thereby reducing voltage loss and energy waste . The busbars it uses in these systems offer superior resistance in short-circuit scenarios and minimise resistance induction through optimal conductor spacing . This results in lower voltage loss , reduced harmonic distortion and improved energy efficiency . Starline , Legrand ’ s track busway brand , enhances flexibility by offering continuous access slots along the busway which enables easy reconfiguration .
Rack-Level Power Distribution : Raritan and Server Technology , Legrand ’ s rack power distribution unit ( PDU ) brands , have engineered PDUs to enhance sustainability . Their patented High Density Outlet Technology ( HDOT ) maximises outlet space , reducing the need for additional PDUs , while the HDOT Cx outlet accommodates both C14 and C20 power cables , which extends the lifespan of rack PDUs . Advanced power quality monitoring provides precise , real-time insights into power efficiency and equipment health , while remote management features can be utilised to optimise power usage by identifying idle servers .
IT Cabinet and Cooling Design : Legrand ’ s IT cabinets are engineered to minimise airflow leakage and enhance cooling
efficiency . Accessories such as railmounted blanking panels and adjustable mounting rails with seals further improve airflow management . Containment solutions like Contain-IT FLEX . which are designed for specific row configurations , maximise cooling efficiency and reduce energy consumption in high-density environments .
Cooling Solutions : USystems , Legrand ’ s rear door heat exchanger ( RDHx ) specialists , have developed an RDHx with a closed water loop system that significantly reduces water wastage . Their
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