The politicians may want to reduce carbon emissions, but it’s the designers and engineers that will decide whether it can be done, together with the specifiers and installers who will make it a reality.

All the indications are that the electrical industry will have a central role to play in delivering a low carbon future - whether it is the migration to electric heating and hot water in new builds, improving lighting efficiency, the increasing use of renewables in the pursuit of zero carbon homes and offices, or the introduction of smart controls.

It’s a future that presents new opportunities and challenges for us all, as well as one that will bring great change to the type of products and services we offer.

To help you understand the changes taking place and the thinking behind them, we have produced this 24-page supplement to WhereABOUTS magazine in partnership with a number of leading manufacturers, linked to our ‘Bright Green Choice’ campaign that highlights energy efficient products.

A number of articles from this supplement can be found below where we look at the latest in energy efficient lamps and luminaires, as well as heating and ventilation. We even consider some of the newer technologies that are liable to have a major impact on our industry including air source heat pumps, solar heating and wind turbines.

In a rapidly changing world that is determined to combat the effects of excess carbon dioxide emissions, we want to keep you updated so you can make an informed environmental choice for yourselves and your customers

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