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Man over brown background Develop a Circular Economy

Limiting the Environmental Impact of Our Products

 

As the global population continues to grow, it’s putting enormous stress on the earth’s eco-systems and dramatically degrading our shared environment. 

This has given rise to a triple planetary crisis on climate, biodiversity and pollution – and many experts believe the only way for us to overcome these crises is by creating a circular economy.

Moving from a Linear to a Circular Economy


The Circular Economy is dramatic shift from our current linear TAKE – MAKE – DISCARD economic model…

Linear economy showing the path from take make and waste

…to one in which we design out waste, keep products and materials at their highest and best use for as long as possible, and regenerate natural resources.

Chart showing the circular economy cycle

Our Priorities


The circular economy gives us the tools to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss together, while also addressing critical social challenges.

In focusing on a circular economy, through new product design and business models, Legrand can reduce its carbon emissions and help address climate change.

Harnessing Recycled Materials and Eliminating Plastic Packaging

Image of paper metal and plastic
Legrand is working to increase the use of recycled plastic and metal in the products it manufactures and to eliminate single-use plastic in packaging.
 

Enabling High Performance Building Rating Certification


Many of our products help architects and designers meet building performance criteria for leading high performance / green building rating systems.

The Value of Product Transparency

 

Legrand leads the electrical industry in publishing more than 150 product transparency documents.

These documents reveal the carbon impacts and material profile of our products to help customers make informed decisions about the products they install in their buildings.
 

Find Legrand's Product Transparency Documents


Find our Product Environmental Profiles (PEPs), also referred to as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), Health Product Declarations (HPDs) and Declare labels in the mindful MATERIALS library.


Eco-Designing New Products

 

To reduce our environmental impact, Legrand has incorporated eco-design principles into the development of new products. 

That means we consider a product’s entire lifecycle – from design to end of life, focusing on raw material extraction and supply, manufacturing, product distribution, use, and end of life.

We consider:

  • Raw materials consumption
  • Energy consumption
  • Releases into the natural environment, including pollutants
  • Impacts on climate
  • Impacts on biodiversity

Our goals include:

  • Using fewer materials and resources in the manufacture of products
  • Using materials and resources obtained with the least environmental impact
  • Producing the least waste and pollution
  • Simplifying disassembly to make reusing and recycling easier

Each year, we recognize an outstanding product or initiative related to eco-design. Here are some recent recipients.

Rethinking Products to Reduce Their Carbon Impact

The dash™ modular power center uses interchangeable power components in furniture, desktop and tower models. 

During the design phase, engineers compared the environmental impacts of various materials, as well as different manufacturing processes, to significantly reduce the carbon impact of these products. 

Prior to the development of the dash product line, the Wiremold brand of desktop and furniture power centers were discrete devices that could not be customized. Therefore, to meet the needs of customers, many tools and molds in different sizes and variations were required. 

Now hospitality, office, education and other commercial spaces can custom configure power components to include a choice of tamper-resistant electrical outlets, USB A/C ports and mechanical switches.
 

LEARN MORE


The Infinium Quantum Fiber System is an innovative pre-terminated channel system comprised of patch cords, cassettes and a trunk cable.

As a result of design enhancements, engineers succeeded in reducing both plastic and metal material consumption by as much as 50%.

The product incorporates durable conversion adapters rather than standard cassettes which are often damaged during use or service, thereby extending the life of the product.

And, as a valuable benefit for data center owners, the product was shown to reduce transceiver power consumption by as much as 30%, thereby reducing carbon emissions.

Explore Our Other CSR Focal Areas