Nov 29, 2021
aspectLED recently announced the results from its Annual Survey on Trends in Commercial and Residential Lighting Design, in which hundreds of designers were asked to share insights with their peers about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on lighting design. The results suggest a number of interesting trends."
The research found:
• 96% of the respondents believe that lighting design trends have been influenced by the Pandemic.
• 90% of the participants said that they have seen more interest in lighting designs for outdoor spaces
• 89% have seen an increase in hands-free/non-contact lighting designs, such as motion-activated under-cabinet lighting in restrooms and public spaces
• 83% have seen lighting design being used to de-emphasize crowded spaces by spotlighting specific areas like tables in restaurants, and keeping the lighting low in general spaces where crowds form
• 93% have recommended LED lighting products for post-COVID projects, of which 87% specified LED because it offered more flexibility in design
Source: http://www.lightnowblog.com/2021/11/survey-suggests-pandemic-lighting-design-trends/aspectLED
Changing Scene
Which Lighting Solution is Right for Your Next Project?
Meet Doug Palmer, Lighting Specialist for the Manitoba region working out of Gescan's Winnipeg office. He helps determine the most efficient and cost-effective lighting solutions for your commercial or industrial project. From new-build layouts to retrofit of existing spaces and interior/exterior lighting solutions, Doug provides a one-stop-shop of lighting expertise.
In addition, Doug supports the application process that allows business owners to receive rebates through Efficiency Manitoba’s Business Lighting Program.
Investment in Building Construction, February 2022
Investment in building construction increased 4.0% in February, reaching $20.0 billion for the first time. Most provinces reported gains, with Quebec accounting for over 50% of the increase. On a constant dollar basis (2012=100), investment in building construction increased 3.9% to $12.7 billion.
Residential construction continues to show strength
Investment in single family homes rose 4.9% to $8.0 billion in February. Increases were posted in seven provinces, led by Ontario (+5.3%) and Quebec (+8.2%).
Housing Starts Stall Despite High Demand
By Linda Longo, Managing Editor, Electrical Trends
Electrical distributors who do big business with contractors and electricians in new home construction will struggle through another tumultuous year of trying to satisfy record-setting demand while facing down materials shortages. According to recent housing reports, home buyer demand remains strong, but supply chain troubles are holding back growth.
Nationally the numbers will be challenging while within specific markets there could be growth, but supply chain issues could dominate and prolong residential construction projects.
Electric Shock Podcast Interview - A Safety Matter
by Daniela De Marco, Marketing Manager, EFC
"Electrical work is evidently dangerous. Electrocution is one of the top six causes of occupational deaths in Canada and the U.S." according to Canadian Standards Association & the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2012). More often than not, electrical workers are taking unnecessary risks by working on a job site energized.
In EFC's electro|POD "Electric Shock" podcast episode, Gurvinder Chopra, VP of Standards and Regulation, and I connected with experts to explore this topic further. We interviewed Robert Mitchell from Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), the Safety and Technical Program Advisor, and Kaylyn Kretschmer...
The year was 1942 and Abraham Backman began humbly, working out of his garage in his Montreal home, until he slowly built up a volume of business to afford a modest storefront. This year Franklin Empire celebrates our 80th anniversary, with the 4th generation of family at the helm.
"Today, we are the largest independently owned electrical distributor in Canada, with over 500 employees, 23 branch locations, five assembly and repair shops. and an inventory investment exceeding $35 million," said the company via LinkedIn.
Changing Scene
The Executive of Gerrie Electric Wholesale Limited announced the acquisition of FM Supply, effective April 1, 2022. They will continue to operate as FM Supply and do not anticipate changes in the way they currently do business with their locations in Waterloo and Stratford; they will now however have access to Gerrie’s inventory and a broader range of products and services.
“The team at FM Supply have a great reputation for treating their customers’ business like our business and work together to deliver an outstanding customer experience. When Colin Moore, Chris Watamanuk and I came to the decision to sell, we wanted to ensure that these customer traditions would be continued and supported in the future”
Johnson Controls Annual Energy Efficiency Indicator Survey Reveals Investments in Sustainability have Rebounded to Pre-Pandemic Levels
Johnson Controls announced findings from the 15th annual Energy Efficiency Indicator Survey, which revealed that 62 percent of organizations surveyed expect to increase investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, or smart building technology in 2022, indicating a return to pre-pandemic levels.
The latest report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change advised that global scale transformation is urgently needed to combat climate change, however, the Johnson Controls Energy Efficiency Indicator Survey found that organizations are still facing challenges to accelerate their sustainability efforts in key areas.
EFC Announces New CEMRA Manufacturer Group (CMG) Vice Chair
The EFC announced the appointment of John Richardson to the executive position of Vice-Chair for the CMG Committee.
John is Vice-President, Sales with ANAMET Canada and has been in the electrical industry for more than 30 years. ANAMET manufactures flexible conduits in a newly expanded factory in Eastern Ontario. John has served on the CMG Committee for the past few years and has joined the ranks of leading the committee with CMG Chair, Jeff Beare, Stanpro. Both John and Jeff will work closely with CMG Team Lead, Nathalie Lajoie, EFC.
EFC Welcomes New VP of Membership and Corporate Partners
The EFC announced that Sandra Pedro will be joining the company as the new Vice President of Membership and Corporate Partners, effective Monday, April 18, 2022. John Jefkins is retiring from his position on May 6th and will work with Sandra over the next three weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
Sandra comes with strong industry experience, previously with Schneider Electric in the Global Digital Energy Division as Director of Global Offer Management, and various sales and channel roles throughout her career at Schneider.
Nexans Completes Centelsa Acquisition to Electrify Latin America
Nexans recently announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Centelsa, a premium cable manufacturer in Latin America specializing in building and utilities applications, from Xignux S.A. (headquartered in Mexico) following receipt of regulatory clearance. This transaction completes an additional milestone of Nexans’ strategy to become a Pure Electrification Player focusing on the overall value chain originating in generation, and flowing through transmission, distribution, and usage of sustainable energy.
With a total turnover of more than US$ 339 million in 2021, Centelsa’s three manufacturing plants in Cali, Colombia and their distribution center in Ecuador will complement Nexans’ presence in Latin America.
Sonepar Ontario Region Relocations SESCO CDC
The Sonepar Ontario Region is proud to announce the relocation of their SESCO Central Distribution Centre (CDC) to its new location in Brampton, ON.
This move has facilitated an amalgamation between Texcan’s large Brampton branch and SESCO’s CDC, as both businesses work together within one facility for the first time. The expansion of the building and the merging of the Operating Companies (OpCos) will assist with facilitating their customer service value proposition.
