Sustainable Installations in Northern Ireland: Our Approach to Green Energy
At AM Electrical Services (NI) Ltd, we recognise that the future of electrical engineering lies in delivering not only reliable and cost-effective solutions — but sustainable ones too. As the demand for energy-efficient and low-carbon buildings grows across sectors such as healthcare, education, social housing, and leisure, we’re proud to be at the forefront of environmentally responsible electrical installations across Northern Ireland.
Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ in construction — it’s essential. That’s why we’ve made key changes in how we design, specify, and install electrical systems, with the goal of reducing environmental impact and futureproofing buildings for decades to come.
Here are five core ways we’re contributing to a greener, smarter built environment:
1. Harnessing Solar Energy with PV Panels
Renewable energy integration is now standard practice for many modern builds — and solar PV (photovoltaic) systems are a major focus for us. We actively support clients in specifying and installing PV solar panels to reduce grid dependency and lower carbon emissions from day one.
Whether it's a school, community centre, or healthcare facility, solar panels are an effective, long-term solution for generating clean electricity. They also directly support compliance with BREEAM and Part L building regulations. We are proud to have worked with Solmatix on most of our project. (Main photo credit - Solmatix)
2. Tracking Carbon Impact of Site Supplies
We’ve began to integrate carbon tracking systems to monitor the environmental footprint of our temporary electrical site supplies and some of our larger clients site supplies — from generators and distribution boards to lighting and cabling. This allows us to log, report, and reduce emissions linked to early-stage construction phases, which are often overlooked in sustainability assessments.
By analysing this data, we help main contractors and clients stay aligned with Net Zero Carbon goals and ISO 14001 Environmental Management requirements.
3. Designing to Meet BREEAM Certification
Achieving a high BREEAM rating is a clear indicator of a building’s sustainability credentials — and electrical systems play a crucial role. From low-energy lighting and sensor controls to efficient distribution layouts, our designs are tailored to contribute to key BREEAM assessment categories such as Energy, Materials, and Health & Wellbeing.
We work collaboratively with design teams to ensure our installations support optimal performance, energy use reduction, and occupant comfort — all critical for projects aiming for ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’ ratings.
4. Specifying Sustainable Materials: Zinc Magnesium (ZM) Coated Containment
Material selection makes a meaningful difference in long-term environmental impact. That’s why we now specify Zinc Magnesium (ZM) coated containment as a more sustainable alternative to standard galvanised or post-galvanised steel (galv after)
ZM material offers superior corrosion resistance, excellent durability in harsh environments, and a lower carbon footprint due to its cleaner, more energy-efficient manufacturing process. It also requires less maintenance and replacement over time, which helps reduce lifecycle emissions and aligns with circular construction principles.
This material choice supports both sustainability goals and long-term cost efficiency for our clients. Our main suppliers are Unitrunk and Atkore
5. Reducing Waste with 500-Metre Drum Cables
Efficiency doesn’t just apply to energy use — it extends to how we manage materials. We now utilise 500-metre drum cables across projects rather than working with shorter lengths. This minimises the number of joints and offcuts, reduces packaging waste, and ensures smoother installation with fewer stoppages.
It’s a small shift with big results: improved productivity, less waste to landfill, and a leaner, greener cable management process.
Going Beyond Installation
Electricians are key influencers in shaping sustainable construction — not just by how we install systems, but also in the advice we offer clients. That’s a responsibility we take seriously at AM Electrical.
We don’t just fit what’s on the drawings. We work closely with contractors, consultants, and end clients to recommend more sustainable alternatives at every stage — from design and procurement to commissioning and ongoing maintenance.
Why It Matters — and What’s Next
Northern Ireland’s construction industry is rapidly evolving to meet national and global climate targets. Whether you're a housing association, a main contractor, or a public body, your choice of electrical contractor can make a big difference in the sustainability outcomes of your project.
By embedding environmentally conscious decisions into everything we do — without compromising performance or compliance — AM Electrical Services (NI) Ltd is helping shape a cleaner, more responsible future for our communities.
Interested in sustainable electrical solutions for your next project?
Contact our team today to discuss how we can help deliver safe, smart, and sustainable results — from the ground up.