The planet is not slowing down when it comes to interconnectivity and sustainability. Coming off the heels of the MEP Innovation Conference, I am struck by the continued passion for innovation not only within the electrical industry, but construction as a whole. NECA contractors, as well as MCAA and SMACNA members, are all looking to the future of building trades. Preservation and sustainability are almost common principles in these arenas nowadays. 

One of the most transformative innovations in this space is power over ethernet (PoE). By transmitting both power and data over a single ethernet cable, PoE reduces material waste, streamlines installations and enhances energy efficiency. For contractors, this technology opens doors to myriad opportunities, from smart lighting systems to advanced building controls. For years, NECA has been proud to offer educational resources and partnerships to ensure our members can capitalize on these PoE opportunities while adhering to the highest safety and quality standards.

While future-proofing has become a cornerstone of modern electrical work, the demand for higher bandwidth, faster data transfer and increased power delivery grows. Electrical contractors must design systems that can adapt to tomorrow’s needs. Choosing the right cable and conduit today provides tomorrow’s options and minimizes costly retrofits down the line. The integration of advanced building controls is becoming more appealing to developers and stakeholders. These systems rely on robust cabling infrastructures to connect sensors, devices and centralized controls seamlessly.

Predicting the future may be a challenge, but being a NECA member provides invaluable access to top-tier resources and industry research that make preparing for what’s ahead more manageable. I encourage all industry professionals to visit NECA’s website to look into the training programs, data insights and networking opportunities that NECA has to offer.

Kirk Davis
President, NECA