In conversation with Peter Kelly, Divisional Director of Sustainability

Our Q&A series for the launch of Tate Grid+ LEC features conversations with industry experts who ensure every Tate product leads in innovation, sustainability, and safety.

What is Tate Grid+ LEC?

Tate Grid+ LEC is our latest structural ceiling solution offering improved performance and lower embodied carbon. It delivers a 61% reduction in embodied carbon across its lifecycle compared to standard Tate Grid, thanks to aluminium produced using renewable energy, mainly hydroelectricity.

It also features increased load capacity—from 1.7kN to 2.2kN—enhancing overall system performance.

What does LEC mean and what is an LEC product?

LEC stands for Lower Embodied Carbon. LEC products are designed with a lower environmental impact than previous versions by incorporating renewable energy sources and/or higher recycled content.

These products come with third-party verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), confirming reduced embodied carbon.

We’re working with suppliers committed to offering low-carbon raw materials as part of our goal to cut product CO₂ intensity from our supply chain by 50% by 2030.

Why are LEC products important for data centres?

Construction—including materials like steel, aluminium, and cement—contributes to 11% of global emissions. Data centres have a significant environmental impact, making low-carbon building solutions essential.

Tate is well-positioned to reduce the upfront carbon emissions of data centre builds. Our partnerships with innovative suppliers, such as Sweden’s Stegra, help us offer products with lower carbon footprints.

Expanding the LEC product range supports better sustainability ratings for data centres and reduces overall embodied carbon.

How does Tate verify the carbon footprint of its products?

Tate verifies LEC products through Life Cycle Assessments, collecting supplier, energy, and transport data. We produce third-party verified EPDs aligned with the EN15804+A2 standard.

These EPDs allow us to benchmark and transparently demonstrate our products' improved environmental performance as we launch next-generation solutions.

Built for the future, Tate Grid+ LEC is the next-generation lower embodied carbon solution for data centres worldwide.