The Hot Topic – What Does it Mean for the Security Industry to go Green?

The conversation around sustainability has been in discussion for a while, and many industries have embraced and incorporated ‘green thinking’ into the heart of what they do.

High polluting industries have strived to reduce their effects like the automotive sectors introducing eco-friendly electric cars and even the retail industry aiming to decrease their carbon footprints as fast fashion takes its toll on the environment.

However, the security sector has been slow to incorporate ‘going green’ into their processes and practices but with added pressures from officials and customers, they must follow the influence of other industries in the pursuit of sustainability. But what does this mean for the security sector and how can they develop their sustainability?

When integrating environmentally friendly practices, the manufacturing and production of products should be the first to be observed and improved. With a wide variety of systems being manufactured for the security sector, this will be the first hurdle they’ll need to overcome, to implement sustainable values. In order to combat this, there are certifications and guidelines that can be achieved, such as the ISO 14000 which look into eliminating hazardous materials being used which in turn will lead to a reduced carbon footprint. In order for sustainability to work within the manufacturing and production processes, there must be a commitment from both parties to ensure this is maintained. This could include regular supplier and production process audits to make sure that this sustainability is being adhered to.

Ensuring the manufacturers and production are accountable for their sustainable actions, is one step closer to the security industry going green, but what about the rest of the supply chain? The main issue when it comes to supply chains is a lot of companies are not aware of how long or sustainable these supply chains are. Many are long and fragmented with very complicated processes, and so the mentality of ‘if it’s not broken, why fix it’ comes to mind. However, with these long and complicated supply chains, comes unnecessary travel, shipments and transportation of products. Without a company knowing, this is having adverse effects on the environment, contributing to climate change impacts and a large carbon footprint. Changing this mentality will create sustainable processes and choices which in turn will generate a sustainable supply chain. So, should the supply chain have constant auditing and review periods to reduce unnecessary shipment and transportation of products? Do businesses need to take responsibility for their own supply chains and understand possible sustainable alternatives?

Lastly, when products reach the end of their lifecycle, how does the security industry dispose of these? Within this sector, many customers will need a complete overhaul of outdated solutions or need systems upgrading due to changing threat levels, but are their sustainable ways of disposing these products? Research and understanding are key, as many manufacturers may be able to reuse old components or recycle older systems rather than them being skipped for landfills. The security industry has been late to the sustainability game but it’s now up to the market leaders to change perceptions and ways of working to suit a ‘greener’ industry.

How do you think the security industry can change the impact they have on our environment? Should small steps be taken to implement greener practices and processes in order to work up to a more socially responsible sector? Have your say in the comments.