Alex Rumsey, Sales Director – UK at TDSi discusses the ways modern access control systems can help make the security industry more sustainable in the future.    

Like the rest of society, the security industry must ensure we take responsibility for sustainability through the technology we use and the energy and materials it consumes.

We can all play our part – manufacturers, installers/specifiers and operators – in making security more sustainable.   

CO2 emissions are a prime concern, with research from the World Meteorological Organisation showing that climate change accelerated significantly between 2011 and 2020.  

Rising greenhouse gases fuel record land and ocean temperatures, melting ice caps and rising sea levels. Electronic waste is another area of major concern – with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research figures showing a record 62 million tonnes of e-waste was produced in 2022 (up by 82% from 2010).   

To address the climate emergency we all need to take sustainability seriously.

In the security industry, it is all about finding the right balance between protection and usability in conjunction with efficiencies and environmentally conscious choices – all of which can help wider sustainability efforts.  

Extended lifespan, scalability and upgradability  

Security solutions with a long lifespan are financially prudent and beneficial for sustainability.

One effective approach is to use modular systems that allow individual components to be replaced or upgraded, without having to discard the entire system.  

Solutions that integrate with a variety of other security systems enable the mix and match of components according to the needs and budget of the project.  

Take an access door controller for example.

Opting for a multi-door controller that can oversee a greater number of doors means lower and more efficient energy usage, fewer wiring points as well as fewer components/waste products, not to mention the lower upfront purchase costs and a lower impact on the facility during installation.  

The extended lifespan of security systems is further supported by the increasing role of software in physical security.

Easily upgradable firmware and software allow for continuous adaptation to evolving needs or threats, thereby extending the usability of hardware and networking into the future for further sustainability benefits.  

A high level of compatibility with other security systems (including existing legacy systems) means that a wide array of access control, perimeter protection, video detection cameras and other systems can continue to be utilised even after an upgrade.  

Using a centralised and well-integrated system also makes it easier and more efficient to scale a site to meet increasing (or lowering) demand and equally to add additional sites with minimal repetition of systems and components, with similar benefits again.    

Buildings control systems integration and smart technology  

Integrating access control and security with buildings management systems or business management systems, such as Active Directory, is another great way of driving energy efficiencies and enhancing the overall usability of these combined solutions. 

This includes automation of key areas such as lift control, ANPR and vehicle access control and visitor management, to more effectively manage movement around a facility.  

Smart access control systems can also communicate with a building’s heating, ventilation and cooling systems to adjust usage based on occupancy.

This not only lowers energy consumption but also extends the service intervals and the lifespan of these systems.  

Leveraging smart systems, AI and intelligent analytics also offers a number of opportunities to enhance the efficiency of access control and integrated security systems.  

For example, smart surveillance systems with advanced analytics can minimise unnecessary data recordings, thereby reducing storage needs and conserving resources.

Similarly, automated remote monitoring and management of cloud-based systems can lessen the need for service engineers or security personnel to travel to sites for inspections or maintenance.  

Improving energy efficiency  

One of the most effective ways to enhance sustainability is by utilising systems with a low power consumption.

This could include choosing systems with advanced power management features like sleep modes, automatic power-off, or energy-saving settings, using LED lighting for surveillance cameras and motion sensors, or selecting inherently efficient systems.  

For example, hardware systems that employ a switched-mode power supply, which efficiently converts mains electricity to the required load, will minimise energy waste and overall consumption.   

Adopting energy-efficient data storage solutions further contributes to sustainability efforts.

For example, on-site, solid-state drives (SSDs) typically consume less energy than traditional hard drives.

Additionally, cloud storage is increasingly popular due to its flexibility and security, and choosing cloud storage solutions that rely on ‘green’ data centres can provide additional sustainability benefits.  

Utilising renewable energy  

Using renewable energy will enhance sustainability, regardless of the security systems you select.  

While many energy providers offer renewable energy options, lots of businesses have gone one step further by adding their own renewable sources such as Solar or Wind Power to their premises, reducing dependency on the grid.   

Along with energy usage, the durability of the equipment and hardware is another important factor.

Using robust, long-lasting equipment can reduce the need for frequent replacements, thereby minimising waste and the energy consumption associated with the process. 

Products that feature the likes of the European Union’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and RoHS Compliant help guide the safe disposal of systems once they go end-of-life.  

Additionally, the use of recycled materials and those which can be successfully and safely recycled is another crucial aspect of enhancing sustainability.

This is an important consideration when planning all aspects of your product lifecycle.  

More sustainable operations  

There is much that security providers can do to make sure their operations are as sustainable as possible.

Remote support is an example, using cloud-based solutions that can be monitored and supported offsite means fewer physical visits to make updates or to check systems.

Software can be automatically updated, and hardware issues can be flagged up should a physical visit become essential.  

Where site visits are unavoidable, using energy-efficient transport methods, Public Transport, or Electronic Vehicles can make a big difference to emissions on both long and short journeys.

The charging network for EV’s is growing rapidly and employers that have convenient vehicle chargers on-premises make it easy for staff to charge their cars at work.   

There is a multitude of conscious everyday decisions that can quickly add up to make a difference in terms of emissions and sustainability.

For example, switching packaging to a more sustainable option or one constructed from recycled resources and eliminating single-use plastics wherever possible.  

It’s also important to consider administration practices such as cutting down on the use of paper documents for customer invoices or recording details of site visits – many of these processes can now be digitised, such as notes recorded on a smartphone or tablet and shared electronically with the customer.  

This article was originally published in the October Edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.