The Green commitment

When we discuss sustainability it is imperative that we talk about green companies and how the world is moving towards being self-sustainable. The security manufacturing industry is no different, as the construction industry moves towards green building projects, contractors are more likely to work with green manufactures.

James Kelly Chief Executive of the British Security Industry Association explores how the larger shift across the whole industry is an incentive for manufacturing companies to make a commitment to being greener than ever before.

As the world becomes more reliant on technology and moves away from traditional paper and pen, what to do with the waste of these products becomes more of an issue. With around 50 million tonnes of e-waste produced in 2014, tackling the problem is firmly in the mind of security manufactures.

Almost half of the UK’s carbon emissions are caused by buildings. The long-term goal is to reduce CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050, and that means creating buildings with minimal environmental impact2. One way to achieve this is through designing and constructing more sustainable housing.  A similar process is applied at manufacturing level. Companies now look to not only reduce emission in the production of their products but also how to be more efficient with their waste. Like in other sectors, security industry companies too are turning green.

In addition to becoming more sustainable internally, security industry manufacturers are developing innovative green products and systems that eco-friendly integrators are installing. The move to produce more environmentally friendly products not only saves their customers money, but also opens doors to other business opportunities that may not have present themselves before. With a recent study stating that green building is expect to double by 2018 the importance of tapping in to this market is key and assuring you stay ahead of the trend is increasingly important.

The production of greener products starts at already at the design phase. Using recycled products is a simple and effective way of helping produce green products. Tighter regulations mean that companies must be more creative in producing environmentally friendly products. Ideas such as designing products easy to disassemble and recycle at the end of the product’s life is something new but also a really smart way to help make a product green.

Using life cycle thinking is the next step in increasing the prospects of pollution prevention. The process has gone from an emphasis on production processes (greener production), to products (design for sustainability) and then to product systems (integrating transport logistics, end-of life collection and component reuse or materials recycling). Manufactures should look at this holistic process when producing green product while also work harder at trying to adhere to certain standards.

With over ten separate standards just to do with environmental issues that security manufactures must adhere to it can be extremely difficult for manufactures to produce environmentally friendly products and at the same time still being able to make a profit. When looking towards how companies can operate best practices security manufacturing companies look towards EURALARM’s for guidance.  EURALARM’s is the collective trade body for European electronic security companies; it helps to provide information to companies on how to produce products while also being environmentally responsible.

The importance for manufacturers of making sure their green credentials are well established becomes an even bigger factor when we look companies’ social responsibility. The increase risk of climate change and the very real prospect of a generation leaving the world in a worst place for future generation is something that must be considered. Choosing a product that helps the environment makes a huge difference. If a change can be made to make eco-friendly products the norm, the collective difference will make this world a far better place.

Members of the BSIA’s Security Equipment management section are experts in security equipment solutions and can offer advice on the different types of products available and the environments they are best suited to.

To source a member company near you, please visit the Association’s website: www.bsia.co.uk

 

 

 

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