How to Measure and Boost Sustainability in Security Systems
Sustainability is no longer an optional pursuit for businesses. Pressures from investors, consumers, and regulators have pushed sustainability to the forefront, making it a critical aspect of operational strategies. For security functions and technologies, embedding sustainability is a path to environmental responsibility and a way to secure budgetary support by aligning with broader organizational goals.
Organizations are increasingly aware that sustainability enhances long-term profitability and relevance in a world shaped by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. By assessing and showcasing the sustainability impact of security systems, security leaders can build compelling cases for investment while strengthening partnerships across organizational departments.
Linking Security Sustainability to Broader Organizational Goals
Security systems, such as access control and entrance technologies, are vital to organizational safety but can also significantly contribute to sustainability goals. This link opens avenues to engage stakeholders in facilities management, operations, and finance.
The conversation shifts from solely discussing security benefits to showcasing how proactive maintenance, upgrades, and retrofits reduce waste, extend product lifecycles, and align with ESG priorities. The alignment of security operations with sustainability metrics can be a persuasive driver for budget support.
Steps to Measure Sustainability in Your Security Function
To create a sustainable security strategy, it’s essential to evaluate your current systems and processes with measurable goals in mind. These steps will help you assess, plan, and implement sustainable practices that balance security and ESG priorities.
Evaluate existing systems. Conduct a thorough assessment of your current security infrastructure. Identify outdated equipment, inefficiencies, and areas where upgrades could reduce energy consumption or material waste. Use this as a baseline for sustainability improvements.
Set clear sustainability and security objectives. Define goals that balance security performance with environmental impact. For example, aim to reduce the frequency of equipment replacements by extending the lifespan of existing systems through upgrades and preventative maintenance.
Analyze total cost of ownership (TCO). Factor in the initial cost of security systems and the long-term maintenance, energy consumption, and potential waste generated by outdated technology. Lower TCO, combined with sustainability improvements, strengthens the case for budget allocations.
Implement lifecycle strategies. Adopt a “cradle-to-cradle” approach where systems are designed to be upgraded, repaired, or retrofitted instead of discarded. This reduces landfill contributions and promotes a circular economy within your organization.
Sustainability Through Maintenance, Upgrades, and Retrofitting
Sustainability doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. These approaches ensure your security infrastructure remains efficient and reliable while aligning with environmental goals, providing a win-win for operational performance and sustainability.
Proactive maintenance. Regular maintenance keeps security systems operating efficiently, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for early replacement. Preventative measures like regular inspections and software updates help avoid costly failures and disruptions.
Upgrades and retrofitting. Rather than replacing entire systems, retrofitting allows you to update existing equipment with newer technology. For example, upgrading a security turnstile's software to improve operational efficiency is often more cost-effective and sustainable than a complete replacement.
Building Cross-Functional Collaboration
Security leaders should engage other stakeholders to gain buy-in for sustainability-focused security investments. Here's how:
- Facilities and operations teams: Highlight reduced maintenance downtime and operational disruptions from sustainable upgrades.
- Finance teams: Emphasize predictable budgeting and ROI through lower replacement costs and energy savings.
- Marketing and PR: Align sustainability efforts with the organization’s public ESG commitments, showcasing the security function’s role in achieving these goals.
Making the Case for Budget Support
When presenting your sustainability strategy, ensure you connect the dots between ESG goals, operational efficiencies, and cost savings. Provide data-driven insights, such as:
- Estimated energy savings from retrofitting older systems
- Reduction in material waste from lifecycle extension measures
- The financial and environmental impact of lowering unplanned repair frequency through preventative maintenance
By framing your budget request around these measurable outcomes, you demonstrate that the security department not only protects assets but also contributes to the organization’s broader sustainability mission.
Why Sustainability in Security Matters
Research indicates a growing gap between sustainability ambitions and implementation. By positioning security as a leader in sustainability, organizations can bridge this divide, ensuring their relevance in a market that increasingly prioritizes ESG compliance.
Integrating sustainability into the management of security systems—through proactive maintenance, strategic upgrades, and cross-functional collaboration—creates a win-win scenario. It strengthens security, reduces costs, and supports environmental goals, making it easier to secure support from other organizational stakeholders.
Sustainability in security is not just about green initiatives; it’s about creating systems that perform efficiently, last longer, and align with the values of a forward-thinking organization. By measuring and communicating these benefits, security leaders can secure the resources needed to ensure both safety and sustainability for years to come.
Amanda Powell is marketing manager for Boon Edam USA. An accomplished marketing executive with extensive experience in developing and executing integrated marketing strategies, Powell is responsible for the development of all marketing activities and materials for the North American market.
