Homes and businesses should be safe spaces for everyone interacting with them. There’s increasing recognition that safety measures and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. This isn’t just about strategies to improve health. Green security is becoming a vital contributor to sustainable safety.
This is largely a result of recent advances in technology. Some security tools are becoming smarter and more efficient, while others are being constructed using sustainable materials and methods. Even the innovative ways security tools are being used can be beneficial for the environment. As a result, you can benefit from greater protection for your property and everyone in it, while also protecting the planet.
We’re going to explore some of the green innovations in security and how you can effectively adopt them.
Energy-Efficient Systems
As technology has become more affordable in recent years, full security systems have become accessible for both businesses and private citizens. This gives people a great deal more control over their safety than ever before. The challenge here is that taking on more technology can mean greater consumption of energy resources. One of the key green innovations at the moment in security is tools that help keep robust systems energy-efficient.
This begins with solar-powered security tools. By adopting renewable energy resources, organizations and individuals put less pressure on fuel sources and release fewer emissions. While installing solar panels is becoming more accessible, it may not always be feasible for homeowners and businesses to power their systems in this way. Nevertheless, it can power specific components.
For instance, there are various external security cameras that come fitted with solar panels. This means they have their own green energy source rather than being hooked up to mains power, improving the overall efficiency of the system.
Another vital way to create more energy-efficient security is to invest in a smart system. These are systems that link tools like cameras, motion sensors, and access controls via the Internet of Things (IoT). These elements communicate with one another both to perform independently and provide users with vital data.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that this kind of automation is a key to achieving sustainability. Smart technology uses data analytics to optimize its functioning, preventing unnecessary energy waste. Even systems that use solar panels can automatically track the positioning of the sun and adjust the panels to capture the most energy.
Green Garage Doors
Garage doors are a common feature of both homes and businesses. They can also straddle both areas as more people take the sustainable approach of working from home and transform their garages into home offices. Unfortunately, the garage can also be a vulnerable point of entry for those seeking to get access to the space. Green security innovations can help minimize unauthorized entry while boosting the environmental sustainability of the property.
Many of these fall into the realm of simple and affordable garage door security improvements you can make to your existing setup. Some areas to focus on here include:
Automatic garage doors
As we’ve previously outlined, automation is an important aspect of energy efficiency. Automated garage door openers also provide an added element of security by being better able to withstand manual methods of unauthorized entry and cloning of common garage remote controls. You can issue family members and staff with radiofrequency identification (RFID) sensors that the smart system automatically detects before verifying access credentials.
Motion sensor lights
When criminals attempt to break into a garage at night, well-placed motion sensor-activated lights can be a good deterrent. Not to mention that they can help residents and late shift workers feel safer when they have to use the garage at night. This can be greener by using lights that have solar panels to charge their batteries during the daytime, meaning they don’t need to use mains electricity at night.
If you’re considering a full upgrade of the garage door, though, it’s wise to consider what materials can be both green and more robust against intruders. Composite wood door panels made from leftover timber that would otherwise be disposed of can make for secure doors. Doors with good insulation can also improve the energy efficiency of the garage itself, keeping warmth inside and requiring less power consumption.
Sustainable Fences and Barriers
One of the ways to minimize people breaking into homes and businesses is to put up obstacles to prevent them from getting to the building in the first place. This makes good fences and barriers an important security resource. Advances in production techniques today mean that you can get these in eco-friendly materials.
Bamboo
Bamboo has become one of the most common renewable materials for fences and privacy barriers. This is because it can be quickly regrown, which puts less pressure on the natural environment. Importantly from the perspective of security, it’s strong and durable. Not only can it withstand force, but is also quite resistant to natural forms of decay.
Recycled composites
Metal fences and barriers are often considered preferable for security purposes for their durability. In recent years, there have emerged options that are more sustainable. Security fences are being manufactured using recycled materials, often as composites with aluminium and other metals. Many manufacturers are also making their overall operations greener, boosting the holistic sustainability of your barrier choice.
Eco-Friendly Cybersecurity
Physical security isn’t the only priority for homes and businesses. Everyone is at increasing risk from cybercriminals. At a time in which most people perform financial transactions, business activities, and medical appointments online, it is vital to take steps to protect this valuable private data. There are some innovative and effective green approaches to this.
These include:
Artificial intelligence (AI) threat detection
AI is becoming smarter and more accessible for both private users and businesses. Threat detection tools driven by this technology monitor networks and equipment for signs of threats, automatically implementing protective measures when they occur. Many also use machine learning algorithms to predict potential issues so users can take protective steps before issues occur. This is more environmentally friendly as users and businesses will be using less energy and other resources in responding to, overcoming, and recovering from data breaches.
Energy-efficient data centres
Particularly for businesses, data centres are an important tool in efficient and cost-effective network management. They also minimize the carbon footprint by utilizing existing equipment and resources, rather than the business building a whole new on-site system. That said, it’s vital to maximize the positive impact by collaborating with data centres that use sustainable operations, such as optimizing cooling systems and using renewable energy sources.
Beyond specific tools, there are some ways that eco-friendly tech actions result in better cyber hygiene. For instance, responsible disposal of e-waste also tends to protect sensitive data. Rather than simply disposing of electronic items in landfills, consider recycling through reputable refurbishment and recycling businesses.
These companies will wipe the data from the device before reusing the components. This isn’t just effective for full laptops or desktop computers. Smaller items, such as devices in the IoT and smartwatches, also store data. Utilizing such services whenever you upgrade your technology can keep you or your business safer and more sustainable.
Alternatively, consider creating a secure BYOD policy. Doing so accomplishes two goals at once. First, employees will be repurposing their personal devices, which minimizes your company’s consumption and disposal of tech resources, thereby lowering your carbon footprint. Second, if you have employees who work remotely, a secure BYOD policy lessens the chances that they and your company will fall victim to cybercriminals.
Ethical Security Contractors
There are times when it is necessary to work alongside security contractors to keep your property safe. This is most common in businesses, where you may need to have on-site security guards or remote monitoring. At the same time, this can be an option for residents in gated communities.
Companies that commit to more sustainable operations are still relatively rare. One recent study found that only 12% of physical security contractors in the global West are familiar with green initiatives. You can be more innovative and ethical when making choices about security partners by prioritizing those adopting sustainable measures.
Some characteristics to look out for when researching security contractors include:
- Green vehicles: Security contractors who have to patrol large areas—such as gated communities and business parks—often utilize vehicles. Look for companies that have green modes of transportation, such as electric and hybrid vehicles.
- Use of energy-efficient technology: Contractors have access to both common and specialist security tech tools. These might include surveillance systems, computers, communication devices, and even drones. Consider checking into the company’s commitment to energy-efficient technology.
- Sustainability training: The day-to-day actions of security staff are some of the basic indicators of sustainability. Look into how the company trains staff to act more environmentally responsible, such as using paperless methods of administration, optimizing transportation routes, and recycling while on the job.
Occasionally, this type of information is on the security company’s website, outlining their sustainable activities. It may be necessary to have constructive conversations with company representatives on this topic, too. Even if they aren’t already acting sustainably, you may be able to discuss the actions you would like them to adopt while collaborating with your business or community.
Conclusion
Green innovations in security come in a range of forms. Whether you’re investing in safety for a home or business, you can take advantage of everything from energy-efficient smart surveillance to sustainable garage doors.
As more people demonstrate that sustainability is a priority in their lives, it’s likely more such products will emerge. By keeping an eye on developments in the security industry, you can adopt tools and methods that are beneficial for you and the world around you.
About the Author
Amanda Winstead is a writer focusing on many topics including technology and digital marketing. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.