As environmental concerns grow and customers increasingly seek out companies dedicated to sustainable practices, businesses worldwide are advancing sustainability within their operations. Yet, security systems are often overlooked as a valuable tool to add value to corporate sustainability strategy.
Typically associated with the protection and safety of assets, security solutions are increasingly recognized for reducing environmental impact, developing operational efficiency, and supporting businesses in their wider sustainability goals.
In this blog, we discover what sustainability means in business, the importance of business sustainability, and how Gallagher Security systems can help businesses reach their sustainable targets.
Understanding sustainability in business
Business sustainability involves a company’s strategy and initiatives aimed at minimizing their environmental, social, and economic impacts. The term sustainability goes beyond environmental impacts and includes social sustainability, which involves supportive workplaces, supporting communities, and promoting employee wellbeing; and governance sustainability, which covers areas like supply chain management, health and safety, and risk management.
There are many levels to sustainable business practices. From the reduction of the environmental and social harm resulting from a business’s operation, to looking at how reducing waste, saving energy, and optimizing supply chains could have a positive impact. Businesses which prioritize these efforts can benefit from increased customer attraction, reduced operational expenses, and stronger reputations.
Here at Gallagher, our sustainability framework focuses on three core pillars, Our People, Our Place, and Our Economy. We use this to guide our commitment to environmental, social, and governance sustainability.
Why sustainability is important in business
Business sustainability is no longer a nice to have initiative, it’s a crucial competitive advantage. As sustainability becomes prevalent in the business world, companies without sustainable practices may be ruled out by customers, business partners, and investors.
The benefits of sustainable business practices
The benefits of embracing sustainable practices are far reaching:
- Building customer trust: Customers are drawn to companies with a purpose, especially those focused on committing to the environment and social good.
- Cutting expenses: Cost savings are generated through reducing energy use, minimizing waste, and streamlining operations.
- Future resilience: Businesses that prioritize sustainability are better adept to evolving regulation and demands, rising resource costs, and wider impacts of climate change.
- Attracting and retaining talent: Sustainable businesses attract top talent. In New Zealand, for example, 86% of employees say working for a socially responsible company is important to them.
- Long term growth: When evaluating companies, investors and stakeholders increasingly prioritize corporate sustainability strategy, recognizing its role in resilience and stability.
- Quality products: Sustainable businesses are associated with higher quality products, increasing appeal of customers and investors.
The role of security in sustainable business strategy
While security companies are chiefly known for their primary role of securing buildings, staff, and resources, Gallagher Security systems can also support business sustainability strategy in surprising ways:
- Energy efficiency and automation: When integrated with building automation systems, security solutions can manage lighting, heating, and cooling based on occupancy. This reduces energy use and costs while lowering environmental impact.
- Durable, high-quality products: Security products designed for longevity reduce the need for replacements, saving resources and minimizing waste.
- Plastic-free access: By replacing traditional access cards with mobile credentials, businesses can eliminate plastic waste and reduce ink usage, contributing to sustainability goals.
- Healthier work environments: Advanced tools like Halo Smart Sensors monitor air quality, providing real-time data on pollutants like particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and carbon monoxide. These insights help businesses create safer and healthier spaces for employees and customers.
By leveraging the full potential of security systems, practical and often underutilized tools can increase energy savings and maintain safety and workplace efficiency.
Real-world examples of sustainability through security
Incorporating business sustainability strategy with Gallagher Security solutions has been successfully tried and tested. Below are three corporate sustainability examples of business leveraging our solutions to create a more sustainable business.
Energy Reduction and Healthier Environments
St Peters School in Cambridge, New Zealand, is an excellent example of how security systems can support sustainability in business. Using Gallaghers Smart Electricity Meters, the school reached a 30% reduction in energy use. By using air conditioning efficiently, they indirectly extended the lifespan of the air conditioning units and reduced operational costs.
The benefits didn’t stop there. The system also improved health and safety though monitoring chlorine levels in the pool area. When high levels were detected, the system automatically opened windows, increased pump activity, and restricted access until conditions were safe again.
Reducing waste and energy consumption
At Bogotá Energy Group, environmental and social responsibility are woven into every sustainable business decision, including security. By integrating access control with energy management, the company reduced support battery use by 50%, cutting energy consumption and minimizing waste.
In addition, switching to digital access eliminated the need for 300 plastic access cards annually, significantly reducing their environmental footprint.
Healthier environments for students and staff
When Metcalfe County Schools took advantage of an integration with Halo Smart Sensors to monitor vaping on campus, they were pleasantly surprised by an additional benefit – improved air quality and, in turn, healthier classrooms.
When the sensors flagged poor air quality in certain classrooms, the school discovered a malfunctioning air unit. Addressing the issue created a healthier learning environment, showcasing the system’s dual benefits for health and business social sustainability.
Taking the first step to embracing sustainability in business
Corporate sustainability strategy is swiftly becoming a business imperative, charged by evolving regulations, customer expectations, and the need to address global challenges. Yet, many companies overlook opportunities to use existing systems that target their sustainability goals.
Security systems already in place can be optimized to reduce energy use, minimize plastic waste, and create healthier environments. By taking advantage of these features, businesses can not only protect their assets but also demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
The journey toward sustainability in business starts with small steps. Whether it’s integrating building automation, switching to mobile credentials, or monitoring air quality, security systems can play a crucial role in creating a more sustainable future for businesses and the planet.
Are you ready to explore how security solutions can support your sustainability goals? Contact us to discover how our integrated security systems can protect what matters most.