Why sustainability in AV is key to a greener IT strategy

For organisations of all sizes, the shift towards greener IT practices is more evident than it’s ever been. Just a few years ago, questions about environmental practices were minimal. Typically, you might be asked for ISO 14001 certifications, a standard for environmental management systems, and that was often the extent of the inquiry. However, the landscape has changed and today, corporate sustainability programmes are the norm. According to a study by KPMG, nearly all, 96 percent, of the world’s top 250 companies report on sustainability.

It’s now not only necessary for organisations to demonstrate their environmental compliance but also to showcase a proactive approach to sustainability. Especially, as over half of business leaders globally plan to increase investment in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. We are seeing a broader trend, where sustainability is becoming a strategic imperative. For IT leaders, this shift brings both challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, there’s a need to meet these evolving expectations. And on the other hand, there is an opportunity to use sustainability to drive innovation and efficiency.

Research from McKinsey shows that the biggest impact on IT generated emissions can be found in unexpected places and the biggest carbon culprit is end-user devices. This makes Audio Visual (AV) systems an area of IT infrastructure that offers up substantial opportunities to make significant progress towards greener operations.

One of the simplest ways to enhance the sustainability of AV systems is through the adoption of ECO modes, which have become a common feature in many devices. ECO modes are designed to conserve energy by putting the device into a low-power state when not in use. This is particularly beneficial for devices like display screens, which are commonly found throughout office environments. When a display device is inactive, the ECO mode can automatically place it into ‘sleep’ mode which drastically cuts down on energy consumption. Video conferencing devices are also beginning to adopt more sophisticated versions of this feature. For example, some systems use sensors, such as cameras or touch panels, to detect activity and adjust power settings accordingly. By implementing these features across AV systems, IT leaders can significantly reduce energy usage across their operations, lowering both their carbon footprint and operating costs.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) can also be utilised to support sustainable AV operations. PoE allows small devices to be powered through the same cable that provides their network connection, eliminating the need for separate power supplies. This not only simplifies the installation process and reduces the amount of cabling required, but it also has a positive impact on the environment. By eliminating the need for multiple power adapters, PoE reduces packaging materials and minimises shipping costs, which in turn lowers the overall carbon footprint of the product. Additionally, PoE reduces the demand for multiple electrical outlets which supports a streamlined, more efficient office setup and contributes to further energy savings.

For IT leaders there is a need to navigate the complexities of running efficient operations while meeting the demand for environmental responsibility. While the energy consumption of AV products varies widely depending on their type and usage scenario, recent advancements have made it possible to significantly reduce their environmental impact. For instance, modern projectors, which are a staple in auditoriums, have seen significant advancements in energy efficiency. These devices now utilise advanced 3-chip, 3LCD laser technology that offers high brightness and colour accuracy while consuming much less power than older lamp-based models. Manufacturers are increasingly integrating these features into more compact designs, significantly reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

Display screens, another key component of AV systems, have also evolved in recent years. High-resolution displays now incorporate energy-saving features such as automatic brightness adjustment based on ambient light conditions. This feature, combined with advanced System-on-Chip (SoC) technology that integrates multiple functionalities into a single component, allows for reduced hardware requirements and lower power consumption. By selecting energy-efficient display screens, organisations can reduce their energy use without compromising on performance or visual quality.

Streaming media players and servers have also benefited from technological improvements. Streaming devices, for example, are designed to consume minimal power, typically under 10 watts during operation. Advances in processor efficiency and network optimisation have further reduced their energy usage, making them even more environmentally friendly. On the server side, media servers used in professional environments are now engineered with power-saving features and advanced thermal management systems. These innovations allow servers to deliver high performance while consuming less energy, which reduces their environmental footprint without compromising on functionality.

Often the introduction of new technologies or processes can be met with some hesitation. This resistance is a common hurdle that IT leaders must navigate when driving sustainability initiatives within their organisations. To overcome this, it’s important to communicate the benefits of sustainable AV practices clearly and consistently. People are more likely to embrace change when they understand what can be gained. Start by highlighting how these practices can lead to significant cost savings. For example, the adoption of energy-efficient AV systems can reduce electricity consumption, leading to lower utility bills. These savings can then be reinvested in further sustainability initiatives, creating a cycle of continuous improvement. Beyond cost savings, sustainable AV technologies can streamline operations and reduce the time and effort required to manage and maintain equipment, which can lead to a more productive work environment.

As organisations face increasing pressure to demonstrate their environmental responsibility, IT leaders have an opportunity to lead by example. The path to sustainability does not require a complete overhaul of existing systems but rather a strategic focus on areas where meaningful change can be made.

While AV systems have traditionally been considered an off shoot of IT, they offer a significant opportunity in driving sustainability initiatives and represent an ideal starting point. By embracing energy efficient technologies such PoE, and utilising ECO modes, organisations can make strides in reducing their environmental impact. These changes not only lower energy costs and streamline operations but they also make the business case for sustainability even stronger whilst having a positive impact on the planet.

If you need to update your AV systems to improve the sustainability of your IT deployment, get in touch with our experts to discuss your requirements.

‘Why AV is key to a greener IT strategy’ as featured in the AI Journal.