News & Trends

For decades the Pro AV industry has relied on power-draining projectors, high-wattage displays, and energy-hungry sound systems that carry a high environmental cost.

As legislative and corporate responsibility mandates call for greater sustainability in workplace environments, the AV industry is responding with innovations that are helping to create sustainable offices and protect the environment. Here is how you can use those green office ideas in your workplace. 

Understanding the Sustainable Office

A sustainable office is a workplace designed and operated to minimize environmental harm and maximize resource efficiency while creating a healthy and productive environment for employees. Its primary mission is to use energy-efficient technology, reduce waste, deploy eco-friendly materials, and implement e-cycling protocols.

In today’s world, where climate change is one of the foremost issues of our time, a commitment to environmental protection demonstrates that an organization isn’t just talking the talk but walking the walk. 

Keeping up with the latest trends in sustainable equipment and eco-friendly materials for AV industry professionals and end-users requires ongoing investments, research, and adapting to new standards. But is it worth the effort? 

Key Benefits of a Sustainable Office

When organizations commit to ensuring sustainable office practices, it's a win-win for everyone. From positively impacting the environment to improving the organization’s financial well-being and enhancing employee morale, a sustainable office provides organizations with significant environmental, economic, and health-focused benefits.

Environmental Impact

Committing to establishing a green office involves capital investments in energy-efficient conferencing systems, digital signage and displays, and AV systems as well as implementing strategies for recycling and disposing of toxic AV components like lead and mercury.  These activities decrease energy consumption, reduce carbon footprint, and avoid toxic landfill burden.

Economic Advantages

Green office protocols can help organizations gain a competitive edge in their industry by conforming to the preferences of businesses and consumers to partner with environmentally responsible vendors. A 2024 study by PwC found that 85% of survey respondents are experiencing the disruptive effects of climate change first-hand and 46% are buying more sustainable products as a way to reduce their impact on the environment.

Enhanced Workplace Environment

Sustainable offices are focused on safeguarding indoor air quality, providing access to natural daylight, using noise-reducing materials, and adopting recycling strategies that create a more positive workplace. 

According to a study on the impact of sustainability on employee behavior, 50% of workers wouldn’t consider a job offer from a company that did not have a strong sustainability practice, and 65% of millennials would reject such an offer.

Green Office Ideas for the Pro AV Industry

Given its historical dependence on high-power drawing products and systems, the industry can do more to protect the environment through the design of eco-friendly technology, ergonomic floor plans, and green procurement strategies.

Eco-Friendly Technology

Investing in eco-friendly technology, such as the following, helps organizations achieve their environmental protection goals without sacrificing technological performance:

• Choose Energy-Efficient Equipment: Upgrade to LED lighting, ENERGY STAR-certified AV systems, and low-power devices to reduce overall energy consumption.
• Use Smart Automation Systems: Implement occupancy sensors, automated power management, and scheduling tools to ensure systems operate only when needed.
• Integrate Renewable Energy Sources: Reduce reliance on traditional power grids by incorporating solar panels, battery storage, and other renewable energy solutions.
• Enhance Thermal Management: Prevent overheating and improve system longevity with proper ventilation, liquid cooling, and efficient rack design.

Sustainable Design Practices

Incorporating sustainable design practices enables organizations to not only reduce energy consumption but also create a healthier work environment that enhances productivity. Consider implementing the following protocols: 

• Efficient Floor Plans: Design floor plans that maximize natural light and airflow to reduce reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning.
• Modular AV Setups: Use flexible, scalable AV systems that adapt to different workspaces, reducing redundant equipment and unnecessary capital expenditures.
• Use Sustainable Materials and Systems: Integrate recycled and eco-friendly components, daylight harvesting, shading systems, occupancy sensors, low-VOC materials, automated building controls, and indoor plants to improve air quality. 

Green Procurement and Waste Reduction

Green procurement and waste reduction are key aspects in making AV setups more sustainable. Here are some of the ways organizations can reduce their carbon footprint:

• Select Eco-Conscious Products: Choosing suppliers that prioritize sustainability and opting for AV products with eco-certifications ensures responsible procurement.
• Develop Waste Management Protocols: Establishing efficient waste recycling programs prevents hazardous materials from contaminating the environment.
• Reduce Packaging Waste: Encouraging suppliers to use minimal, biodegradable packaging materials lowers the organization’s overall waste production.

Sustainable Office Challenges and Solutions

While adopting sustainable office practices brings numerous benefits, some organizations may face hurdles along the way. Some common obstacles include:

• Higher Costs: Sustainable AV products and eco-friendly suppliers often come with higher upfront costs.
• Limited Availability of Options: Finding AV products that are eco-certified or come with minimal packaging can be challenging. 
• Complex Recycling Processes: Setting up a recycling program isn’t always simple, especially without the proper knowledge and staff to manage the process. 
  

Despite these challenges, practical solutions, including the following, exist to make the shift to a greener office easier:

• Workforce Training Programs: Helping employees understand why sustainability matters and how they can contribute can build a culture of environmental responsibility and eager participants. 
• Incremental Implementation: Rather than changing everything in one fell swoop, take it step by step. Start with small, manageable changes and set goals to track progress. 
• Stay Educated: Participating in industry conferences, trade shows, and webinars, as well as closely collaborating with clients and partners, can help organizations sidestep obstacles and take advantage of the newest innovations in sustainable office design.

Future Trends in Sustainable Offices for Pro AV

The push for sustainable offices is fueling eco-friendly innovations that boost efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Here are some trends that are shaping the future of the industry:

• Advancements in the IoT: The integration of smart systems with IoT technology will enable automated energy management and optimized power consumption based on real-time usage data.
• Green AV Technologies: Low-energy projectors, displays, and audio systems designed with biodegradable materials will reduce the toxic landfill burden.
• Regulatory and Stakeholder Expectations: Organizations will increasingly align their business practices to comply with government mandates and industry guidelines to become more ecologically responsible.
  

The Takeaway

The Pro AV industry can play a major role in advancing the future of office sustainability. The transition to a sustainable office may present some challenges, but taking incremental steps and engaging your workforce can make the transition easier.  Here are some resources organizations can use to get started:

• ENERGY STAR Program: Provides information on energy-efficient products and practices, including special offers and rebates that may be relevant to AV equipment.
• Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE): Provides technical assistance in advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies with resources that enable the adoption of sustainable practices. 
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): This agency, while aimed at federal facilities, offers guidance on the environmentally responsible acquisition and procurement of electronics.
  

To learn more, sign up to attend our Conferencing and Collaboration Power Hour: Sustainable Practices for Physical and Virtual Workplaces webinar on April 9. Our panel of industry experts will share their knowledge and best practices, helping your organization to position itself as a resilient supplier of high-performance AV systems. Join us in building a cleaner, greener world.