The Significance and Approaches to Sustainability in the Realm of Audio-Visual and Information Technology
**Headline:** Making Informed Choices for Sustainable Collaboration Solutions: A Guide for AV and IT Managers
In today's business landscape, companies of all sizes are embracing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives and dedicating resources to sustainability. This shift is evident in the growing focus on sustainable collaboration solutions, a crucial aspect for AV and IT managers.
In a recent quarterly Town Hall meeting, a VP of ESG delivered a detailed report on the company's sustainability program, covering topics such as paper and ink purchases, digital footprint, and more. The discussion will provide guidance on creating value for ESG plans related to collaboration solutions.
Here are some steps and best practices for AV and IT managers to consider when selecting sustainable collaboration solutions:
1. **Evaluate Sustainable Suppliers** When choosing suppliers, consider their commitment to sustainability. Look for companies that have environmental certifications and adhere to sustainable practices throughout their operations, using sustainable materials, reducing waste, and employing energy-efficient technologies.
2. **Integrate Energy-Efficient AV Solutions** Utilize AV-over-IP solutions, designed to be more energy-efficient compared to traditional AV systems. These systems support hybrid work environments while minimizing energy consumption. Incorporate smart infrastructure that supports remote monitoring and efficient power management, reducing overall energy usage.
3. **Design Human-Centered Spaces** Create spaces that are inclusive, accessible, and comfortable, ensuring that all participants can contribute effectively. Incorporate sustainable materials in the design of collaboration spaces to reduce environmental impact.
4. **Promote Collaboration and Well-being** Implement flexible layouts that support different work styles, reducing the need for excessive travel and promoting well-being among employees. Use standards like the WELL Building Standard to ensure spaces are designed with wellness in mind, contributing to a healthier work environment.
5. **Monitor and Adjust** Regularly assess the environmental impact of collaboration solutions and make adjustments as needed to align with sustainability goals. Encourage strategic innovation by adopting new technologies and practices that support reducing carbon emissions and achieving net-zero emissions.
Some best practices for reducing carbon emissions include using energy-efficient technologies, encouraging virtual meetings, sustainable procurement, and educating stakeholders about the importance of sustainability.
At events like InfoComm, sustainability has become a prominent focus, with device manufacturers and solutions companies refining their sustainability messages. Display companies, for example, have promoted their use of recycled materials and lower power consumption, with some committing to net-zero emissions in certain product lifecycle chains.
AV and IT managers can ensure the products they purchase create sustainable value throughout their lifecycle by watching on-demand webinars, learning about the impact of Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions on product acquisition decision-making, and discussing strategies for monitoring and automating installed solutions to save electricity and inform carbon accounting.
Participants will learn about these topics and more at a roundtable discussion featuring insights from AVI-SPL's Senior Vice President, ESG and Sustainability, Kelly Bousman, and Logitech's Global Head of Commercial Development, Joel Murray. The discussion will also explore how IT and AV departments can contribute to a company's overall sustainability mission and help achieve the "Triple Bottom Line."
By following these guidelines, AV and IT managers can make informed choices that not only support effective collaboration but also contribute significantly to a company's sustainability mission.
- AV and IT managers should prioritize suppliers that demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability, featuring certifications and adherence to sustainable practices.
- Employ energy-efficient AV solutions and integrate smart infrastructure to minimize energy consumption, enhancing sustainability in collaboration spaces.
- Sustainable materials and human-centric design should be considered when creating collaboration spaces, promoting accessibility and well-being.
- Flexible layouts in collaboration spaces can encourage well-being among employees and reduce carbon emissions by limiting excessive travel.
- By regularly assessing the environmental impact of collaboration solutions and making adjustments, AV and IT managers can help their companies achieve sustainability goals and support strategic innovation.
- Incorporating educational resources, such as on-demand webinars and industry events, can aid AV and IT managers in understanding the role of sustainability in product choices and contributing to their company's overall mission of the "Triple Bottom Line."
