Retail
GREEN SURVEILLANCE: REDUCING CRIME AND CARBON IN RETAIL
Graham Swallow, of Axis Communications, explores how modern surveillance technologies can not only reduce risk but also lower costs and emissions while supporting environmental goals.
T
he bricks-and-mortar retail environment is under pressure. Teſt is skyrocketing, anti-social behaviour is rampant, and more
workers than ever are facing the threat of verbal and physical abuse. It’s an untenable position, one which means robust surveillance and security have never been more worthwhile. However, any new surveillance system must also be considered within a broader context. Customers and regulators now demand more.
Tey care about sustainability activities. Tey demand that businesses show that they are taking the relevant steps to protect the environment. Surveillance hardware plays a vital role in aiding the execution of sustainability initiatives, but this activity cannot come at the expense of strong security provisions. It is imperative that retailers improve both in a value-driven way. Total cost of ownership (TCO) is, aſter all, a growing area of concern across the market, and surveillance hardware is no exception. Energy consumption of surveillance systems is both a significant
sustainability concern and a major cost factor. Even minor variations in power usage per device become substantial when multiplied across the considerable number of devices employed as part of a typical surveillance network. Consider this: running a 5W camera costs approximately £12.54 annually per unit, while a 10W camera doubles the cost to £25.07 per unit. For a network of 1,000 cameras, this results in a £62,700 vs. £125,350 cost difference over five years. Budget constraints naturally drive purchasing decisions.
However, the actual value is oſten hidden. With the added pressure of ESG reporting, CSR audits, and sustainability disclosures, TCO must now reflect the full cost picture, encompassing energy and maintenance, as well as sustainability and end-of-life impact.
Smart purchases for sustainability Tis is where green digitalisation comes in: the use of digital technologies to drive environmental efficiency. In a surveillance context, it means making more intelligent choices. Te right camera system is not just one that produces pin-sharp security imagery. It’s the hardware that punches above its weight in terms of flexibility and custom functionality, while supporting its users’ sustainability efforts. It’s the hardware that’s reliable enough to provide long- term value in terms of its materials and energy costs, from a
42 | July/August 2025
manufacturer that demonstrates its own positive environmental credentials. As retail clients drive towards sustainability, they
will look to the channel to provide this guidance. Tere is increasing long-term value in trust and ethical alignment. Purchase price will likely always come first, but as the true nature of TCO becomes clear, the practice of seeking out products built upon a policy of sustainability-first design will grow. Sustainable device selection provides a pillar for
business growth. Tough regulations such as WEEE are very important, functionality may be more so. Prioritising multi-functional devices – that is,
hardware that provides both operational and security benefits – allows for smart planning, execution, and evidence of sustainable procedures, reduces the demand on supporting infrastructure such as cabling and storage servers, and decreases overall energy consumption.
Durability, modularity, and ESG Surveillance is a commitment. Over the long term, a network of devices can significantly impact the broader sustainability efforts and ESG strategies. A camera, for example, is not just defined by image quality or the soſtware it runs: it must be expected to function reliably for many years. A malfunction doesn’t just mean a security risk. Every time a product must be repaired or replaced, it incurs a carbon and e-waste cost. Investing in high-quality, durable and upgradeable systems minimises the frequency of hardware replacements. Modularity is similarly important. Businesses grow, they
move, and their needs change over time. Any system that cannot be expected to integrate with new hardware reliably essentially represents a potential future monetary and environmental cost. Closed ecosystems help no one. Suppose a specific need must be met, whether that be a new area to monitor, a new door to control, or new analytics to implement. In that case, it should not mean consigning existing infrastructure to waste. Te scalable and flexible nature of modern IP-based camera
equipment helps its users expand without replacing their core investment. A device with long-term firmware and licensing support, one with a flexible enough platform to be repurposed or upgraded as required, offers a far longer potential lifecycle than one with a fixed use or limited support. Sustainability is
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