By Ekta Puthran, Head of Sales APAC & MEA – Collaboration, Barco
Returning to the office has forced many organizations to reevaluate how their physical spaces align with the evolving needs of their workforce. Revamping office spaces highlights an often-overlooked area of corporate responsibility: the modernization of IT and AV collaboration tools. From facilitating seamless hybrid work to supporting sustainable practices, upgrading technology is not just a technical challenge, it has evolved towards a corporate imperative.
Today, sustainability efforts are no longer a “nice-to-have”; it’s a must for organizations. CEOs and IT managers alike are prioritizing eco-friendly solutions as part of their broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies. But beyond just meeting regulatory requirements, companies are discovering that sustainable solutions offer numerous business benefits, from reducing operational costs to enhancing corporate reputation. Companies are pushing sustainability to the forefront of industry, making it the next frontier in corporate responsibility.
The urgency to adopt sustainable solutions is gaining traction, not only among IT professionals but across entire leadership teams. 86% of IT managers view sustainability practices as essential to achieving business goals, as noted by Frost & Sullivan’s Investment Priorities for the Workplace and Video Conferencing. This growing consensus reflects the shift towards long-term thinking and proactive planning in tech procurement and strategy.
Moving towards green technology
One of the biggest concerns with traditional meeting room setups is the environmental impact they have over their lifecycle. AV systems often consume large amounts of energy and generate significant electronic waste (e-waste) when they reach the end of product lifetimes. This has sparked a growing demand for more energy-efficient, long-lasting, and recyclable IT and AV technologies and a higher demand for carbon-neutral solutions.
The shift towards greener technology doesn’t come without challenges. A recent Kinly Trusted Connections 2024 report shows that 53% of organizations are struggling to find AV suppliers that can fully support their ESG goals. This gap in the market creates a unique opportunity for collaboration tech manufacturers and suppliers to lead the way in creating more sustainable solutions.
Why you will benefit from making sustainability part of your strategy
It’s clear that sustainability is becoming a business necessity, but why should companies specifically focus on IT and AV systems as a key part of their strategy? First and foremost, adopting energy-efficient AV technologies can significantly reduce energy consumption and lower operational costs. Energy-efficient devices use less power, which in turn can lead to substantial savings, which can immediately impact a company’s bottom line.
Another significant advantage is waste reduction. As companies plan for the lifecycle of their solutions, IT managers need to consider what happens when these devices reach the end of their product life. Sustainable solutions often involve recycling programs, modular systems that can be upgraded rather than replaced, and technologies designed to minimize e-waste. By incorporating these into procurement decisions from the start, companies can avoid the environmental and financial costs associated with retiring outdated equipment.
Finally, commitment to eco-friendly practices is increasingly becoming a differentiator in the market, helping businesses stand out to customers, partners, and potential employees and enhancing brand reputation. By investing in sustainable AV solutions, organizations can demonstrate their dedication to social responsibility, strengthen relationships with like-minded partners, attract top talent and cultivate loyalty among customers who value eco-consciousness.
Companies that proactively adopt sustainable practices today will be better positioned to navigate future regulatory requirements, market shifts, and consumer expectations. For IT managers, the key to achieving these long-term benefits lies in careful planning and the strategic selection of collaboration solutions.
To conclude, sustainable IT and AV solutions, are quickly emerging as a critical component of corporate responsibility, offering companies a chance to reduce their environmental footprint while unlocking tangible business benefits, and future-proof their operations.