Pursuing Sustainable Victories with Determination
In a shift from the wasteful culture, the Pro AV industry is getting greener by the day, mirroring America's own efforts. While some manufacturers continue to churn out products that barely last beyond their warranties, others are bucking the trend, embracing long-term, sustainable solutions.
Leading the Charge: Top Sustainability Efforts
"It's high time we reassessed our commitment to quality and switched to long-term thinking," said James Chen, managing director for connectivity brand Kordz.
Industry leaders are taking notice, with publications like SCN highlighting sustainability initiatives and brainstorming ways to go further. Let's dive into this green revolution.
Conserving Power and Resources
The focus on sustainability is particularly prominent in product development. Extron has been at the forefront, introducing ECO Standby technology. This innovation places audio amplifiers in standby mode after eight seconds of inactivity, awaking in under 5ms with InstaWake+ technology for optimized energy conservation.
Kordz has pioneered the "kordzification" process, meticulously evaluating all aspects of their products during development. "We're dedicated to providing Pro AV integrators with top-tier products that perform superbly today and will stand the test of time, all while minimizing the carbon footprint," Chen explains.
Kordz emphasizes high-quality materials and careful manufacturing processes, ensuring their products are robust and waste-free. Their PRO and PRS SlimCat networking systems and patch cords, for instance, are half the physical size of traditional Cat 6 and Cat 6A cables but retain excellent performance. "Just imagine the global impact if the millions of meters of Cat cables used annually by integrators consumed half the material and lasted longer," Chen adds.
Driving Sustainable Growth
Manufacturers are helping integrators become sustainable by offering energy-efficient features and designs. For instance, AV Tech Media Solutions focuses on enabling systems that can be easily upgraded, promoting long-term use over annual upgrades.
However, clients often prioritize economic factors, making it essential for integrators to highlight the value of making sustainable choices. "A 'one-size-fits-all' solution might not always align with sustainability efforts. It's a balancing act-one that we're continually refining," said Bill Thrasher, COO of AV Tech Media Solutions.
Award-winning Efforts
Collaborative technologies and sustainable initiatives are starting to be recognized. For example, AVer Information received the "Below 1.5°C" Certification in 2023, acknowledging the company's dedication to the goals set in the Paris Agreement.
Nonprofit organizations like SAVe are also stepping in, assisting the AV industry in meeting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations. In 2022, SAVe launched its official partnership with ISE, promoting sustainability across five continents through events, discussions, and certifications.
The industry is still far from perfect, but proven efforts like lifecycle thinking, community impact, material selection, and energy efficiency can help propel the AV/IT world into a greener future. The SAVe Guide to Sustainable AV Design and Installation serves as a valuable resource to that end, regularly updated to reflect the latest eco-friendly practices.
Battling E-waste
While progress has been made, there are still areas that require urgent attention, such as supply chain transparency, recycling program standardization, and implementing renewable energy in manufacturing. "Our industry's business model heavily relies on the perpetual updating and replacement of technology. We must address this looming challenge and foster collaboration and innovation to facilitate real, impactful change," said Arthur Pait, president of AVer USA.
With the e-waste crisis approaching 82 million tons by 2030-a 33% increase from 2022-the Pro AV industry cannot ignore its role in the issue. It's time to divert discarded equipment and materials away from landfills and make the move towards a greener, more sustainable future.
"The drive for sustainability in the Pro AV industry is evident in various aspects, with manufacturers like Extron introducing ECO Standby technology for energy conservation," said a spokesperson.
"Kordz's kordzification process, evaluating all aspects of products during development, is another example of how companies are committed to providing long-lasting, eco-friendly solutions," Chen added.
Manufacturers are also focusing on energy-efficient features and upgradeable systems to encourage sustainable growth, as AV Tech Media Solutions is doing, explained Bill Thrasher, COO of the company.
"Awards and recognition, such as the 'Below 1.5°C' Certification given to AVer Information in 2023, serve as a testament to the industry's progress in embracing sustainable living," said a representative for the company.
Nonprofit organizations like SAVe are playing a crucial role in assisting the industry in meeting the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals, having partnered with ISE in 2022 to promote sustainability across the globe.
Despite the strides made, challenges like supply chain transparency, standardizing recycling programs, and adopting renewable energy in manufacturing still need addressing. "The e-waste crisis is escalating, with projections of 82 million tons by 2030. It's crucial for the Pro AV industry to take action and facilitate positive change," stated Arthur Pait, president of AVer USA.
"The SAVe Guide to Sustainable AV Design and Installation is a valuable resource that remains updated with the latest eco-friendly practices, helping guide the industry towards a greener future," said a SAVe representative.
