Page 50 - SyI Quarterly - Q3 and Q4 Edition 2023

Corporate Social Responsibility

Striking a Balance: Physical

Security and Environmental

Sustainability

Emil Irimescu CSyP

In an age marked by an escalating concern for the future of our planet, a
crucial inquiry emerges: Can physical security and sustainability
harmoniously coexist? While sustainability may have been a buzzword
three decades ago, today, it stands as one of the foremost pillars in both
the corporate world and wider society. As the security industry experiences
remarkable growth and transformation, it becomes imperative to explore its
role within the broader context of modern society, probing the intersection
of security and sustaiability.

The article analyses, from a general critical thinking perspective, if the
Physical Security industry trend is heading in the direction of environmental sustainability or not. For
sure, quantitative studies and more in-depth analyses can raise new and more accurate questions and
statements.

Before we continue, let us define sustainability. The United Nations (UN) defines sustainability as
meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own
needs. As the definition states, this is not only related to the environment but also to other hot topics
like education, gender equality, hunger, or poverty. The UN has identified 17 pillars that define
sustainability from all perspectives. These days, the most significant pillar is represented by the
“environment and climate actions”. By 2035, the Earth’s average temperature is projected to increase
by 1.5 degrees Celsius, and by 2035 by 2.5 degrees Celsius. To offset this, humanity must reduce
carbon dioxide emissions by 43% by 2030 and by 2050 to zero. This has been a very difficult mission,
one that has already been delayed.

The Security Industry, a venerable profession with a history spanning almost thousands of years, now
stands at the crossroads of profound transformation. This evolution is driven by the wave of
digitalisation, fundamentally reshaping its traditional contours. At the forefront of this change is the
presence of Electronic Security Systems (ESS), a paradigm shift that redefines the industry’s landscape.

ESS dominates an era where technology tilts the balance away from human-centric approaches. This
transformation carries notable advantages from both operational and financial perspectives, a fact
well-recognized throughout the industry. The adoption of ESS, coupled with the infusion of Artificial
Intelligence (AI) and the expansion of remote services, promises enhanced security measures. Yet, the
pivotal question remains: What impact do these advancements have in terms of long-term
environmental sustainability?

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