As climate change progresses and the need for sustainability awareness grows, industries are adopting environmentally conscious practices. The security industry is no exception. Traditional human guard services can take a toll on the environment in ways you might not expect. Things like vehicle emissions and resource waste raise environmental concerns.
A different approach to security like VirtuGuard™ remote video monitoring can keep commercial and residential properties secured, all while being more sustainable.
Decreased Transportation Emissions
Traditional security vehicle patrols pump carbon into the atmosphere. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a single passenger vehicle emits 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. Patrol vehicles often drive more miles each year than a typical passenger vehicle, likely increasing carbon emissions in the security industry.
VirtuGuard™ remote video monitoring is conducted entirely through surveillance cameras and other security infrastructure at a client site. Additionally, all operations are handled from remote Command Centers. Because remote guarding does not require patrol vehicles or frequent driving, carbon dioxide emissions have dramatically decreased. Rather than requiring several patrol vehicles to cover several client sites, virtual patrols can be conducted from centralized Command Centers.
Less Wasted Resources
Several resources required for physical guarding operations are not environmentally friendly. Security Guard uniforms and equipment are often made of non-recyclable materials. Because uniforms are not typically redistributed, once a uniform is no longer being used it contributes to clothing waste.
Clothing waste significantly impacts the environment through several channels, including resource depletion, carbon emissions, pollution, and the creation of microplastics. Further, the production of clothing requires copious amounts of water, energy, and other natural resources, which leads to waste and pollution.
Meanwhile, remote video monitoring is conducted from remote Command Centers, placing less emphasis on employee presentation through uniforms. Less resources wasted on Security Guard uniforms decreases the environmental impact of these security services.
Paperless Operations
Like many other industries, paper waste in the security industry negatively impacts the environment. Paper waste contributes to deforestation, which in turn reduces carbon sinks, disrupts ecosystems, and threatens biodiversity. Greenhouse gas emissions are also a risk. When gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are released into the atmosphere, global warming accelerates. Pollution, overconsumption of water and energy, and waste generation pose major risks to the environment.
VirtuGuard™ remote monitoring is a paperless operation. All reporting is digital, which improves efficiency while minimizing paper use. Additionally, all Command Center Agent training is completed online. Reducing paper use is not only better for the environment but is also more effective for remote video monitoring operations.
Sustainable Security Solution: VirtuGuard™ Remote Video Monitoring
Remote video monitoring provides superior security while remaining more environmentally conscious. Traditional security methods come with high carbon dioxide emissions, wasted resources, and other harmful outputs. As we move through 2025 and beyond, it is crucial for both companies and consumers to recognize the importance of environmental impact and make choices accordingly.