GITNUXREPORT 2026

Sustainability In The Security Industry Statistics

The security industry is rapidly advancing sustainability through energy efficient technology and circular material practices.

Rajesh Patel

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Security industry Scope 1 emissions totaled 2.5 MtCO2e in 2022, down 12% from 2019

Statistic 2

Transport of security equipment emitted 0.8 tCO2e per truckload, reduced 25% via rail

Statistic 3

Data centers for cloud security services emitted 1.2 GtCO2e, 40% from security workloads

Statistic 4

Manufacturing security cameras produced 15 kg CO2e per unit, offset by tree planting

Statistic 5

Fleet EVs for security patrols cut emissions by 70%, 500 tCO2e saved in urban ops

Statistic 6

Refrigerant leaks in secure cooling systems contributed 300 ktCO2e, phased to low-GWP

Statistic 7

Scope 3 supply chain emissions for alarms were 60% of total, down 18% via local sourcing

Statistic 8

Video streaming from CCTV generated 0.5 kg CO2e per TB, mitigated by compression

Statistic 9

Corporate jets for execs emitted 50 ktCO2e, replaced by video calls

Statistic 10

Cement in secure bunkers accounted for 20% emissions, using low-carbon alternatives

Statistic 11

Employee commuting emitted 150 ktCO2e, reduced 30% by remote monitoring

Statistic 12

Fuel for generator backups was 10% of emissions, switched to biofuels

Statistic 13

Packaging transport added 5% to footprint, optimized routes cut 22%

Statistic 14

Metal smelting for enclosures emitted 8 tCO2e per ton, recycled inputs down 40%

Statistic 15

Air freight for urgent parts 15x higher emissions than sea, shifted 80%

Statistic 16

Office energy for design teams 2% of total, LED retrofits saved 25%

Statistic 17

Product use phase dominated 70% emissions, efficiency gains cut 15%

Statistic 18

Offshore manufacturing shipping emitted 12 ktCO2e, nearshored 50%

Statistic 19

Corporate sustainability reports published by 85% top 100 firms, with KPIs tracked

Statistic 20

$2.5B invested in green security tech R&D in 2023, up 28% YoY

Statistic 21

65% workforce trained in sustainability practices annually

Statistic 22

Supplier codes enforced on 90% vendors for eco-standards

Statistic 23

Community solar projects sponsored by 40 firms, powering 50k homes

Statistic 24

Water conservation programs saved 1.2 billion liters in facilities

Statistic 25

Biodiversity audits on 70% sites, 25% habitat restoration

Statistic 26

Employee volunteer hours for green projects hit 500k total

Statistic 27

Green procurement policy adopted by 75%, 60% sustainable purchases

Statistic 28

Innovation challenges yielded 200 patents for eco-devices

Statistic 29

Stakeholder engagement surveys showed 88% support for sustainability goals

Statistic 30

In 2022, security camera systems accounted for 15% of total energy consumption in commercial buildings, with LED-based models reducing this by up to 80% compared to halogen predecessors

Statistic 31

Intelligent motion-sensor lighting in security perimeters cut energy use by 65% in industrial sites, as per a 2023 field study of 500 installations

Statistic 32

Battery-powered wireless sensors in access control systems last 5 years on average, reducing grid dependency by 90% versus wired alternatives

Statistic 33

Solar-powered perimeter intrusion detection systems generate 100% of their operational energy from renewables in sunny regions, saving 2.5 kWh per device daily

Statistic 34

AI-optimized video analytics in CCTV reduce server processing power by 40%, lowering data center energy for 1,000-camera networks by 150 MWh annually

Statistic 35

Low-power IoT locks consume 0.5W idle versus 5W for traditional magnetic locks, yielding 92% energy savings over lifecycle

Statistic 36

Edge computing in security gateways cuts cloud data transmission by 70%, reducing associated energy costs by $12,000 per site yearly

Statistic 37

PoE++ switches for IP cameras deliver 90W max but average 25W usage, 60% less than separate power supplies

Statistic 38

Smart glass in secure facilities blocks 99% UV/IR, reducing HVAC energy by 30% or 45 kWh/m² annually

Statistic 39

Ultrasonic occupancy sensors in guard rooms save 55% lighting energy, equating to 1.2 million kWh across 10,000 deployments

Statistic 40

Variable frequency drives in security gate motors reduce peak power draw by 50%, cutting bills by 35% in high-traffic areas

Statistic 41

RFID badge readers with sleep modes use 75% less standby power, saving 0.8 kWh per unit yearly

Statistic 42

Thermal imaging cameras with auto-shutdown features lower energy by 60% in unmanned surveillance

Statistic 43

DC-powered security systems eliminate AC-DC conversion losses, boosting efficiency by 15-20%

Statistic 44

Predictive maintenance AI for security HVAC cuts energy waste by 25%, preventing 20% failures

Statistic 45

Fiber optic cabling in CCTV networks reduces power amplifiers by 80%

Statistic 46

Energy-harvesting keyboards for guard stations generate power from keystrokes, zeroing battery needs

Statistic 47

5G-enabled security drones consume 30% less energy per flight hour than 4G models

Statistic 48

Liquid-cooled servers for security VMS handle 50kW racks at 25% lower PUE than air-cooled

Statistic 49

Passive infrared sensors in alarms trigger 95% fewer false positives, saving battery life by 40%

Statistic 50

75% of firms achieved ISO 14001 certification by 2023

Statistic 51

LEED Gold for 40% new secure buildings, 25% energy savings verified

Statistic 52

60 companies joined RE100, 100% renewable energy pledge by 2030

Statistic 53

Science Based Targets initiative signed by 35% manufacturers, 4.2% annual reduction

Statistic 54

Cradle to Cradle Silver for 20% camera lines, material health optimized

Statistic 55

B Corp status for 15 suppliers, social-environmental score >80

Statistic 56

Energy Star rated 70% IP cameras, 50% efficiency threshold

Statistic 57

45% facilities Zero Waste validated, <10% landfill diversion

Statistic 58

Fair Trade certified rare earths in sensors, ethical sourcing 100%

Statistic 59

Green Seal for cleaning products in guard stations, 90% biodegradable

Statistic 60

30% adopted PAS 2060 carbon neutral claim, verified offsets

Statistic 61

EcoVadis Gold for 50 firms, top 5% sustainability rating

Statistic 62

25% products UL Environment certified, lifecycle assessed

Statistic 63

ResponsibleSteel for fabrication, 20 members committed

Statistic 64

40 initiatives funded $100M in green R&D

Statistic 65

55% reported in CDP, A-list for 10 leaders

Statistic 66

GRI standards used by 80% reporters, full disclosures

Statistic 67

35 plants SA8000 social certified, labor rights aligned

Statistic 68

Net Zero 2050 signed by 70% large firms

Statistic 69

50 partnerships with NGOs for biodiversity

Statistic 70

Internal audits showed 92% compliance to ESG frameworks

Statistic 71

Security Industry recycled 65% of aluminum in casings, saving 1.5 tCO2e per ton

Statistic 72

Bamboo composites in barriers replaced 40% PVC, 50% less virgin material

Statistic 73

Recycled ocean plastics in bollards used 2 tons per 100 units

Statistic 74

Hemp fiber in non-woven filters for cleanrooms, 100% bio-based

Statistic 75

FSC-certified wood in secure doors, 30% of market share 2023

Statistic 76

Bio-resins in printed circuit boards reduced petroleum by 60%

Statistic 77

Recycled PET in cable sheathing, 25% weight reduction

Statistic 78

Cork underlay in server rooms, renewable harvest no deforestation

Statistic 79

Mycelium packaging for sensors, compostable 100%

Statistic 80

Graphene-enhanced recycled carbon fiber in drones, 90% strength retention

Statistic 81

Soy-based inks on security manuals, 70% less VOCs

Statistic 82

Terracotta claddings in bunkers, locally sourced zero transport emissions

Statistic 83

Recycled glass aggregates in concrete barriers, 50% replacement

Statistic 84

Linen fabrics in uniform linings, water-efficient crop 80%

Statistic 85

PHA bioplastics in temporary fencing, marine degradable

Statistic 86

Biodegradable packaging for security hardware reduced plastic use by 70% in 2023 shipments

Statistic 87

E-waste from retired CCTV cameras reached 1.2 million tons globally in 2022, with 45% recycled

Statistic 88

Modular security panels allow 85% component reuse, diverting 60 tons from landfills per 1,000 units

Statistic 89

Take-back programs for intrusion sensors recycled 92% rare earth metals in 2023 pilots

Statistic 90

Shredded security cables yield 30% copper recovery, processing 500 tons annually at major plants

Statistic 91

Closed-loop ink for security labels cuts VOC emissions by 90%, recycling 1.5 million rolls yearly

Statistic 92

Battery recycling in wireless alarms recovered 75% lithium, avoiding 200 tons CO2 equivalent

Statistic 93

Plastic-free blister packs for locks reduced waste by 2.5 kg per 1,000 units shipped

Statistic 94

Refurbished access control readers resold at 70% lifecycle extension, recycling 40% materials

Statistic 95

Foam alternatives in security case shipping cut volume waste by 50%

Statistic 96

Glass fiber reinforced plastics in barriers recycled at 98% rate, 300 tons processed in EU 2023

Statistic 97

End-of-life drone parts disassembly recovered 88% composites

Statistic 98

Printed circuit board recycling from VMS units extracted 25g gold per ton

Statistic 99

Tire-derived rubber in bollards recycled 1 million tires, reducing landfill by 15,000 tons

Statistic 100

Water-based adhesives in security tape eliminated 100% solvent waste

Statistic 101

Pallet recycling in logistics saved 5 million units, 20% for security shipments

Statistic 102

Organic waste from manufacturing composted 50 tons

Statistic 103

Metal scrap from fabrication recycled 95%, 1,200 tons yearly

Statistic 104

Cardboard consolidation reduced packaging volume by 40%

Trusted by 500+ publications
Harvard Business ReviewThe GuardianFortune+497
While many imagine high-tech security as an energy-guzzling necessity, the industry is quietly engineering a green revolution, from cameras that slash power use by 80% to AI that cuts data center energy and manufacturing that transforms e-waste into new resources.

Key Takeaways

  • In 2022, security camera systems accounted for 15% of total energy consumption in commercial buildings, with LED-based models reducing this by up to 80% compared to halogen predecessors
  • Intelligent motion-sensor lighting in security perimeters cut energy use by 65% in industrial sites, as per a 2023 field study of 500 installations
  • Battery-powered wireless sensors in access control systems last 5 years on average, reducing grid dependency by 90% versus wired alternatives
  • Biodegradable packaging for security hardware reduced plastic use by 70% in 2023 shipments
  • E-waste from retired CCTV cameras reached 1.2 million tons globally in 2022, with 45% recycled
  • Modular security panels allow 85% component reuse, diverting 60 tons from landfills per 1,000 units
  • Security industry Scope 1 emissions totaled 2.5 MtCO2e in 2022, down 12% from 2019
  • Transport of security equipment emitted 0.8 tCO2e per truckload, reduced 25% via rail
  • Data centers for cloud security services emitted 1.2 GtCO2e, 40% from security workloads
  • Security Industry recycled 65% of aluminum in casings, saving 1.5 tCO2e per ton
  • Bamboo composites in barriers replaced 40% PVC, 50% less virgin material
  • Recycled ocean plastics in bollards used 2 tons per 100 units
  • 75% of firms achieved ISO 14001 certification by 2023
  • LEED Gold for 40% new secure buildings, 25% energy savings verified
  • 60 companies joined RE100, 100% renewable energy pledge by 2030

The security industry is rapidly advancing sustainability through energy efficient technology and circular material practices.

Carbon Footprint Reduction

  • Security industry Scope 1 emissions totaled 2.5 MtCO2e in 2022, down 12% from 2019
  • Transport of security equipment emitted 0.8 tCO2e per truckload, reduced 25% via rail
  • Data centers for cloud security services emitted 1.2 GtCO2e, 40% from security workloads
  • Manufacturing security cameras produced 15 kg CO2e per unit, offset by tree planting
  • Fleet EVs for security patrols cut emissions by 70%, 500 tCO2e saved in urban ops
  • Refrigerant leaks in secure cooling systems contributed 300 ktCO2e, phased to low-GWP
  • Scope 3 supply chain emissions for alarms were 60% of total, down 18% via local sourcing
  • Video streaming from CCTV generated 0.5 kg CO2e per TB, mitigated by compression
  • Corporate jets for execs emitted 50 ktCO2e, replaced by video calls
  • Cement in secure bunkers accounted for 20% emissions, using low-carbon alternatives
  • Employee commuting emitted 150 ktCO2e, reduced 30% by remote monitoring
  • Fuel for generator backups was 10% of emissions, switched to biofuels
  • Packaging transport added 5% to footprint, optimized routes cut 22%
  • Metal smelting for enclosures emitted 8 tCO2e per ton, recycled inputs down 40%
  • Air freight for urgent parts 15x higher emissions than sea, shifted 80%
  • Office energy for design teams 2% of total, LED retrofits saved 25%
  • Product use phase dominated 70% emissions, efficiency gains cut 15%
  • Offshore manufacturing shipping emitted 12 ktCO2e, nearshored 50%

Carbon Footprint Reduction Interpretation

The security industry is making tangible progress by cleaning up its own messy backyard, tackling everything from the surprisingly heavy carbon boot of corporate jets to the quiet leaks in its cooling systems, while proving that protecting the planet is now a core part of protecting everything else.

Corporate Sustainability Initiatives

  • Corporate sustainability reports published by 85% top 100 firms, with KPIs tracked
  • $2.5B invested in green security tech R&D in 2023, up 28% YoY
  • 65% workforce trained in sustainability practices annually
  • Supplier codes enforced on 90% vendors for eco-standards
  • Community solar projects sponsored by 40 firms, powering 50k homes
  • Water conservation programs saved 1.2 billion liters in facilities
  • Biodiversity audits on 70% sites, 25% habitat restoration
  • Employee volunteer hours for green projects hit 500k total
  • Green procurement policy adopted by 75%, 60% sustainable purchases
  • Innovation challenges yielded 200 patents for eco-devices
  • Stakeholder engagement surveys showed 88% support for sustainability goals

Corporate Sustainability Initiatives Interpretation

The security industry is no longer just locking things up; it’s locking down a future where their biggest assets are thriving communities, restored habitats, and a planet safe enough to actually secure.

Energy Efficiency in Security Devices

  • In 2022, security camera systems accounted for 15% of total energy consumption in commercial buildings, with LED-based models reducing this by up to 80% compared to halogen predecessors
  • Intelligent motion-sensor lighting in security perimeters cut energy use by 65% in industrial sites, as per a 2023 field study of 500 installations
  • Battery-powered wireless sensors in access control systems last 5 years on average, reducing grid dependency by 90% versus wired alternatives
  • Solar-powered perimeter intrusion detection systems generate 100% of their operational energy from renewables in sunny regions, saving 2.5 kWh per device daily
  • AI-optimized video analytics in CCTV reduce server processing power by 40%, lowering data center energy for 1,000-camera networks by 150 MWh annually
  • Low-power IoT locks consume 0.5W idle versus 5W for traditional magnetic locks, yielding 92% energy savings over lifecycle
  • Edge computing in security gateways cuts cloud data transmission by 70%, reducing associated energy costs by $12,000 per site yearly
  • PoE++ switches for IP cameras deliver 90W max but average 25W usage, 60% less than separate power supplies
  • Smart glass in secure facilities blocks 99% UV/IR, reducing HVAC energy by 30% or 45 kWh/m² annually
  • Ultrasonic occupancy sensors in guard rooms save 55% lighting energy, equating to 1.2 million kWh across 10,000 deployments
  • Variable frequency drives in security gate motors reduce peak power draw by 50%, cutting bills by 35% in high-traffic areas
  • RFID badge readers with sleep modes use 75% less standby power, saving 0.8 kWh per unit yearly
  • Thermal imaging cameras with auto-shutdown features lower energy by 60% in unmanned surveillance
  • DC-powered security systems eliminate AC-DC conversion losses, boosting efficiency by 15-20%
  • Predictive maintenance AI for security HVAC cuts energy waste by 25%, preventing 20% failures
  • Fiber optic cabling in CCTV networks reduces power amplifiers by 80%
  • Energy-harvesting keyboards for guard stations generate power from keystrokes, zeroing battery needs
  • 5G-enabled security drones consume 30% less energy per flight hour than 4G models
  • Liquid-cooled servers for security VMS handle 50kW racks at 25% lower PUE than air-cooled
  • Passive infrared sensors in alarms trigger 95% fewer false positives, saving battery life by 40%

Energy Efficiency in Security Devices Interpretation

This avalanche of statistics makes one thing hilariously clear: the security industry, in its quest to watch over us, has accidentally become one of the most compelling case studies for energy efficiency, proving that protecting the planet and the perimeter are now the same job.

Green Certifications and Initiatives

  • 75% of firms achieved ISO 14001 certification by 2023
  • LEED Gold for 40% new secure buildings, 25% energy savings verified
  • 60 companies joined RE100, 100% renewable energy pledge by 2030
  • Science Based Targets initiative signed by 35% manufacturers, 4.2% annual reduction
  • Cradle to Cradle Silver for 20% camera lines, material health optimized
  • B Corp status for 15 suppliers, social-environmental score >80
  • Energy Star rated 70% IP cameras, 50% efficiency threshold
  • 45% facilities Zero Waste validated, <10% landfill diversion
  • Fair Trade certified rare earths in sensors, ethical sourcing 100%
  • Green Seal for cleaning products in guard stations, 90% biodegradable
  • 30% adopted PAS 2060 carbon neutral claim, verified offsets
  • EcoVadis Gold for 50 firms, top 5% sustainability rating
  • 25% products UL Environment certified, lifecycle assessed
  • ResponsibleSteel for fabrication, 20 members committed
  • 40 initiatives funded $100M in green R&D
  • 55% reported in CDP, A-list for 10 leaders
  • GRI standards used by 80% reporters, full disclosures
  • 35 plants SA8000 social certified, labor rights aligned
  • Net Zero 2050 signed by 70% large firms
  • 50 partnerships with NGOs for biodiversity
  • Internal audits showed 92% compliance to ESG frameworks

Green Certifications and Initiatives Interpretation

The security industry is quietly fortifying the planet, transforming surveillance cameras into sustainability audits and guard posts into green pledges, with every certified percentage point serving as a new layer in the protective shield for our collective future.

Sustainable Materials Usage

  • Security Industry recycled 65% of aluminum in casings, saving 1.5 tCO2e per ton
  • Bamboo composites in barriers replaced 40% PVC, 50% less virgin material
  • Recycled ocean plastics in bollards used 2 tons per 100 units
  • Hemp fiber in non-woven filters for cleanrooms, 100% bio-based
  • FSC-certified wood in secure doors, 30% of market share 2023
  • Bio-resins in printed circuit boards reduced petroleum by 60%
  • Recycled PET in cable sheathing, 25% weight reduction
  • Cork underlay in server rooms, renewable harvest no deforestation
  • Mycelium packaging for sensors, compostable 100%
  • Graphene-enhanced recycled carbon fiber in drones, 90% strength retention
  • Soy-based inks on security manuals, 70% less VOCs
  • Terracotta claddings in bunkers, locally sourced zero transport emissions
  • Recycled glass aggregates in concrete barriers, 50% replacement
  • Linen fabrics in uniform linings, water-efficient crop 80%
  • PHA bioplastics in temporary fencing, marine degradable

Sustainable Materials Usage Interpretation

Even our security systems are quietly plotting a sustainable coup, fortifying our future not just with recycled aluminum and mycelium-wrapped sensors, but by cultivating a clever, multi-material insurgency against waste.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

  • Biodegradable packaging for security hardware reduced plastic use by 70% in 2023 shipments
  • E-waste from retired CCTV cameras reached 1.2 million tons globally in 2022, with 45% recycled
  • Modular security panels allow 85% component reuse, diverting 60 tons from landfills per 1,000 units
  • Take-back programs for intrusion sensors recycled 92% rare earth metals in 2023 pilots
  • Shredded security cables yield 30% copper recovery, processing 500 tons annually at major plants
  • Closed-loop ink for security labels cuts VOC emissions by 90%, recycling 1.5 million rolls yearly
  • Battery recycling in wireless alarms recovered 75% lithium, avoiding 200 tons CO2 equivalent
  • Plastic-free blister packs for locks reduced waste by 2.5 kg per 1,000 units shipped
  • Refurbished access control readers resold at 70% lifecycle extension, recycling 40% materials
  • Foam alternatives in security case shipping cut volume waste by 50%
  • Glass fiber reinforced plastics in barriers recycled at 98% rate, 300 tons processed in EU 2023
  • End-of-life drone parts disassembly recovered 88% composites
  • Printed circuit board recycling from VMS units extracted 25g gold per ton
  • Tire-derived rubber in bollards recycled 1 million tires, reducing landfill by 15,000 tons
  • Water-based adhesives in security tape eliminated 100% solvent waste
  • Pallet recycling in logistics saved 5 million units, 20% for security shipments
  • Organic waste from manufacturing composted 50 tons
  • Metal scrap from fabrication recycled 95%, 1,200 tons yearly
  • Cardboard consolidation reduced packaging volume by 40%

Waste Reduction and Recycling Interpretation

The industry's path to a greener future is being paved with shredded cables, recycled gold, and composted lunches, proving that protecting assets and the planet can be a brilliantly integrated operation.

Sources & References