However, eco-friendly companies still face a variety of challenges. They have found that a lot of customers don’t always put their money where their mouth is. Katherine White and her colleagues writing for Harvard Business Review pointed this out in the article The Elusive Green Consumer.

They also found that the cost of creating products and services is higher for eco-friendly businesses, because they have to use less readily available materials and often use more complex manufacturing processes.

This means that green companies have to pay close attention to important decision-making processes. This includes using the right security systems to protect your goods.

The Right Security System is Essential for Your Eco-Friendly Business

There are a lot of things that you need to do when running an eco-friendly business. You are going to need to pay close attention to accounting, marketing and staffing issues. However, there are other issues that don’t always get the attention that they deserve. One example is the important of security systems.

Having a reliable security system can be especially important for an eco-friendly contracting business. Green building materials can be very expensive, so you can’t afford to leave them vulnerable to theft.

If you’re thinking about installing a security system for your business, knowing the many types of alarm systems, the available features, and the benefits they give is important. Doing your research can help you choose an inexpensive, practical system that will benefit your company for years to come.

Best Security Systems Characteristics

Security systems for businesses safeguard your company’s assets, personnel, and inventory while lowering utility costs. The specific features you should seek in a security system are determined by the layout of your building and the demands of your company. On the other hand, many organizations opt for these top qualities when purchasing a security system.

Detection of fire/smoke and environmental hazards

Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and elevated temperature can all be detected by sensors, triggering alarms. Low-temperature sensors can also be put in bathrooms, kitchens, break rooms and other places with water lines. Sensors can also be used to detect water in flood-prone locations. This is going to be important for eco-friendly contractors, because they have to make sure that all of their materials will be protected.

When these sensors identify any unexpected readings, an alarm is dispatched to the security system monitoring provider, police and fire departments, and corporate-approved individuals, allowing these responders to act immediately and reduce possible harm.

If your commercial security systems are linked to local law enforcement, you should be aware that you need to register with the police department in your area.

Logs of access

Electronic access control not only removes the inconvenient usage of keys to gain entry to your office building (and other secure places), but it also keeps track of who has entered and when. Any authorized, web-enabled machine can see data files. If someone tries to obtain unlawful entry, the access control system and the alarm system can be linked to send out notifications.

Identity verification

Identity verification systems allow only permitted personnel to enter a building or a specified region, ideal for firms that value secrecy and security. Unauthorized persons are prevented from having access to locations where they should not be.

A user’s identity is verified and approved in one of four methods in place of a physical key:

• The employee uses a card reader at the entry point to swipe their identity card (or a smart card or key fob).
• Employees use a keypad located at important entry points to input a personal identification number or password.
• Photo identification is used to verify the user’s identity.
• The technology recognizes a person’s fingerprint or faces via biometric recognition.

Video recording

If you use video cameras with your system, you may choose to record continuously or when a specific condition is satisfied. For example, if your system senses movement, a sensor determines that a door or window has been opened, or you want to record at specific times of the day, your system can start recording (or night). While continuous recording necessitates additional storage, it may be required, particularly in high-risk regions where security is critical.

Eco-Friendly Businesses Can’t Afford to Use the Wrong Security Systems

The features you need in commercial security systems are determined by your company’s size, budget, and the security concerns you encounter regularly. For example, if you run a large warehouse with a lot of inventory, you’ll need a different security system than if you run a small brick-and-mortar business.

The post Business Security System Features Every Eco-Friendly Business Needs appeared first on Green Building Insider.

Lighting is perhaps one of the biggest causes of energy consumption for many businesses, so making sure your business lighting is eco-friendly will reduce your carbon footprint and save you money. We have taken a look at a few ways you can ensure your business lighting is eco-friendly.

Get LEDs

We wrote an article last year hailing LED lighting as one of the saviors of the sustainability movement. It has proven to be very useful for companies trying to lower their carbon footprints.

The easiest way to ensure your business lighting is eco-friendly is through installing LED lights. These lights are perhaps the most eco-friendly on the market and provide long-lasting, energy efficient alternatives to regular lighting.

Although they may cost a little more up-front (while still remaining affordable), they can reduce your business energy consumption for lighting by an amazing 80%, meaning smaller bills and better lighting for your money. If you need your business lighting changed to LED alternatives, find a company that has experience and the right skillset in installing interior lighting.

Get Motion Sensors

Having the lights on in every room of your business isn’t ideal or good for the environment. Sometimes employees can forget to turn switches off, especially if they’re busy or their hands are full upon leaving the room. While adding notes around the office asking employees to turn off the lights may help, motion sensors are a much better idea. You may even want to install lights that can dim, so you only need to use as much energy as needed to light the room. Motion sensors can prevent unused electricity bills and keep bulbs in use for longer.

Use Recycled Materials

When looking for lamps or shades for your business, choose materials that are recycled and eco-friendly. Lamps that are made with reused or natural materials are better for the environment, can be cheaper, and look just as good. Many offices and businesses use the recycled and upcycled movement to create interesting interior designs within their business.

Use Daylight to Your Advantage

The most eco-friendly way to light your business is with natural sunlight. This may mean installing some extra windows or a skylight, but by doing so, you are creating a more natural environment for your workers. This can save money on electricity bills and make for a brighter, more welcoming business space.

Invest in Green Power

If you have already made your lighting as energy-efficient as possible, it may be time to look at where you get your energy supplied from. Choosing a utility company that supplies green energy is a great way to ensure your business lighting and whole power source are more eco-friendly. Many leading electrical suppliers are now offering cleaner, greener energy, which comes from renewable sources such as solar energy and wind farms. For more information on green energy in the US, check out the 10 biggest renewable energy companies for your business.

Eco-Friendly Lighting is a Great Way to Lower Your Carbon Footprint

These tips can help ensure your business lighting is eco-friendly. Now more than ever, it is important to keep your business’s carbon footprint down and to do your bit to help the environment. Not only is this beneficial for our world, you can also save money when your business lighting is eco-friendly.

The post Amazing Lighting Tips Eco-Friendly Businesses Can’t Overlook appeared first on Green Building Insider.