Creating a Sustainable Future in AV

Imagine walking into a global enterprise with a dazzlingly modern AV setup. Huge screens display high-definition visuals, conference systems connect seamlessly across continents, and every meeting room is an oasis of collaboration. But beneath the shiny exterior, questions arise. Is this setup sustainable? What impact are these systems having on the environment?

For many enterprises, the answers to these questions are concerning. The AV industry, an enabler of global collaboration, grapples with its significant carbon footprint. All our GPA teams around the globe are finding great ways to improve sustainability across the full supply chain and during project integration. Still, Sony and AVEX | GPA Netherlands are stepping up with something we wanted to share today, forging paths that make these cutting-edge systems kinder to the planet.

Read on if you’re looking for solutions that align with your enterprise’s sustainability goals while boosting efficiency. This article explores the rising demand for sustainable AV solutions, Sony’s innovative approach under its Road to Zero initiative, and how AVEX’s BRIX zero program is changing AV sustainability.

The Rising Demand for Sustainable AV Technologies

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore; it’s a boardroom imperative. Enterprises are under more pressure than ever from stakeholders, consumers, and regulators to prioritize sustainability in every aspect of their operations, including technology procurement. Sony’s recent research paints a compelling picture. Over 85% of corporate AV decision-makers say sustainability is critical when choosing an AV vendor. Furthermore, about 80% of businesses are willing to pay at least 20% more for energy-efficient and sustainably produced AV solutions, and some would pay over 50% more.

But why is this shift happening now? Enter the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), a regulation by the European Union mandating transparency and accountability in corporate environmental reporting. This push for accountability influences procurement patterns across industries, with sustainability now integrated across pricing, vendor selection, and every stage of the procurement process. The takeaway? Sustainability is not just a value-add; it’s becoming a requirement.

AVEX and the BRIX zero Initiative

To meet this rising demand, AVEX, a regional business unit of GPA, has launched BRIX zero. This revolutionary initiative offers CO2-neutral AV solutions while tackling the industry’s critical sustainability challenges.

Key Features of BRIX zero

CO2-Neutral Solutions: Every AV solution in the BRIX zero program is designed with a zero-carbon footprint. Considering such technology means enterprises can streamline sustainability compliance without compromising on technology or design.

Product-as-a-Service Model: Forget massive upfront investments. With the Product-as-a-Service model, clients can “lease” AV technology, ensuring it remains up to date while minimizing waste through circular lifecycle management.

Circular Economy Approach: Instead of the linear “make, use, discard” model, BRIX zero emphasizes recyclability and reuse, ensuring minimal waste throughout each product’s lifecycle.

Transparent Reporting: Greenwashing skepticism is real, and BRIX zero isn’t afraid of scrutiny. Using transparent data reporting, enterprises can track the lifecycle impact of their AV installations and prove that their sustainability initiatives are genuine and measurable.

With such features, it’s no surprise that AVEX | GPA and its partners, including Sony, have set the stage for broader adoption of sustainable AV practices.

Sony’s Road to Zero Initiative

Sony is no stranger to sustainability leadership. With its Road to Zero initiative, the company aims to achieve a zero environmental footprint across its entire value chain by 2050, an ambitious yet vital goal in today’s climate-conscious world.

Backed by Global Strategy

From reducing scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions during manufacturing and life cycles by 2040 to pioneering material efficiency, such as reducing the use of virgin plastics with its SORPLAS™ recycled materials, Sony’s efforts extend beyond the superficial. Its chemical substance management ensures safer practices, while biodiversity initiatives help offset the environmental impact. Sony’s sustainability practices are supported by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), which ensures they are scientifically grounded and contribute to limiting global warming.

Looking to implement sustainable AV technology? Sony already offers a range of eco-conscious products, including its BRAVIA displays, which feature innovative energy-saving modes and reduced CO2 emissions:

1. Eco Dashboard tools enable energy usage reductions of up to 32%, highlighting real-time power savings.
2. Lighter packaging reduces transport emissions by up to 15% during logistics.
3. The BZ40L Series, featuring the unique Deep Black Non-Glare coating, provides excellent anti-glare performance. This enhances visibility at lower brightness levels, which not only extends the product’s lifespan but also reduces the overall cost of ownership. Renewable energy initiatives for production facilities further reduce emissions.

Sony’s leadership extends across product development, supply chain collaboration, and partnership-driven sustainability campaigns.

Collaboration Between Sony and AVEX

Its strategic partnership with Sony is at the heart of AVEX’s BRIX zero initiative. Combining Sony’s sustainability expertise and technological innovation with AVEX’s regional impact and operational strength, this partnership embodies the collaborative effort needed to usher in sustainability as an industry standard. Rik Willemse, Head of Professional Displays and Solutions, highlighted their collaboration with AVEX, noting, “We are proud to work with AVEX and have been selected as a key supplier for this innovative initiative.”

Programs like BRIX zero wouldn’t be possible without Sony’s dedication to the circular economy, supported by ongoing efforts to encourage channel partners to amplify their TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) messaging. Together, they’re taking bold steps to align technology with sustainability, ensuring enterprises can meet their environmental goals without compromising efficiency or quality.

Paving the Way for a Sustainable AV Future

Innovation doesn’t mean compromising on values. With game-changing programs like BRIX zero and corporate commitments like Road to Zero, businesses are proving that great technology and sustainability coexist. The growing demand for sustainable AV solutions is reshaping the industry. Visionary companies like Sony and AVEX are shifting paradigms with products and models that offer long-term environmental and operational benefits.

But what does this mean for organizations like yours? You can scale globally with cutting-edge AV setups while taking charge of responsible business practices. Sustainability no longer needs to complicate decision-making; it can simplify your efforts, aligning cost-effective technology with compliance and innovation goals.

Make Your Offices Future-Ready Today

The future of the AV industry lies in sustainability, and Sony and AVEX | GPA are already making it a reality. Are you ready to join the movement? Explore Sony’s Road to Zero initiative and discover how the BRIX zero program can change your enterprise’s AV systems ecosystem here.

We can transform how enterprises equip their offices worldwide, aligning innovation with sustainability. Contact us today if this could help you implement sustainable, future-ready AV solutions across all your locations worldwide.