Making your space greener has obvious benefits for the environment, but there are also other advantages that come with having environmentally friendly AV. A green audiovisual setup usually means cost saving and greater efficiency.
Here are five ways to create an environmentally-friendly AV plan.
Get into automation
Smart tech in spaces like offices, churches, and entertainment venues allows you to program the system and then leave it to take care of your space. Lights, speakers, and other devices can switch themselves on and off at a certain time of day or if they haven’t been used for a certain length of time. A smart system could incorporate motion sensors, for example, and if no motion is detected in a room for more than a specified length of time, then devices could automatically switch off.
Lighting in offices tends to be set to levels that’s good for reading paperwork, but not for presentations. Smart lighting could automatically adjust to the perfect level every time there’s a presentation. Lighting often accounts for more than one-third of electricity usage in commercial spaces, so it’s worth saving energy wherever you can.
You could also choose to use power sequencing to turn off all devices with one switch. This means you won’t leave one or two components switched on and wasting power overnight.
Choose the right screens
HD and LCD screens are more energy efficient than CRT displays, and modern screens are good for the environment and your budget. Newer, higher-quality screens tend to use less energy. This doesn’t mean you have to upgrade every time something a little better is available, but high-end displays can be part of an environmentally conscious AV setup. In the U.S., screens can be tested to meet the Energy Star requirements to certify them as being energy efficient.
Laser projectors are another green audiovisual option. They cost a little more to begin with, but they save money over time because they require less maintenance, and you won’t need to be replacing components such as bulbs. Laser projectors are also brighter and quieter, and don’t need time to warm up.
Use video conferencing
There are many advantages to video conferencing, including the fact that people tend to engage better with meetings and build better relationships over video calls than they do over audio conferencing or email. It can also help elevate workflow. Another big advantage of video conferencing is that it saves on transport, reducing the environmental impact of travel.
The fact that people no longer have to travel to every meeting is good for the environment, and makes businesses and projects run more smoothly.
Go paperless
Going paperless is a concept that is probably progressing more slowly than it should be. Meetings and presentations still often involve paper note-taking and handouts. A good green audiovisual setup means meetings, presentations, and events can be truly paperless. Information and files can be shared between laptops and handheld devices, and anybody’s screen can be displayed on the projector.
Get expert advice on green audiovisuals
AV professionals can help you make your location greener in a way that suits your space and stays within your budget. Whether it’s an upgrade or a new installation, experts know exactly what AV choices would be most cost-effective and energy efficient.
Contact Advanced Sound & Communication to find out how we can help make your AV better, greener, and more efficient.