Ever since climate change became a major talking point, many businesses are on the look-out for improving their sustainability parameters by enhancing their day-to-day operations. By switching access control to a wire-free solution, security, facilities, and building management teams can make a difference.
Among security industry professionals surveyed for IFSEC Global's Wireless Access Control Report 2021, 90% said sustainability would affect their commissioning of security technology in the future. Access control plays a major role in making buildings both "green" and "smart".
Sustainable access control is essential
Buildings utilize around 60% of the world's electricity, according to the UN Environment Programme. The World Green Building Council defines energy efficiency as one of the essential features of any "green building". A building's footprint can be reduced by all technologies it employs.
There are many other motivations for "greening" buildings. Business success has become increasingly dependent on energy efficiency, according to the Harvard Business Review. For instance, "Green certification" for a building, results in a 12 percent increase in rental value for property owners and developers.
How does wireless access control work?
In the early days of electronic access control, the first electronic solutions relied on cables for filtering access to premises. These wired locks provided facility managers with more control despite being invasive and costly to install.
Now, door technology has advanced to a new level. Similar features are now available without the expense or intrusiveness of wires. Enhanced security and convenience are bundled in a new generation of wireless locks. Facility managers have been able to improve control within their premises by installing wireless locks because they are faster and more cost-efficient than ever before.
In addition, they offer the flexibility and choice necessary for modern facilities management. A variety of credentials are available: smartcards or fobs, mobile credentials, or they can all be combined into one unified access system.
How can wireless access control contribute to sustainability goals?
Energy efficiency is the main reason why wireless access control is preferred over traditional wired access control. Every aspect of the life cycle of a wireless access control device is power-efficient.
Cable-free installation is faster and requires fewer trips to and from the installation site. Additionally, wireless locks are less intrusive than wired ones: Leading wireless locks require only minimal drilling around the door, while wired access control requires wiring through and partly around the door.
Additionally, wireless locks operate more efficiently. Their locking magnets do not need to be powered by an "always on" power source. They only "wake up" when presented with a valid credential. According to a recent benchmark study, battery-powered wireless locks could reduce energy consumption by up to 70%, saving thousands of euros over the lifetime of an installation.
Additionally, these devices can have a long lifespan. Unlike wired locks, they can usually be relocated when a space is reconfigured. It only requires a new battery every 2 years (on average), thus reducing unnecessary technician and contractor travel.
The future of Wireless locks
By offering a variety of credentials, the latest generation of locks support mobile keys — smartphone-based credentials which communicate with the wireless lock via NFC or Bluetooth. Mobile keys eliminate the need for smartcards and fobs, thereby reducing the use of plastic. Mobile workers drive fewer miles and use less fuel when they can update their hard credentials via a smartphone app with Bluetooth connectivity. Due to its many benefits, it it clear that the future belongs to wireless access control, enabling you to enhance your sustainability performance while making a positive contribution to our environment.