Beyond Green: How Legislation Is Driving Ethical and Sustainable Design in Security Tech

Security Tech Talk

In this episode of Security Tech Talk, Steve is joined by Kieran Byrne, A&E Manager at Axis Communications, for a deep and practical conversation about sustainability, total cost of ownership, and the evolving legislative landscape shaping the security industry. Kieran and Steve discuss how sustainability has evolved beyond “green initiatives” into a broader commitment to ethics, human rights, and corporate responsibility — and how new European directives are making compliance a business-critical priority. Together, they unpack how smart building design, interoperability, and energy-conscious technology choices can help organizations meet their sustainability targets while reducing operational costs.

About Our Guest:

Kieran Byrne is a dedicated technologist specialising in IP-based solutions and innovations for security and video surveillance, focused on enhancing security and optimising business performance. Leading the Architecture & Engineering (A&E) Program for Axis Communications in the UK and Ireland, Kieran supports consultants and specifiers in developing world-leading security designs. He is also an active contributor to industry associations, including the UK and Ireland chapters of ASIS International.

Connect with Kieran on LinkedIn

Chapters

(0:00:00) – Introducing Sustainability in Security

Steve welcomes Kieran and sets the stage for a conversation on sustainability, total cost of ownership, and legislation driving change in the security and smart building sectors.

(0:05:00) – Beyond “Green”: What Sustainability Really Means

Kieran explains how sustainability extends beyond environmental issues to include ethics, human rights, and responsible sourcing — referencing key global examples like the Rana Plaza disaster.

(0:10:30) – Legislation, Compliance, and Accountability

The conversation dives into new regulatory frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), emphasizing how compliance now affects entire supply chains and organizational accountability.

(0:20:45) – Energy Efficiency and Total Cost of Ownership

Using real-world examples, Kieran highlights how comparing device energy consumption can uncover massive long-term cost savings — supported by Axis’s new Total Cost of Ownership Calculator within Site Designer.

(0:38:00) – Education and Empowerment: Taking the Next Step

Kieran shares his reflections on personal learning, encouraging professionals to educate themselves on sustainability and take small, measurable actions that lead to meaningful industry change.

Resources

Learn more about the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D)

Explore the BREEAM Building Certification Framework

Try the Axis Total Cost of Ownership Calculator in Site Designer

Read about EcoVadis Sustainability Ratings

Hear interviews with other guests mentioned in this episode:

Revolutionizing Smart Building Solutions: From Integration Challenges to AI-Driven Security with Dan Drogman from Smart Spaces

Legislation Meets Reality in Cybersecurity with Mike Gillespie from Advent IM

Sustainable Surveillance: The Role of Optimized Storage with BenYoxall from SecureLogiq

Meet your host Steve Kenny:

Steve has spent 14 years in the security sector undertaking various roles that have seen him take responsibility for key elements of mission critical, high profile projects across a number of different vertical markets. For the last several years, Steve has focused his attention on how technologies can best compliment day to day operations and specifically address operational issues by supporting the A&E consultant community across EMEA. Steve is a committee member for ASIS International focusing on Education for the security sector and the UK technology advisor for TINYg (Terrorist Information New York group).

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn

More about Axis Communications: Axis enables a smarter and safer world by improving security, safety, operational efficiency, and business intelligence. As a network technology company and industry leader, Axis offers video surveillance, access control, intercoms, and audio solutions. These are enhanced by intelligent analytics applications and supported by high-quality training.

Axis has around 5,000 dedicated employees in over 50 countries and collaborates with technology and system integration partners worldwide to deliver customer solutions. Axis was founded in 1984, and the headquarters are in Lund, Sweden.

Find out more about Axis Communications - Innovating for a smarter, safer world:

https://www.axis.com/