Leaders in ProAV have banded together to launch Sustainability in AV (SAVe), an organization bringing together stakeholders to take concerted action to achieve 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Let’s be honest, the AV industry has been part of the problem,” said Christina De Bono, founder and president of SAVe. “But it’s equally true that we can help drive the solution. SAVe exists to harness our ingenuity, imagination, and commitment to ensure a sustainable future for us all.”

The rapid pace of AV technology development means that products are being replaced in increasingly shorter cycles, which leads to serious environmental consequences. In 2019, over 50 million tons of e-waste—including displays, cables, power supplies, and other AV equipment—was generated in North America and Europe; this number has increased 21% over the last five years, says the organization. In addition, the group claims less than 20 percent of used electronics are formally recycled, and the industry has no unilateral process, system, or policy to deal with where the equipment goes at the end of its life cycle.

“The status quo cannot continue,” added De Bono. “From climate change and environmental degradation to poverty and inequality, the challenges we face are profound, diverse—and getting worse. We must address them as nations, as individuals, and as businesses before it’s too late.”

SAVe says it plans to provide a vehicle for the AV industry to achieve sustainable development and serve as a bridge to other industries, NGOs, and partner organizations who share the conviction that we must take urgent action to preserve the health of the planet, communities, and people.

SAVe has also launched “SAVe Certified”, a program that enables AV companies to develop a sustainability plan using an assessment tool to identify ways to advance sustainability. A demonstrated commitment to sustainability is a powerful selling point to customers and SAVe certification tells our customers that we are part of the solution.

Finally, the organization has also created the “SAVE: A Second Life” program to give AV equipment a new life by donating it through a network that SAVe has established with a network of non-government organizations and higher educational institutions.

At InfoComm 2022, the organization will be hosting presentations about its initiative in the Legrand Booth (W903) on June 8 and 9 at 12 noon PT.

For more information, or to get involved, contact info@saveav.org.

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