Earth Day Guidance From SIA’s Environmental, Social and Governance Advisory Board

As Earth Day approaches (April 22, 2026), we’re reminded that meaningful environmental progress often begins with a single, simple change. This year, the SIA Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Advisory Board encourages security professionals to consider: “What’s one small switch you can make to reduce your environmental impact?”

Whether it’s refining operational practices or adjusting everyday workplace habits, small steps can lead to measurable improvements across our industry. 

In recognition of Earth Day, each ESG Advisory Board member will share their personal “One Small Switch” practical actions that security professionals can adopt today to help build a more sustainable future. When each of us makes one small switch, together we create lasting, positive change.

Sustainability works the same way strong organizations do through intentional, data-driven improvements over time. 

Jill Frack, DBA, MAIOP, PMP, Founder, Fractional Solutions:

One simple switch to start with: Reduce unnecessary printing by moving reports, checklists and operational logs to digital workflows. 

Benefits: 

• Less paper.
• Less waste.
• Reduced energy consumption for printers, ink usage and paper costs.
• If you request that statements be sent electronically vs. printed, it can save you costs too, now that some places charge for paper statements.
• More visibility into your operations. Digital files are easier to compare and to track changes over time.

 Small operational changes today lead to measurable environmental impact immediately!

Audrey Singer, Manager, Product Operations, Brivo:

One small personal change I have made is being more efficient with my energy usage by not leaving my laptop plugged in once it is charged (it’s better for prolonging battery health, too), turning my monitor off at the end of the day and switching my surge protector off when not using my home office for an extended period.

Last year, Brivo participated in Greenplaces #TinyClimateActs. It was a similar idea with some friendly competition. People had fun with it. Maybe we can consider it or something like it for next year.  

Alicia Janowicz, SPHR, Human Resources Business Partner, Axis Communications:

I would say one simple way we can support environmental responsibility is through awareness. One way you can do this from an HR side of things is by incorporating sustainability practices into new hire onboarding. Whether it’s explaining energy-conscious workplace habits or the organization’s broader ESG goals, early awareness helps employees from the very beginning to understand how their daily work contributes to a more sustainable future. 

Travis Hensley, Global Sustainability Manager, HID:

My one small switch is buying with intention. Instead of over-shopping, especially when it comes to clothing, I try to be more thoughtful about what I purchase and how often I purchase it. I don’t binge shop, and in general I look for opportunities to extend the life of products by choosing second-life or pre-owned items whenever possible. It is a simple shift in mindset, but it reduces waste while also being a smart, economical choice. For me, sustainability often starts with everyday decisions—whether they are obvious or not, small things can have a big impact.

Amy Musanti, ESG Advisory Board Chair; Director, Sustainable Building Solutions, ASSA ABLOY:

I have made a switch to buying used furniture and home decor as much as possible. There are so many unique ways to update your home with preloved pieces!

Here is my cat enjoying a recently thrifted antique rocking chair that I refinished.

Kristi Keating, Vice President, Sustainability, Securitas Technology:

Many retailers actively promote their sustainable products, and my one small switch is to purposely choose the more sustainable choice when offered.

My hope is that the more we choose sustainability, eventually sustainable options will be the only options. 

Dr. Alka Khungar, Director, Customer Operations, Data Centers, Johnson Controls:

In my world, sustainability isn’t a buzzword. It’s about balance: using resources wisely, reducing waste and leaving things better than we found them.

For the past few years, I have practiced sustainability by focusing on zero waste. While I cook, every unused food (cucumber ends, onion/potato peels, broccoli stalks, banana skins, brewed tea leaves, eggshells, etc.) goes into all my plants and garden to act as a natural fertilizer. No compost needed, just simple back to the ground. I see birds, little critters and sometimes bigger rodents enjoying the food while the rest go back to earth, where they came from.

Renee Thompson, Director, Global Sustainability and Environmental Compliance, Wesco:

I think it is important to evaluate your life and find small steps that can be repeated to take the next small step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. This can be turning off the lights when you are not in the room, lowering your heat and turning up the air conditioner to save more power and money. One small step at a time by 9 billion people can make a real difference.

Dr. Jasvir Gill, CEO, AlertEnterprise:

As a society we are wired to find happiness in buying a new toy right from our childhood. We need to change our mindset to find happiness in things/toys we already have.

Simplicity in our lives can be the biggest force multiplier in saving our beautiful planet.

Elisa Mitchell, Director, Responsible Sourcing, Wesco:

After our move in 2020, I added to my home by buying kindly used furniture.  There is a treasure trove of beautiful pieces to be had.

Get more sustainability tips and resources on the ESG Advisory Board page.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association.