Does Anyone Really Care About Carbon Neutrality?
Following the release of our story about EcoVista becoming the UK’s first carbon-neutral LED display integrator, a comment posted on LinkedIn caught our eye!
Jordan Feil, a digital signage expert from the USA questioned whether “green signage” truly matters in buying decisions for digital signage software and hardware, expressing scepticism about its impact beyond being a marketing strategy.
Here’s what we think…
The Importance of Carbon Accountability in Digital Signage
At EcoVista, we understand the significant carbon footprint associated with the manufacture and installation of large-format LED display systems, including the production of steel structures and construction processes. This awareness has driven us to develop systems, software and products that help our clients account for both the embodied and operational carbon used in their projects.
Embodied and operational carbon emissions refer to the two main categories of carbon emissions associated with digital signage projects.
Embodied carbon is essentially the “carbon cost” locked into the physical components of the installation before it even becomes operational. For an LED panel, this could include material extraction and production, manufacturing of the LED panel and structural components like steel frames, transportation, construction and installation.
Operational carbon emissions refer to the greenhouse gases released during the active use of the display (i.e. as soon as it is installed and powered up), such as energy consumption, maintenance and end-of-life disposal. Operational carbon emissions are an ongoing factor throughout the lifespan of the product.
By monitoring both sources of carbon for a display, this data not only allows for responsible carbon offsetting but also provides insights to reduce carbon emissions in future projects (and products), supporting the journey towards Net Zero.
Why It Matters to Our Clients
Carbon reduction is increasingly becoming a key factor in purchasing decisions, particularly in regions like the UK and Europe. Projects involving large-format displays often resemble small construction projects, consuming substantial amounts of steel, concrete and electronics, and requiring significant travel. This contributes to a high carbon cost, both embodied and operational.
Using our software platforms CarbonTrack (embodied carbon tracking – see below) and VistaTrack (operational carbon tracking), we help our clients measure and reduce these carbon costs and improve energy efficiency, offering a better return on investment over the product’s lifecycle. This approach is not only beneficial for our clients but also aligns with the interests of advertisers who increasingly enquire about the carbon cost of their campaigns.
Data on the product’s energy performance is also shared with supply chain partners. For example, one LED display manufacturer was able to make adaptive component changes based on EcoVista’s carbon footprint data which resulted in their product using 45% less energy – a significant transformation!
Our carbon tracking software measures both embodied and operational carbon as part of the project delivery process. Carbon emission are then offset to make the project carbon neutral.
A Commitment to Genuine Carbon Neutrality
Achieving bona fide carbon-neutral certification is a testament to our commitment to reducing carbon emissions across all aspects of our operations and project delivery. Unlike greenwashing, which is often used as a superficial marketing strategy, our efforts in carbon accountability are rooted in genuine sustainability practices.
Our approach also aligns with the expectations of local planning authorities, which often prioritise sustainable development by balancing economic, social and environmental objectives. Demonstrating a commitment to these values can enhance the likelihood of securing local planning consents.
Is Carbon Neutrality Important to You?
While the relevance of carbon neutrality may vary across different markets, we see a growing recognition of its importance among our clients and the broader community. We are keen to understand how this topic resonates in other regions and industries.
In conclusion, our commitment to carbon neutrality is not just a marketing angle; it’s a crucial part of our mission to reduce the environmental impact of our industry and support our clients in doing the same. Greenwashing may be a concern, but at EcoVista, we are dedicated to genuine and meaningful contributions to carbon reduction.
We welcome further discussion on this topic and invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with us!