Research finds 41% of organisations don’t value AV’s role in improving sustainability
Businesses may be making bold commitments to sustainability, but many are overlooking a hidden lever in their ESG strategies: audio-visual (AV) technology. Research from Kinly’s Trusted Connections 2025 (TC25) report reveals that a striking 41% of organisations still do not value the pivotal role AV can play in improving sustainability, despite mounting evidence that smarter workplace technology can make a measurable difference.
This disconnect is especially surprising given that nearly two-thirds (63%) say their AV teams are actively involved in hitting carbon reduction targets and that AV innovation is already delivering measurable change. In fact, 39% of organisations that have undergone workplace transformation projects in the last year reported improved sustainability as a direct result.
The data paints a picture of a turning point for the AV industry. The majority of businesses (61%) are already considering the impact of e-waste in technology procurement decisions. In addition, by the end of 2025, nearly three quarters (72%) of AV teams will have clearly defined sustainability targets.
At a more practical level, businesses are waking up to how AV can support energy efficiency, both in offices and at home. Over two-thirds (64%) believe AV decisions can reduce the energy consumption of remote workers. Inside the office, the spotlight is shifting toward smart building solutions. Nearly one in three (31%) organisations are investing in smart building analytics to optimise lighting and temperature based on occupancy and cut waste at scale.
Still, challenges remain. Nearly half of enterprises (45%) admit they lack adequate insight into how physical space is being used, limiting their ability to make the most of sustainability gains.
As sustainability expectations intensify across every sector, the research underscores the importance of looking beyond traditional carbon reduction measures. It calls on business leaders to recognise the role of AV in not just enabling communication, but in enabling more energy-efficient, intelligent and sustainable workplaces.
Commenting on the findings, Simon Watson, Global Head of Innovation, Kinly, said: “If businesses are serious about hitting their ESG goals, they can’t afford to ignore AV. When used effectively, it can help cut emissions, lower energy use, and support more flexible, sustainable ways of working. It enables remote collaboration that reduces the need for travel and helps make office spaces more efficient through automation and occupancy-based controls. When integrated with workplace analytics, AV also gives organisations the data they need to track progress and make better-informed decisions. The companies making real strides are the ones seeing AV not just as a tech upgrade, but as a key part of building more responsible, future-ready workplaces.”
To find out more about the Trusted Connections 2025 research and download your own copy, visit the website here.
