A greener future: Access control for sustainability

Traditionally, access control specification has been influenced by security, convenience, and compliance. However, with climate change, rising energy costs, and ESG accountability now major factors in business decisions, environmental impact is also becoming a differentiator.

This means the energy consumption, materials use, and lifecycle footprint of access control infrastructure is being assessed more thoroughly. In recent study [1] of security, facilities management and IT professionals, 39% of respondents stated their choice of access control technology was affected by sustainability ‘to a great extent’, and 22% cited it as ‘the most important factor’.

But with many systems still relying on high-energy components or short-lifecycle electronics, there is significant room for improvement. With this in mind, what are security managers looking for in sustainable access control systems and how do current solutions compare in terms of green credentials?

Wireless access control

A recent report¹ investigated how access control products should best contribute to meeting sustainability goals, and many respondents pointed to wireless solutions as a practical, effective way to reduce environmental impact. In fact, a business could save 90% on energy costs by switching to a wireless access control system [1].

With no need for extensive cabling, wireless systems naturally reduce the consumption of materials like copper and plastic. They also simplify installation and servicing, and fewer components mean fewer potential faults, leading to lower maintenance demands and fewer callouts for technicians. This not only reduces energy use on-site but also cuts the emissions associated with travel to and from premises for maintenance work.

Over a third of those surveyed also wanted access control products that are entirely self-powered, requiring no batteries at all. Battery powered wireless locks use less energy than traditional wired locks, which normally work via magnets connected permanently to electricity. Wireless locks work differently, only “waking up” when presented with a credential.

This translates into a potentially large saving on an annual energy budget, which could equate to more than 70% [2], or thousands of pounds over a typical access control installation’s lifetime.

During operation, wireless locks require just a battery change, approximately once every two years. The installation phase is also more cost effective, with an estimated 82.5%³ saving on labour costs for a 100-door wireless installation versus wired installation.

Product design and end-of-life impact also matter, with many respondents highlighting the importance of recyclable components and reduced packaging. Minimising waste during installation and throughout the product lifecycle is imperative. For example, using mobile credentials can eliminate the need for plastic access cards or metal keys, significantly reducing material waste over time.

The value of sustainability certifications was also noted, such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) or compliance with green building standards like BREEAM or LEED. These frameworks give decision-makers greater confidence that their access control investments are contributing to their organisation’s ESG goals.

Door magnets vs electric locks

Electromagnetic locks, or door magnets as they are also known, are very common components in many access control systems. They operate when an electromagnet mounted on the door frame interacts with a metal plate on the door. When electricity flows through the magnet, it creates a magnetic field that holds the door shut. When the power is cut, the magnetic bond is broken and the door can open.

Electromagnetic locks are simple and effective, but their reliance on continuous power makes them energy-intensive. Each lock must stay energised around the clock, and while the consumption per door may seem small, it quickly adds up across large sites, driving up energy costs and carbon emissions.

These systems also depend on uninterrupted power. During outages, backup systems like uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are required, which introduce further sustainability issues. Batteries used in UPS units involve resource-heavy manufacturing and create disposal challenges at end of life. Together, these factors make electromagnetic locks a less sustainable choice in modern access control.

Alternatively, electromechanical locks offer a far more sustainable option to magnetic systems. They consume power only during activation when locking or unlocking, rather than continuously. This ‘power on demand’ approach significantly reduces overall energy use.

Because these locks stay secure without constant power, they often don’t require backup systems like batteries or UPS units, cutting both environmental impact and maintenance needs. Their compact, modular design also supports longevity and ease of upgrade, minimising waste and extending product life.

Additionally, electromechanical locks can meet rigorous safety and compliance standards without relying on continuous power, making them both environmentally efficient and operationally resilient.

Energy-harvesting solutions

While electric locks have been a major step forward, energy-harvesting systems are the next evolution in sustainable access control. Systems powered by kinetic movement or integrated into smart locking mechanisms remove the need for external power sources altogether.

These locks operate without batteries or a mains power connection. Instead, they harness kinetic energy generated by the user’s interaction - such as turning a key - to momentarily power the lock’s internal electronics. This allows for secure, digitally managed access with zero standby power requirements.

Without the need for power or communication cabling, it also reduces installation time and material usage, which can be especially valuable in heritage sites or remote locations. And because there is no standby power draw, total energy consumption over the product’s lifetime is minimal.

Importantly, access rights are stored on the key itself, not in the lock, which enables fully flexible access control without needing to physically update the lock, further reducing service calls, travel emissions, and admin. This makes the system particularly suitable for utilities, transportation networks and critical infrastructure assets, where sustainable, self-contained solutions are increasingly sought after.

Blending security and sustainability

The idea that stronger security requires more energy, equipment, and complexity is outdated. In reality, sustainability and security can go hand-in-hand, especially when systems are designed for efficiency, durability, and adaptability.

Modern electromechanical locking solutions, when integrated with cloud-based access control platforms, offer secure, real-time management without the need for energy-intensive infrastructure.

Wireless and energy-efficient systems are already proving their value in critical sectors where space and power are limited. Over time, solutions that reduce energy use and minimise maintenance demands deliver long-term operational and financial benefits, including lower utility costs and reduced environmental impact.

As sustainability becomes central to building design, regulatory compliance, and ESG reporting, security systems must evolve to support these goals. Organisations are increasingly moving beyond compliance to view sustainability as a strategic advantage, one that enhances performance, lowers total cost of ownership, and strengthens stakeholder trust.

By prioritising energy efficiency, responsible sourcing, and lifecycle longevity in access control design, the industry can help protect not just people and assets, but the planet itself. 

[1] The Wireless Access Control Report 2023: https://www.abloy.com/gb/en/campaigns/2023-wac-report

[2] ABLOY UK in-house calculations. See report: https://www.abloy.com/gb/en/campaigns/cut-the-wires-cut-the-bills

[3] ASSA ABLOY in-house calculations. See report: https://campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/hubfs/AA_Aperio_CostSavings_Solutionguide_07_2020_ENG_EMEA.pdf