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Episode 14

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Published on:

11th Nov 2025

Beyond Green: How Legislation Is Driving Ethical and Sustainable Design in Security Tech

In this episode of Security Tech Talk, Steve is joined by Kieran Byrne, A&E Manager at Axis Communications, for a deep and practical conversation about sustainability, total cost of ownership, and the evolving legislative landscape shaping the security industry. Kieran and Steve discuss how sustainability has evolved beyond “green initiatives” into a broader commitment to ethics, human rights, and corporate responsibility — and how new European directives are making compliance a business-critical priority. Together, they unpack how smart building design, interoperability, and energy-conscious technology choices can help organizations meet their sustainability targets while reducing operational costs. 

About Our Guest: 

Kieran Byrne is a dedicated technologist specialising in IP-based solutions and innovations for security and video surveillance, focused on enhancing security and optimising business performance. Leading the Architecture & Engineering (A&E) Program for Axis Communications in the UK and Ireland, Kieran supports consultants and specifiers in developing world-leading security designs. He is also an active contributor to industry associations, including the UK and Ireland chapters of ASIS International. 

Connect with Kieran on LinkedIn 


Chapters 

(0:00:00) – Introducing Sustainability in Security 

Steve welcomes Kieran and sets the stage for a conversation on sustainability, total cost of ownership, and legislation driving change in the security and smart building sectors. 

(0:05:00) – Beyond “Green”: What Sustainability Really Means 

Kieran explains how sustainability extends beyond environmental issues to include ethics, human rights, and responsible sourcing — referencing key global examples like the Rana Plaza disaster. 

(0:10:30) – Legislation, Compliance, and Accountability 

The conversation dives into new regulatory frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), emphasizing how compliance now affects entire supply chains and organizational accountability. 

(0:20:45) – Energy Efficiency and Total Cost of Ownership 

Using real-world examples, Kieran highlights how comparing device energy consumption can uncover massive long-term cost savings — supported by Axis’s new Total Cost of Ownership Calculator within Site Designer. 

(0:38:00) – Education and Empowerment: Taking the Next Step 

Kieran shares his reflections on personal learning, encouraging professionals to educate themselves on sustainability and take small, measurable actions that lead to meaningful industry change. 


Resources 

Learn more about the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) 

Explore the BREEAM Building Certification Framework 

Try the Axis Total Cost of Ownership Calculator in Site Designer  

Read about EcoVadis Sustainability Ratings 

Hear interviews with other guests mentioned in this episode:  

Revolutionizing Smart Building Solutions: From Integration Challenges to AI-Driven Security with Dan Drogman from Smart Spaces 

Legislation Meets Reality in Cybersecurity with Mike Gillespie from Advent IM 

Sustainable Surveillance: The Role of Optimized Storage with BenYoxall from SecureLogiq 


Meet your host Steve Kenny:

Steve has spent 14 years in the security sector undertaking various roles that have seen him take responsibility for key elements of mission critical, high profile projects across a number of different vertical markets. For the last several years, Steve has focused his attention on how technologies can best compliment day to day operations and specifically address operational issues by supporting the A&E consultant community across EMEA. Steve is a committee member for ASIS International focusing on Education for the security sector and the UK technology advisor for TINYg (Terrorist Information New York group).  

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn 

 

More about Axis Communications: Axis enables a smarter and safer world by improving security, safety, operational efficiency, and business intelligence. As a network technology company and industry leader, Axis offers video surveillance, access control, intercoms, and audio solutions. These are enhanced by intelligent analytics applications and supported by high-quality training.  

Axis has around 5,000 dedicated employees in over 50 countries and collaborates with technology and system integration partners worldwide to deliver customer solutions. Axis was founded in 1984, and the headquarters are in Lund, Sweden. 

Find out more about Axis Communications - Innovating for a smarter, safer world:

https://www.axis.com/ 

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About the Podcast

Security Tech Talk
Conversations with security industry disruptors and innovators
We talk to security industry leaders, disruptors, and innovators with strong views and opinions on the future of topics like physical security, smart buildings, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and more. We dig into the latest tech trends, explore how security is shaping the world, and delve into those tricky regulations (like NIS2, the Cyber Resilience Act, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, the UK's Product Security, Telecommunications, Infrastructure Act and more) that keep everyone on their toes. We are here to talk about technology trends, explore the big issues facing the security industry, and provide valuable insights that will support you and your business. Join us as we uncover important information to help you come away feeling well-educated and prepared for the future. This podcast is brought to you by Axis Communications Inc. - innovating for a smarter, safer world.

About your host

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Steven Kenny

Steven Kenny – Manager, Architecture & Engineering Program – EMEA, Axis Communications.
With two decades of experience in the security industry, Steven Kenny has played active roles in numerous high-profile projects, both domestically and internationally. Over the last eleven years, his focus has been on understanding how security technologies can best support business security strategies, all while advocating for the heightened importance of cybersecurity and compliance within the physical security field.

Currently leading a team of Architect and Engineering managers across the EMEA region, Steven remains committed to contributing positively to global security practices. He is actively involved in industry associations and international standards organizations, seeking to collaboratively shape the landscape of security.

In a more behind-the-scenes capacity, Steven has provided consultative support to a national steering group instrumental in establishing the Secure by Design, Secure by Default certification. His close collaboration with the UK Surveillance Camera Commissioner reflects his dedication to enhancing standards in the physical security sector. As a speaker at international security conferences, Steven has modestly shared insights that have contributed to the industry's development and the identification of key technology trends.

Beyond his professional commitments, Steven has volunteered his expertise, previously serving as Director of Systems, Information, and Cyber Security for ASIS International and the UK chapter, before being elected as a board director. He also serves on the EMEA Advisor Council as the emerging technology lead for TiNYg (Global Terrorism Information Network). Additionally, he contributes to various standards committees supporting IoT security and plays a role in the BSI Private Security Management and Services. Steven Kenny's humble dedication has made a meaningful impact on the global security landscape, positioning him as a valued contributor to the industry.