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Episode 11

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Published on:

30th Sep 2025

Designing Urban Spaces with Safety and Sustainability

In this episode, Leigh Harper (Associate Director for Security at Cundall), explores the link between security and sustainability in urban development. With experience across various regions, she stresses the need to integrate security measures early in master planning. Leigh discusses the importance of coordination with architects to balance aesthetics and functionality, particularly in lighting, road infrastructure, and security systems. The episode highlights using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) to reduce crime and improve safety, while tackling environmental challenges and respecting wildlife. Leigh and Steve discuss how AI and technology can create efficient security systems that lower carbon emissions and energy use. She emphasizes strategies for recycling, aligning sustainability goals with industry standards, and ensuring security systems are user-friendly. The episode concludes by focusing on engaging end-users to enhance their experience, offering insights into integrating security and sustainability for smarter, more responsible cities.

About our guest:

Leigh Harper, Associate Director for Security at Cundall, is an expert in urban development, focusing on integrating security and sustainability. With experience in the Middle East, APAC, Europe, and the UK, Leigh stresses the importance of embedding security measures in master planning to prevent vulnerabilities. In 2024, she won the Security/Risk Manager of the Year award at the Fire & Security Matters Awards in the UK. Leigh was also nominated for the Security Industry Woman of the Year award. She advocates for innovative recycling strategies, AI in efficient security, and engaging with end users to ensure technology meets their needs, illustrating how sustainability and security can create smarter urban environments.

Connect with Leigh on LinkedIn


Chapters:

Master Planning and Security Considerations (0:00:06)

Leigh and Steve discuss the critical role of master planning in embedding security measures from the start of urban development projects, highlighting regional differences in approaches and the evolving integration of security into planning processes.

Urban Development Challenges and Solutions (0:12:16)

This chapter delves into the complexities of coordinating various urban development elements across different teams and regions, emphasizing the importance of early strategic planning and site due diligence to overcome environmental and safety challenges.

Sustainable Design and Technology Integration (0:20:33)

Exploring the intersection of sustainable design and security, this segment discusses the application of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles and the necessity of reducing carbon footprint and energy consumption in security systems.

Proactive Security Design for Sustainable Development (0:26:10)

Leigh highlights the importance of designing security systems with sustainability in mind, advocating for the recycling and repurposing of materials, and emphasizing the role of innovative technology and user-friendly interfaces in enhancing security efficiency.


Resources:

Get information on Cundall

Read more about the CPTED Association and its Integration of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles

Check out the BREEAM Technical Standards

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 complement day to day operations and specifically address operational issues by supporting the A&E consultant community across Northern Europe. 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.