Video conferencing is now practically ubiquitous. However, it is not just your new, convenient communication option. It has now been proven that video conferencing technology also significantly reduces carbon emissions and safeguards against global climate change. Consider these points:
1/3 of all carbon dioxide emissions come from travel. Industry, by comparison, accounts for just 14% of overall emissions.
Three round-trips from London to Chicago produces 10.4 tons of CO2 per passenger. Average US household annual electricity consumption = 6.6 tons.
The world’s 16,000 commercial aircraft produce roughly 660 million tons of CO2 a year. That’s more than the United States produces all year.
Travelling from Chicago to Houston 3x = 2 tons of CO2 per passenger – the equivalent of a year commuting to and from work.
If left unchecked, by 2050, climate change will reduce crop yields by 25%, with devastating effects to the earth’s population.
So, this is the impact of all that business travel. However, according to a white paper by Lifesize, high-definition video conferencing perfectly replicates the effect of a face-to-face conversation and not only reduces travel costs for companies, but also helps reduce the carbon footprint and global emissions.
How video conferencing is increasingly green
Recent research by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and sponsored by AT&T, shows that by 2020, companies in U.K and the U.S that implement video conferencing technology will reduce carbon emissions by nearly 5.5 million metric tons and reduce their costs by around $19 billion.
It’s not just companies that are turning to green conferencing for financial and environmental benefits. United States courts in many states have installed video conferencing software to interview witnesses and hand down judgments.
The state of Pennsylvania expects to save $30 million over the next five years by using web conferences for its court hearings. The U.S. government has also announced plans to expand the use of web-based video conferencing in order to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Video conferencing can benefit both small and big businesses. Small businesses can use high-definition webcams with monthly paid services, to allow unlimited video interactions for up to 50 people at a time. These businesses can also install video conferencing kits, which include cameras, microphones, remote controls, camera mounts and computer software. These can take the quality of video conferencing up a notch.
For large businesses, broadcast-quality cameras can make it seem as if the meeting participants are all in the same room. Professional cameras, multi-directional microphones and projection screens all offer the sharpest video and sound. These can be set up permanently in a boardroom or can be procured on rent at a local video conferencing space.
So, video conferencing is here to stay…Not only is it financially viable for businesses of all sizes, shapes, and hues, but it also helps reduce the carbon emissions that result from frequent business travel. Here’s to video conferencing continuing to reduce that carbon footprint!
You can read this white paper from Lifesize to know more. For more information on how to set up video conferencing for your home or business, contact Actis at 022-30808080 or at contact@actis.co.in.
(Content courtesy: www.lifesize.com, www.treehugger.com, www.mnn.com and Images courtesy: www.lifesize.com)