Protect the climate with burglary protection

British researchers led by Helen Skudder focused on the CO2 emissions caused by crime and prevention. The researchers estimate the total CO2 emissions from crime in two British regions at 4 million tonnes in 2011 and found that burglary accounts for the largest share of crime's CO2 footprint at 30 per cent. The researchers also take into account the recovery of stolen and damaged items. According to the authors of the study, this suggests that prevention measures, together with measures to increase the replacement rate, could make an effective contribution towards CO2 savings. 

Saving CO2 through burglar alarms

In another scientific paper, the researchers found that effective burglary prevention does not have a significant carbon footprint compared to the emissions caused by burglaries. The authors also show that window locks are both the most effective security devices and have the lowest-CO2. Combinations of window locks, door locks and interior and exterior lighting also proved to be effective and low in CO2 emissions. Alarm systems and video technology do not provide quite the same performance, as they have a higher carbon footprint and offer less protection against break-ins. As a result, according to the study, CO2 emissions could be saved by making a sensible selection from the burglary protection measures.

Climate-friendly services for burglary protection

If you want to deter burglars with presence simulation such as light, for example, you can use energy-saving LED lighting. A solar light can make an energy-efficient contribution to the visibility of your own house number – so that it can be found quickly by emergency services in an emergency.

Windows and doors in existing buildings can be regularly maintained and, if necessary, repaired with the professional support of a tradesman and thus kept in good working order in the long term. Burglar-resistant fittings, window handles, multi-point locks, crossbars and much more can often be retrofitted.

Anyone opting for new windows and doors can order them in a tested/certified burglar-resistant version (DIN EN 1627, from resistance class RC 2) and ensure that the best current energy efficiency values are achieved. Windows and doors made from sustainable timber or recycled plastic also contribute to sustainability. Anyone building a new home can also use ecological building materials, construct an energy-saving KfW or passive house and plan for energy-saving technology such as heat pumps and photovoltaic systems. You can also make sure that windows and doors or, in the case of new builds, the entire house itself can be recycled.

Valuables can also be stored securely in DIN-certified safes. Here, too, there are now suppliers who work with renewable and recyclable natural materials.

Climate protection can also be taken into account when taking out insurance. For example, there are providers that incentivise repairs instead of new purchases and invest insurance premiums in sustainable funds.

When selecting the companies with which you want to implement your security project – from smart lighting and burglar-resistant security technology to insurance – you can also direct your attention to the climate-friendly behaviour of the company itself.

There are now numerous companies, also among the "Zuhause sicher" partners, that use green electricity or operate their own photovoltaic systems, for example, that have their fitters drive to the construction site in electric vehicles and use fairly produced work clothing, that re-green their car parks, plant employee trees or set up insect hotels on the company premises. From the green search engine and packaging made from recycled paper to heating with a cyclone burner for waste and residual wood, the companies are harmonising climate protection and economic efficiency through numerous sustainable activities. 

Author

Kirsten Hüls

Netzwerk Zuhause sicher e.V.

www.zuhause-sicher.de