Urban populations are expanding rapidly. By 2050 an estimated 89% of the global population will reside in cities. This growth necessitates infrastructure that balances security requirements with environmental responsibility. Surveillance technology, traditionally considered a security tool, can serve dual purposes when designed with sustainability in mind.
Surveillance infrastructure operates continuously, consuming significant energy. While traditional systems contribute to urban power demands, new technologies are changing this landscape.
Solar-powered surveillance reduces energy consumption by up to 60% compared to grid-dependent systems. Barcelona has deployed solar-powered street surveillance that operates independently of the traditional power grid. This shift becomes significant at scale: millions of surveillance devices worldwide run 24 hours daily.
AI-driven analytics enable more efficient operation. Modern systems activate based on motion detection or scheduled patterns rather than recording continuously at full intensity. This selective activation cuts unnecessary energy use substantially. Edge computing adds another layer of efficiency by processing data locally, which reduces the energy needed for data transmission to remote servers.
Surveillance technology in smart city frameworks extends beyond security applications to resource management. The global smart cities market was valued at $6.72 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $18.74 billion by 2030. AI and IoT-enabled surveillance are a key driver of this growth.
Surveillance infrastructure paired with AI and IoT sensors enables data-driven urban management. Traffic systems using intelligent surveillance analyse vehicle flow in real time and adjust signals dynamically to reduce congestion and emissions. Such systems can save cities over 120,000 operational hours annually through automation.
Waste management benefits from AI-powered cameras that monitor bin capacities and optimise collection routes. This reduces fuel consumption, minimises traffic congestion, and lowers carbon emissions.
Water systems also use intelligent monitoring. Singapore’s Smart P.U.B. initiative employs thousands of sensors and AI analytics to detect leaks and optimise distribution. The programme has achieved 5% water savings and near-zero pipe bursts. These applications show how surveillance infrastructure supports environmental management when deployed systematically.
Sustainability extends beyond operational efficiency to the entire product lifecycle. The electronics industry faces a critical challenge: global e-waste generation is rising five times faster than documented recycling efforts. An estimated $57 billion worth of recoverable materials are discarded annually.
Responsible manufacturers prioritise modular designs that facilitate component upgrades, repairs, and recycling. This extends product longevity and reduces the frequency of replacements. Local manufacturing, such as India’s Make in India initiative, reduces the carbon footprint from international logistics.
Material choices matter. The shift towards recyclable components, sustainably sourced materials, and elimination of hazardous substances reflects environmental responsibility. Manufacturers implementing take-back programmes and establishing recycling partnerships create closed-loop systems where materials from decommissioned equipment re-enter the production cycle.
The manufacturing process itself presents opportunities for sustainability. Energy-efficient production facilities, waste reduction initiatives, and quality management systems that extend product lifespan all reduce environmental burden. ISO 14001 certification provides a framework for environmental management throughout manufacturing operations.
Creating products that endure is one of the most effective sustainability strategies. Extended product lifespans directly reduce e-waste generation and the resource demands of manufacturing replacements. This requires robust design, quality components, and ongoing software support.
Advanced surveillance systems with AI-powered predictive maintenance monitor system health and flag potential issues before failures occur. This minimises downtime, extends operational life, and decreases the energy and resources needed for urgent repairs or replacements.
Surveillance technology supports climate-resilient urban infrastructure. AI-powered systems can predict natural disasters, monitor environmental conditions, and coordinate emergency response. In Jakarta, an AI-powered platform forecasts flood risks up to six hours in advance, enabling proactive evacuations and resource deployment.
Environmental monitoring through integrated sensor networks provides cities with real-time data on air quality, temperature, and other climate indicators. This information supports evidence-based policymaking and helps cities track progress towards sustainability targets.
The technology sector must ensure that innovation serves immediate functional needs and long-term environmental wellbeing. In surveillance technology, this means pursuing energy efficiency through design, adopting renewable energy sources, prioritising product longevity, implementing circular economy practices, and ensuring systems contribute positively to urban sustainability.
The opportunities are substantial. With proper implementation, surveillance infrastructure can transition from an energy consumer to an enabler of resource efficiency across entire urban ecosystems. This transformation requires collaboration among manufacturers policymakers urban planners and citizens to establish frameworks that balance security needs with environmental responsibility.
Building tomorrow’s cities integrating smart surveillance technology with sustainability principles offers a pathway towards safer more efficient and more resilient urban environments. The technology is available. What remains is our collective commitment to deploying it responsibly ensuring that every camera sensor and system contributes to security and a sustainable future for all.
Aditya Khemka is Founder & Managing Director of CP Plus.
