Sustainability and Security: How the Two Intersect
When most people think about security, sustainability isn’t one of the first things that comes to mind. But at Northwest Enforcement, we believe that how we serve our communities matters. We are conscious of our effects on the environment—not just for today but for the long term. That means protecting people, property, and communities while also protecting the planet.
One of the main ways we put sustainability into practice is by focusing on waste reduction. Rather than just finding lower-impact ways to dispose of waste, we prioritize preventing it altogether. As a local company operating in the Pacific Northwest, we have implemented many practices to keep our operations cleaner and our environmental footprint smaller from the start.
Ditching the Paper Trail
Even in 2025, some security companies are still relying on pen-and-paper reporting. At NEI, we’ve gone fully paperless. Not only does this cut down on unnecessary waste, but it also improves efficiency.
We invested in an in-house developer to create our own reporting software, SRT. Digital reports mean no delays, no deciphering messy handwriting, no delays in approvals, and no driving back to the office just to scan a document. Our officers can file and share reports instantly. This benefits not just our operations but our clients. We’re able to get information to our clients faster and increase transparency with our 24/7 access client dashboard. We also reduce our environmental footprint at the same time, completely removing the need for excessive use of unsustainable resources like paper and ink.
In that same spirit, we’ve made steady progress toward going paperless across all our operations. From electronic invoicing and employment records to digital benefits enrollment and insurance certificates, each step helps us cut down on waste while streamlining processes for both our team and our clients.
Smarter Patrols with Greener Vehicles
Sustainability often comes down to strategy. While security demands mobility, we’re committed to doing it responsibly. Our patrol districts are intentionally small to reduce travel time between properties. This isn’t just great for the environment. It’s good for our clients, too. Smaller districts mean more time spent on-site, which increases our visibility and effectiveness. Less time on the road means less fuel consumption and fewer emissions.
We’ve also invested in hybrid patrol vehicles to further reduce our carbon footprint. Knowing that so much of our operational model involves driving, in 2010, we launched our hybrid fleet program. Our fleet is now comprised of over 65% hybrid vehicles, including Toyota Corolla, Prius and Rav4 models.
We back up our smart vehicle use with smart maintenance practices. Our logistics team performs maintenance and repair on our vehicles at our own facilities, purchasing consumable items in large quantities to reduce transportation impacts and package waste. In-house repairs allow us to retain and recycle many parts from vehicles that are no longer usable in other ways.
Office-Wide Sustainability Initiatives
Across all our offices, recycling isn’t an afterthought, it’s a standard practice. From separating paper and plastics to recycling batteries, electronics, and even chemical waste from vehicle maintenance, we’re committed to reducing what ends up in the landfill. When it comes time to retire or upgrade tech, we participate in device recycling programs like FreeGeek, ensuring our electronics are either refurbished or responsibly recycled. We also take part in BottleDrop and other local initiatives, and when our fast-growing team needs new furniture, we always look for quality used pieces before sourcing anything new.
Our efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. We’re proud to hold the City of Gresham Green Business Program’s “Great Recycler” award, recognizing excellence in waste prevention, recycling, and sustainable purchasing.
Designing Safer, Greener Spaces with CPTED
One of the most unique intersections of sustainability and security is found in environmental design. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles help us think differently about how we secure spaces.
Well-placed vegetation, smart landscaping, and natural barriers can reduce the need for physical fences, improve visibility, and even deter criminal activity. Done right, CPTED not only boosts security but also helps clients optimize landscaping budgets, creating safer spaces that are also greener. Partnering with local private security professionals brings site-specific expertise, helping you design safer spaces with tailored insights on lighting, visibility, and access.
Security and sustainability aren’t at odds; they’re deeply connected and intersect in unique ways. Through smart technology, strategic planning, and conscious operations, it’s possible to keep people, property, our communities, and the planet safe all at once.
Ready to partner with a security team that thinks beyond the badge? Let’s build a safer, more sustainable future together. Contact us today!
