How can IP surveillance systems positively impact a business energy usage?

Transcription

1 White paper How can IP surveillance systems positively impact a business energy usage? Less is less when it comes to network surveillance and energy

2 Table of contents 1. Introduction 3 2. Camera technologies and features Camera Resolutions Multi-View Streaming Megapixel camera being used for overview Megapixel camera with multi-view streaming overview surveillance cameras Axis Corridor Format AXIS Camera Application Platform Lightfinder IP Recording and Storage Solutions Recording and Storage Solutions AXIS Camera Companion / Edge storage Sequential filing system (SFS ) Storage device IT Centric Storage Solution Linear Storage Solution Optimised Server Technology for IP Surveillance Government initiatives Government to Offer Financial Incentive for Carbon Reduction Commitment Conclusion Comments and clarifications Thank you 16

3 1. Introduction Energy saving is a 21st century challenge with businesses devoted to providing energy efficiency, energy conservation, and the sustainable use of energy, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions and helping to prevent man-made climate change. With governments and countries working together to make a more efficient and sustainable future, it is important that new technologies address everyday energy and carbon emission challenges. With all businesses being challenged to positively impact their energy consumption and provide sustainability reports, how can IP surveillance systems help a business achieve its energy reduction commitments? As governments globally have initiatives in place to incentivise a business to reduce their energy consumption, it is important to understand how new feature rich IP surveillance technologies can reduce a user s energy consumption and positively impact a balance sheet. Regardless of the size of a business, there are government initiatives in place that will help support the reduction in a businesses energy consumption and in turn help companies with their carbon reduction commitment. Two of the most common incentives for technological upgrades being used are the Carbon Trust interest free loan scheme and the Enhanced Capital Allowance. The Carbon Trust offer government funded, unsecured 0% business loans for energy saving projects, up to a maximum loan limit of 100,000 available for small, medium and large companies that don t fall under the Carbon Reduction Commitment. The Enhanced Capital Allowance is where the Carbon Trust manage the Energy Technology List (ETL), a list of products, such as thermal solar equipment, that may be eligible for 100% tax relief under the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme for energy saving technologies. The ECA scheme provides businesses with 100% first year tax relief on their qualifying capital expenditure, meaning that businesses can write off the cost of the equipment against taxable profits in the year of purchase. The aim is to provide an incentive to invest in renewable technology and energy saving equipment. How have IP surveillance systems positively impacted energy consumption and what effect does this have on a business user? It is well documented that the advancement in camera technologies have largely been down to the improvement in processing power within the cameras. The greater the level of processing power, the more demanding we can be with the features that are included. Now that we have seen significant improvement in the processing power we can expect the camera to be much more effective. The evolution of a surveillance camera has always been focused on improving the resolution and picture quality. Now with the advancement of technology in place, image quality should be a given and the very minimum we should expect from a camera. The focus and investment has been on the development of image usability and adding intelligence to the camera, either business intelligence of further security measures. One consideration rarely discussed when looking at the design of a surveillance system is the impact and cost associated with the power consumption of the system. If this is taken into consideration then it can demonstrate significant cost savings and reduce the total cost of ownership when considered at the start of the project. With the advancement of new feature rich IP camera technologies and associated products a client will be able to generate a robust return on investment strategy when looking to upgrade an antiquated analogue surveillance system. It is also worth noting that the national and local governments look to incentivise businesses for reducing their power and carbon usage. The incentives can come in the form of financing green initiatives for business users, releasing capital expenditure to pay for the project, or even reducing corporation tax for larger business that are classed as high energy users. 3

4 2. Camera technologies and features Through the introduction of new camera technologies and features we have seen significant improvement in an operational surveillance system. The primary reason is often to improve security however it is worth considering how these technologies and features can positively impact the power consumption of a surveillance system and identify further cost saving and benefits that haven t been considered in the past. 2.1 Camera Resolutions Through increased processing power built into the cameras, there has been significant advancement in camera capabilities that have evolved with the adoption of IP technologies. With greater resolution being offered from 1 megapixel through to 8 megapixels running at 25/30 fps, the field of view from each camera is significantly improved resulting in a total reduction in the camera count without compromising on the quality of the images being captured. Identification Recognition Detection SVGA 800x600 AXIS P1353 2m 4m 19m 250pix/m 1Mpxl 1280x720 (720p HD) AXIS P1354 3m 6m 31m 125pix/m 2Mpxl 1920x1080 (1080p HD) AXIS P1355 5m 9m 46m 25pix/m 3Mpxl 2048x1536 AXIS P3346 5m 10m 45m 5Mpxl 2592x1944 AXIS P1357 6m 12m 62m 8Mpxl 3840x2160 (4K UHD) AXIS P1428 9m 18m 91m All distances calculated at 80 FoV All distances rounded to nearest metre Pixel Density Distances The distances shown are not absolute maximum distances possible for each pixel density value. To enable a fair comparison between all of the different image resolutions all values were calculated at the same horizontal field of view (80 degrees)for each camera. By increasing the focal length of the lens on the camera and reducing the FoV these distance would increase. The table should be used as a very general overview guide and the values shown are not absolute. The table below gives a direct comparison to the percentage increase and decreases against each of the resolutions. For the purposes of the comparison the settings are in accordance with the parameters set above. Detection SVG % +/- 1Mpxl % +/- 2Mpxl % +/- 3Mpxl % +/- 5Mpxl % +/- 8Mpxl % +/- SVGA AXIS P m -63% -142% -142% -226% -374% 1Mpxl AXIS P m 63% -49% -48% -100% -190% 2Mpxl AXIS P m 142% 49% 0-35% -98% 3Mpxl AXIS P m 142% 48% 0-35% -98% 5Mpxl AXIS P m 226% 100% 35% 35% -47% 8Mpxl AXIS P m 374% 190% 98% 98% 47% 25pix/m Figures rounder to the nearest full % In order to give a direct comparison between the resolutions a generic site has been marked up to highlight a potential camera layout using a 8Mpxl camera as chosen by the client. The brief given was to give detection levels of coverage to the perimeter of the site boundaries and also detection levels coverage to the roadways between the container areas. The perimeter boundaries measured 2000 meters and the roadways measure 3870 meters. Example showing perimeter cameras 4

5 Example showing internal roadways When doing a direct comparison between the numbers of cameras required in order to generate the same level of coverage across the site, there are significant changes in the quantities of cameras required. The table below shows the comparison assuming cameras can be located in the optimum positions with the same levels of spacing between each to give the minimum levels of cameras required. In reality we understand that a design will rarely have this luxury, but for the purposes of a comparison this is a fare way that reflects the quantities required. Detection Perimiter Roadways Total SVGA AXIS P m Mpxl AXIS P m Mpxl AXIS P m Mpxl AXIS P m Mpxl AXIS P m Mpxl AXIS P m pix/m 2000m 3870m The table above shows the reductions in the camera count required, in order to get the same level of coverage across the site. Whilst there are the obvious cost savings that can be seen, that sit with the number of cameras required alone and all the associated works that go with the installation; cabling, commissioning, storage, infrastructure, civils etc. what will the impact on the power consumption for the system have between the different solutions? Based on Fixed IP cameras (24x7 operaton, 25fps) to cover 5870m Camera No. Annual Power Consumption Annual Power Cost 5yr Power Cost SVGA Resolution kwh 2 976, ,00 1Mpxl kwh 1 824, ,00 2Mpxl kwh 1 228, ,00 3Mpxl kwh 1 238, ,00 5Mpxl kwh 921, ,00 8Mpxl kwh 614, ,00 Power calculatons based on 15p per kwh UK average (source: CompareMySolar) 5yr Power Cost are assuimng no rate changes As you can see from the table above there are additional cost savings specifically related to the power consumption of the cameras. When looking at an upgrade of the whole surveillance systems, the cameras contributions that are related to a basic function such as the resolution can go a long way to demonstrating a quick return on investment. This will in turn help a business meet its carbon reduction commitments, which are only seen as a percentage against usage rather than a direct monetary value. 5

6 2.2 Multi-View Streaming With the increase in resolution, came the ability to use multi-view streaming from a single camera. This essentially means that you get multiple views from a single camera position, giving the operator the perception that they are looking at a number of different fixed camera positions. This is great if you have an overview camera that you would like to zoom into multiple areas at the same time for monitoring purposes. An example of a scenario would be the entrance to a building where you would like to focus on the entrance door, reception area and barriers. Each specific view can be segregated into a viewing window and shown individually back to the monitoring workstation. This has the potential to reduce the cameras significantly if the correct camera is chosen. If a high megapixel camera is used, and split into a number of different viewing windows the resolution of each viewing window can be kept to the same as a smaller megapixel camera, so therefore not compromising the quality if the image. With multi streaming capabilities running up to 8 views from a single camera then reduction can been seen straight away. As the processing power within the camera further increases along with the pixels available the number of stream is likely to increase further which will again have the potential to reduce a camera count Megapixel camera being used for overview Megapixel camera with multi-view streaming The example here shows how a single camera, positioned correctly can get the desired coverage at the same resolution as a number of smaller resolution cameras. Aside from the obvious installation benefits of only having to install a single camera, run one cable and maintain one camera, there are the on-going annual costs associated with the powering of a camera. 6

7 Based on 8 fixed camera views 8No. 1Mpxl Cameras 1No. 5Mpxl camera with 8No. Multi-view streaming enabled Annual Power Consumption 504 kwh 64 kwh Annual Power Cost 75,60 9,60 server power and camera power camera power with 1% increase to load) Power calculatons based on 15p per kwh UK average (source: CompareMySolar) This example shows a direct correlation between cost savings on offer from using different camera technologies to achieve the same level of coverage without compromising on the image quality or operational performance of the system. This examples demonstrates a potential power cost saving of >85% based on the quantities being used. As this is assuming a best case scenario of having the ability to utilise a single high megapixel to replace 8 lower resolution cameras, then the results will vary depending on the camera count overview surveillance cameras With the introduction of 360 and 180 degree overview surveillance cameras, this has added further scope to the capability of reducing the camera count. With the ability to de-warp images and still run multi-view streaming, this has afforded clients the ability to install centrally located cameras that can look and record in all directions simultaneously. With the introduction of this type of camera technology this has the potential to significantly reduce the camera count whilst improving the camera coverage of a site and reducing any blind spots. As a minimum, a client could expect to see a potential 75% reduction in the camera count assuming 100% visibility of an area of 650m2 / 7000sq ft as degree camera can cover the whole area instead of using 4 cameras pointing in different direction whist still leaving a blind spot directly under the cameras. Based on the number of cameras it would take to cover a large area it would be unlikely that a client would wish to have 100% coverage using traditional cameras. Utilising this camera type will increase coverage of the site, but will also reduce the potential camera count in turn showing power consumption savings. 2.4 Axis Corridor Format In many surveillance situations there are areas that are more vertical than horizontal in shape. This includes staircases, hallways, aisles, roads, runways, tunnels, and many other applications. In these situations, the traditional landscape format is not the optimal solution since it creates video streams where a large part of the field of view specifically the sides of the image is redundant. In turn, this means that the image quality is not maximized because the full area and resolution of the camera s image sensor is not utilised. In the process, bandwidth and storage is also wasted. Axis unique solution to this problem is the Corridor Format. The new format allows you to get a vertically oriented, portrait -shaped video stream from the camera. The video is adapted perfectly to the monitored area, maximising image quality while eliminating bandwidth and storage waste. 7

8 Axis Corridor Format is even more useful for modern HDTV network cameras that deliver a 16:9 aspect ratio, as the resulting image will be changed to a 9:16 aspect ratio just the right thing for narrow corridors, hallways or aisles. Due to the change in the aspect ratio, there is the potential to reduce the number of cameras required. This is achieved when increasing the vertical field of view being delivered from the same camera. With the new capabilities of corridor format increasing the field of view, we see the number of cameras required reducing. This in turn will reduce the total cost of ownership of the system and demonstrate power consumption cost savings. With corridor format being well aligned to segments such as retail and transportation, it is anticipated that small savings over multiple sites make this technology a compelling argument. Corridor Format Images By using Axis Corridor format the customer is able to fully maximise the horizontal field of view. This has the potential of reducing a camera s blind spot and increasing the available detection zone. If an elongated horizontal view is not required then Axis Corridor format, in conjunction with a varifocal lens, can be used to increase the pixel density within the scene. The benefit of this is there are no extra hardware cost or increases to the cameras bandwidth as its transmitting the same image. By doing a direct comparison of the AXIS Q1615 with the varifocal lens set at 2.8mm, you are able to see the level of coverage increase when changed from a 16:9 format to a 9:16 format. With the traditional 16:9 view the AXIS Q1615 is able to provide coverage of 25 pixels per meter up to 42m to achieve detection levels of evidence. When the same camera is rotated to 9:16 it is able to provide the same level of 25 pixels per meter up to 53 meters. This change in aspect ratio increases the coverage distance from the same camera by 27%. What is great about utilising this technology is that the varifocal lens can also be zoomed into the full capability of 8mm and as a result utilised across other segments such as critical infrastructure. As with the same comparison, the example shows both coverage areas achieving 25 pixels per meter at the furthest point. The 16:9 aspect ratio achieves a coverage area of 107m from the camera position with a blind spot of 9.m meaning the coverage is 97.5m. When we change the cameras aspect ratio to 9:16 we achieve a coverage of 112m with a reduced blind spot of 5.6m, meaning the total coverage area is 106.4m. This shows an increase coverage distance of 9.5% by changing the aspect ratio from the traditional format to that of corridor format. Again this shows an improvement in the coverage of the surveillance camera by merely changing the aspect ratio. If we use a similar scenario to that used for the resolution example we can do a direct comparison for an environment that requires perimeter detection and coverage across the roadways. Detection Perimiter Roadways Total 2Mpxl AXIS Q :9-2.8mm 42m Mpxl AXIS Q1615 9:16-2.8mm 53m Mpxl AXIS Q :9-8mm 97.5m Mpxl AXIS Q1615 9:16-8mm 106.4m pix/m 2000m 3870m 8

9 The table above shows the impact and benefit that utilising an Axis camera in corridor format has. You can see that there is direct correlation between the cameras count required and the additional coverage being generated from a change in the aspect ratio. The AXIS Q1615 with a focal length of 2.8mm shows an increase in the camera count by of approximately 27% if retained in the 16:9 ratio rather than 9:16 corridor format. This is also seen when the focal length is changed to 8mm and the same increase in camera count is in line with the different in coverage generated. It is important to see how the reduction in cameras can also reduce the power consumption impact on the surveillance system. The table above shows how the reduction in camera count can positively impact the power consumption of a surveillance system. With corridor format cameras being deployed in environments such as retail centre, shops, railway stations etc. The users are likely to be multi-site users that will show big cost savings across their region if deployed correctly. A further benefit that can be seen from corridor format is the improvement in the resolution from a fixed camera position. The image below left was captured using an AXIS P3346 camera in 1080p resolution. In 16:9 mode in order to capture the whole of the corridor area, the part of the image that we are not interested to the left and right is also captured. This results in less pixel density in the corridor which is the area of interest. The image below right shows Axis Corridor Format. The camera sensor is physically rotated by 90 degrees and the image electronically counter-rotated to ensure the correct orientation for viewing. This image is refocused to match the top and bottom view of the original 16:9 image resulting in a higher pixel density in the area of interest. The comparison below shows the improved image quality available with Axis Corridor format when digitally zooming into the image. Recognition is now possible where it wasn t before. This has been achieved using the same camera which means there in no increase in cost to get an improved and more usable image. 9

10 A common theme and benefit of IP cameras is the positive impact in the reduction of cameras required to generate the same level of visibility as a traditional analogue system or even against an alternative IP systems that doesn t share the same feature rich functionality. Not only do fewer cameras require less energy to run but there are also further benefits to be seen in other aspects of the surveillance system such as Network infrastructure and storage hardware. The reduction in cameras has a positive impact on the associated infrastructure required to run the system and fewer cameras results in less storage and associated hardware. 2.5 AXIS Camera Application Platform AXIS Camera Application Platform is an open platform that makes it possible for application developers to market and sell Axis-compatible applications. The platform supports video analytics applications that provide the products with intelligent capabilities such as recognition, counting, detection and tracking etc. directly on the camera. One of the key benefits other than adding value and business intelligence to the camera is the significant reduction in hardware and cost associated with the analytics. With a new server less architecture being required this reduces the need for a server and any associated costs. Outside of the obvious cost saving specifically related to the hardware, there is the ongoing cost savings related to the power requirement of the systems. Less hardware means less power. The open application platform has attracted great interest among Axis development partners. AgentVi, Aimetis, Cognimatics, Digital Barriers and Via:Sys etc. To use Digital Barriers as an example, they have created SafeZone edge which is a server less ilids primary approved analytics package. For the purposes of a side by side evaluation, Digital Barriers have been able to do a direct comparison between a 4 camera server based solution and a 4 camera server less ACAP solution as they have both offerings in their portfolio. Based on 4 x IP cameras (outdoor) with video analytics on 4 channels (24x7 operaton) Server---based Video Analysis (e.g. original SafeZone Server product) Edge---based Video Analysis (SafeZone---edge product) Annual Power Consumption 857 kwh (381 kg) 252 kwh (112 kg) Annual Power Cost 129,00 38,00 server power and camera power camera power with 1% increase to load) Power calculatons based on 15p per kwh UK average (source: CompareMySolar) Server specificaton, power and support costs based on Dell PowerEdge R210 II (source: Dell.co.uk) This offers a side by side comparison between both solutions. One important fact that is worth recognising is that there is NO compromise in operational performance between the two solutions. Whilst the savings between each of the solutions is only small for the comparison, you will see that as a percentage increase it is significant and the more cameras that are added to the system the greater the saving that will be seen. 10

11 2.6 Lightfinder A day and night camera is designed to be used in outdoor installations or in indoor environments with poor lighting. A day and night, color network camera delivers color images during the day. As light diminishes, the camera can automatically switch to night mode to make use of near infrared (IR) light to deliver black and white images. Maintaining image sharpness and low noise, particularly in varying outdoor lighting conditions, has proved challenging. Axis Communications research and development have led to the introduction of the new and revolutionary Lightfinder technology. The Lightfinder technology is the result of a meticulous choice of the right sensor and the right lens, together with the elaboration of the image data coming from the combination of sensor and lens. The fusion of these factors sensor, lens, in-house chip development and knowledge in image processing provides network cameras incorporating this technology with outstanding performance. The key feature is in the name. The Lightfinder camera can operate in significantly lower lux levels to traditional surveillance cameras on the market. Aside from the improvement in the image quality in demanding low light environments, but we have the potential powers saving related to reduction in additional lighting sources being required. Camera during the day Camera during the night (Without added lighting) Based on Fixed IP cameras (24x7 operaton, 25fps) Power Usage / kwh Number Annual Power Consumption Annual Power Cost 5yr Power Cost AXIS P3346-V Fixed Camera 0, kwh 102,50 512,50 Lighting Source 0,4 6 21,024 kwh 3 153, , , ,15 Power calculatons based on 15p per kwh UK average (source: CompareMySolar) 5yr Power Cost are assuimng no rate changes For the purposes of the comparison, a fixed camera has been positioned every 25m to cover a perimeter measuring 300m. Lighting has been mounted every 50m to increase the lux levels in the environment. Lightfinder Camera during the night 11

12 The lightfinder camera now has the capability to utilise any ambient lighting in the area. This means that the additional lighting required for the system is removed saving the hardware, installation and also the power associated with the lighting element of the surveillance system. When doing a direct comparison between the two solutions, there is potentially a significant power cost saving if the lighting is removed of 96%. When scaling this technology over a larger site, then the potential cost savings can be huge. It is worth noting that the technology is called lightfinder, and as a result needs lighting for the cameras to operate efficiently. In the event that there is no lighting in the environment then additional lighting sources will always be required and Lux levels should be taken when designing the system. 3. IP Recording & Storage Solutions Just as there have been advancements of technology in the cameras so has there been with the acces sories included. IP cameras are now able to compress images to a much smaller file size allowing the use of SD cards inside the cameras as the main storage area. As this is a solid state item with no moving parts there is very little energy associated with this device. A key benefit to this is that it takes storage load away from a traditional server based unit which again positively impacts the surveillance systems energy consumption. It is however important to pick the correct recording and storage for the applications and understand the limitations and benefits they offer. 3.1 Recording and Storage Solutions With the advent of new technologies the recording and storage methods of surveillance systems has been improved significantly in regards to the reliability, cost and performance. The size and technical complexities of the system will largely dictate the type of storage that needs to be considered. As IP cameras are fully networkable there are also cost savings specifically related to the power requirements of the system that can be seen. 3.2 AXIS Camera Companion / Edge storage AXIS Camera Companion is the market s easiest video surveillance solution for small systems from 1 to 16 cameras. With AXIS Camera Companion, all video is recorded on SD cards in the cameras, without the need for a DVR or server based recording platform - making each camera a smart, independent video recording device. The system consists of standard Axis cameras, SD cards, software clients for PC and smartphones, and standard network equipment. There are a number of operational and technical benefits to this system in addition to the platform being a free software. As this is a DVR or server less solution it removes the risk of the solution having a single point of failure. The software will need to be installed on a PC or laptop in order to commission the system but for the purposes of monitoring and viewing images, this can be done from an alternative devices such as a smart phone or tablet often used for other applications. Based on 10 x Fixed IP cameras (24x7 operaton at 30fps) DVR Solution AXIS Camera Companion Annual Power Consumption 2926 kwh 394 kwh Annual Power Cost 394,20 59,10 server power and camera power camera power with 1% increase to load) Power calculatons based on 15p per kwh UK average (source: CompareMySolar) Server specificaton, power and support costs based on DVR with RAID5 storage Whilst there will be cost s incurred whilst using, charging and/or powering the devices in which a server less solution will use to view the footage, this is a device that is multipurpose and power consumption can be directly related to other activities. For the purposes of doing a direct comparison between the two solutions, there is a compelling argument to use a server less or hosted service. ACC saves 85 % in annual power costs specifically related to the consumption of the system. It is worth noting that for the purposes of the exercise both systems used the same cameras being performed in the same operational environment. 12

13 3.3 Server based Recording solutions There is nothing more data intensive than video other than multiple streams of High Definition video and your choice of server solution can have a significant environmental impact. In recent years server technology has evolved allowing for specialist technology giving more powerful servers with higher density on board storage solutions. As High Definition becomes the de facto standard in professional security installations, Secure Logiq brings to the industry the missing piece of the HD Surveillance Jigsaw by manufacturing a range of hardware appliances specifically designed and optimised to efficiently store, transmit and display multiple streams of HD video data. By utilising this specialist technology, as well as significant cost savings there is a greatly reduced environmental impact and we will look at some of these factors below compared with other commonly used technologies Requirements Here we will look at three of the options available on the market today and compare the overall power consumption. For comparison we will be looking at a 600 analogue camera system migrated to IP using the AXIS Q7046 Blade encoders. We will assume a constant recording bit rate of 2Mbps at 25IPS recording stored for a duration of 31 days with a peak bit rate of 3Mbps to allow for processing calculations. All calculations are based on the following table IT Centric Storage Solution Due to their multipurpose design and generic non-optimised nature, most IT Centric servers have a processing cap of 256 Mbps which can often be more of a limiting factor than the on board storage which typically does not exceed 21TB in RAID5. Electricity costs have been calculated at 15p per kwh, cooling costs and power are linear and cooling power requirements are generally similar to the total server power requirements Linear Storage Solution Linear storage is relatively new to the IP CCTV scene and does require integration to specific VMS platforms for optimum efficiency. Using a sequential storage method offers significant power savings in comparison to conventional server technology. Because the drives that are not being recorded on remain static they use less power and become more energy efficient. The disadvantage of this method is that the throughput is limited to the read write speed of a single disk so on large camera count many more machines have to be used to achieve the same result. Linear storage also relies on server technology to process the IP video which must also be accounted for when calculating power. 13

14 3.3.3 Optimised Server Technology for IP Surveillance By utilising best in class components, tested together and optimised for IP surveillance applications Secure Logic have created a range of servers which at the top end can handle 4000Mbps throughput with 480TB useable data on board a single 4U unit. Because they are often running well under peak processing power and feature advanced RAID arrays to spread the load average, power is significantly lower than the peak power requirements. Additionally each unit will replace multiple units available in comparison to other solutions offering significant power savings. The units in the calculations below feature 750Mbps throughput (duplex) and 140TB useable on board storage. 4. Government initiatives We can see that the advancement in IP surveillance technologies have been able to demonstrate significant cost savings associated with the energy consumption required to run a network video surveillance system for 24/7 365 days over a 10 year period. Not only are we able to show a robust return in investment against the energy savings alone, but due to the government initiatives in place are we able to get capital expenditure released that allows the government to pay for the upgrade. In addition to this with the incentives that the government has in place to companies for reducing their carbon footprint then there is corporation tax benefits to be gained as well. 4.1 Government to Offer Financial Incentive for Carbon Reduction Commitment The Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) has been on the horizon for many years but, because of its complexity, has received little publicity and awareness remains low among the organisations that will be affected by it. Its purpose is to reduce Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions and increase energy efficiency by providing a financial incentive to improve performance. The UK Government was the first in the world to introduce a cap and trade scheme to put a price on the use of CO2 for high intensity energy users such as power producers and chemical manufacturers. Most of the large industrial plants in the UK are now captured under EU regulations for controlling CO2 emissions and participate in the mandatory EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). The UK Government is again taking the lead with the CRC, applying the same cap and trade formula to large organisations, with a focus on increasing energy efficiency. It is the first mandatory CO2 scheme in the world to cover both public and private sectors of the economy. What is cap and trade? The CRC will operate as a cap and trade mechanism, providing a financial incentive to reduce energy use by putting a price on CO2 emissions from energy use. Organisations within the CRC will be required to buy one allowance for every tonne of CO2 they are responsible for each year. The overall emissions reduction target is achieved by placing a cap on the total allowances available to each group of CRC participants. Within the overall limit of the CRC, participating organisations can choose the most cost-effective way to reduce their emissions and meet compliance targets. This could be through buying extra allowances to cover any short-fall or by making investments to lessen energy consumption and hence the allowances that they have to purchase. 14

15 Which organisations will be affected? The CRC will apply to public or private organisations (including subsidiaries) which have at least one half-hourly electricity meter (HHM) or those with a total annual energy consumption of at least 6,000 mega-watt hours of electricity (equivalent to an electricity bill of 500,000). Initial indications are that around 5,000 organisations will have to participate. Public sector organisations such as local authorities and all central Government Departments will make up a significant number of these, with other participants including supermarkets, banks and water companies. Energy costs usually represent a small amount of annual expenditure for the organisations targeted by the CRC, so to date there has been little incentive to reduce consumption. However, these organisations are collectively responsible for around 10% of the UK s CO2 emissions. Next steps There are significant financial and even criminal penalties for non-compliance with the CRC, so it is imperative that all organisations that will be affected start to prepare and plan now: Allocate accountability within your organisation for CRC obligations. Once the impact on your organisation has been established, all registration procedures must be completed within the stated deadlines. It is then essential that you calculate and begin to monitor your energy consumption reports will need to be submitted covering energy use from April Once an energy forecast has been completed then a financial budget for compliance should be prepared it should include the cost of purchasing allowances for 2011, the cost of any improvements planned to lower energy consumption and reduce your organisations obligations as well as any associated administrative costs. Performance in 2010 will determine the amount of allowances you have to buy in 2011 and your league table position so there will be a financial incentive to improving performance from April Even if you do not currently qualify as a participant in the CRC it is still worth taking the time to prepare; you may be forced to comply anyway by the Secretary of State. Even if you are not, reducing energy consumption will bring its own rewards in lower energy expenditure and lowering your organisation s carbon footprint. 5. Conclusion It is clear to see that the advancements in new IP surveillance technologies can demonstrate areas of cost savings directly related to power consumption. Not only does this show the potential benefits of upgrading from an existing analogue system to a new IP system, but it also shows the importance of selecting the right camera and storage vendor. The importance of a feature rich solution, now impacts other decisions makers that sit outside of the traditional security team. 5.1 Comments and clarifications It is worth noting that the testing conditions for each of the applications, may differ depending on the environmental conditions of each site. The potential capabilities of the different camera technologies and features, has been designed to highlight the potential areas that can reduce camera counts and what effects this has on other elements of the operational system. It is always recommended that each surveillance system is designed specifically for the application in which it is intended. All technologies and feature are there to improve the systems capabilities, but may not too suitable for each application. 15

16 6. Thank you Markus Lai NEur Manager, Sales Engineering Axis Communications Paul Bristow Sales Engineer Axis Communications Dan Meyrick Business Development Manager Digital Barriers Robin Hughes Sales Director Secure Logiq Author: Steven Kenny - Business Development Manager A&E program, UK and Ireland Axis Communications 16

17 61559/EN/R1/1504 About Axis Communications Axis offers intelligent security solutions that enable a smarter, safer world. As the global market leader in network video, Axis is driving the industry by continually launching innovative network products based on an open platform - delivering high value to customers through a global partner network. Axis has long-term relationships with partners and provides them with knowledge and ground-breaking network products in existing and new markets. Axis has more than 2,000 dedicated employees in more than 40 countries around the world, supported by a network of over 75,000 partners across 179 countries. Founded in 1984, Axis is a Sweden-based company listed on NASDAQ Stockholm under the ticker AXIS. For more information about Axis, please visit our website Axis Communications AB. AXIS COMMUNICATIONS, AXIS, ETRAX, ARTPEC and VAPIX are registered trademarks or trademark applications of Axis AB in various jurisdictions. All other company names and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. We reserve the right to introduce modifications without notice.