Sustainability has become more than a buzzword, it’s a business priority. Across industries, companies are rethinking how they operate to lessen environmental impact while maintaining performance and reliability. The AV industry is no exception. With technology powering nearly every meeting, classroom, and hybrid workspace, the equipment we use carries a real environmental footprint.

That’s why Neat, a company known for its elegant video collaboration solutions, is getting attention not only for sleek design and functionality but also for its commitment to sustainability. The question is, is Neat raising the bar for what sustainable AV should look like?

THE GROWING NEED FOR SUSTAINABILITY IN AV

Audio-visual technology has historically carried environmental challenges. Traditional systems often require a maze of hardware, frequent upgrades, and energy-intensive operations. Add to that short product life cycles and mountains of packaging, and it’s clear why AV companies are being pressed to rethink their approach.

Today, the industry is focusing on three big areas:

• Longer product lifecycles. Building equipment that lasts longer and can be repaired or upgraded reduces electronic waste.

• Energy efficiency. Smarter devices that power down when not in use and consume less energy save costs and lower carbon impact.

• Circular practices. Reusing, recycling, and designing with end-of-life in mind helps keep AV gear out of landfills.

Industry groups like the Sustainability in AV (SAVe) initiative have even published guidelines, urging manufacturers and integrators to embrace more eco-conscious practices. The momentum is clear, AV must evolve to meet new sustainability expectations.

HOW NEAT APPROACHES SUSTAINABILITY DIFFERENTLY

Neat has built its reputation on creating video solutions that “just work.” But under the hood, the company has quietly been weaving sustainability into its DNA. Here’s how.

BUILT FOR LONGEVITY

Neat designs such as the Neat Bar Pro and Neat Board Pro products to be durable, timeless, and repairable. This isn’t just about Scandinavian minimalism, it’s about reducing waste by creating systems that don’t need to be replaced every few years. Components can often be upgraded or repaired, which extends product life and lowers the total environmental cost of ownership.

ENERGY-CONSCIOUS BY DESIGN

Neat’s devices include smart features that reduce energy waste. For example, built-in sensors can detect when a room is empty and automatically put systems into standby mode. Remote management tools also allow IT teams to monitor and update devices without traveling onsite, cutting both emissions and costs.

CUTTING BACK ON TRAVEL

High-quality video conferencing directly supports sustainability by reducing the need for business travel. Every meeting that happens virtually instead of requiring a flight or long commute helps organizations reduce their carbon footprint while still keeping teams connected.

SMARTER PACKAGING AND END-OF-LIFE CARE

Neat has rethought packaging with a focus on simplicity and recyclability, minimizing excess material. On top of that, the company emphasizes refurbishment and responsible recycling to keep products out of landfills once they’ve reached end of life.

DOES NEAT SET THE STANDARD FOR SUSTAINABLE AV?

The short answer: Neat is setting a strong example. Their approach aligns well with what sustainability experts say the AV industry needs, longer lifespans, energy efficiency, circular design, and smarter packaging.

What makes Neat stand out is how naturally these principles are built into its products. Sustainability isn’t an add-on, it’s part of the experience. When you deploy Neat, you’re not only getting a device that performs beautifully in a hybrid work setting, but also one designed with environmental responsibility in mind.

Other AV brands are pursuing sustainability too, from energy-efficient displays to greener supply chains. If more manufacturers follow suit, this could very well become the new industry standard.

FINAL THOUGHTS

As businesses rethink their collaboration strategies, sustainability is becoming a deciding factor. Organizations want technology that not only makes meetings more inclusive and efficient but also supports broader ESG goals.

Neat proves that AV equipment can be both cutting-edge and environmentally responsible. While it remains to be seen if the rest of the industry will follow at scale, Neat provides a clear blueprint: thoughtful design, long-term value, and sustainability can go hand in hand.

PARTNER WITH VIVO TECHNOLOGIES FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Choosing the right AV technology is just the first step. Success comes from building a system that fits your team’s needs today while preparing for tomorrow. That’s where Vivo Technologies can help.

At Vivo, we partner with organizations to design, deploy, and support AV solutions that balance performance with responsibility. Whether you’re interested in Neat’s innovative approach, exploring other eco-conscious options, or building a long-term AV strategy that supports your sustainability goals, our experts are here to guide the process.

From discovery and system design to installation and lifecycle support, we bring both technical expertise and a commitment to helping you collaborate better, while making smarter choices for the planet.

Let’s talk about how we can build greener, more effective meeting spaces together. Visit vivo.tech to get started.

References

Neat. Our Responsible Journey eBook. 2024.
Neat. “Our Responsible Journey.” Neat Stories. 2023–2024.