In the face of environmental, social and economic challenges, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is emerging as a strategic lever in the safety and security sector. Between technological innovations, energy transition and regulatory requirements, companies in the sector are redefining their practices to combine performance and responsibility

A strengthened dynamic in France

In France, the integration of CSR in the internal security sector is structured around ambitious initiatives. According to INSEE, 64% of French companies with more than 250 employees now integrate a CSR policy, a figure that has been constantly increasing in recent years. The security and defence industry is no exception to this trend and is seeing the emergence of large-scale projects aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of equipment, improving working conditions and guaranteeing the ethics of supply chains.

For example, Thales, a major player in the defence and security sector, has committed to reducing its CO₂ emissions by 35% by 2030 compared to 2018. The company has also implemented more energy-efficient cybersecurity solutions and is working on the eco-design of its communication systems to limit their environmental impact.

In the field of private security, many companies are setting up training programmes on inclusion and diversity. The Fiducial Security Group, for example, has rolled out a programme aimed at recruiting and training people who are far from the labour market, while guaranteeing working conditions that respect social and ethical standards.

Europe harmonises practices for sustainable security

At the European level, regulations and initiatives aimed at providing a framework for CSR in the internal security sector are multiplying. In February 2025, the European Union adopted a directive on the duty of vigilance, obliging companies with more than 500 employees to identify, prevent and mitigate the negative impacts of their activities on the environment and human rights. This directive is part of a broader drive to make supply chains more transparent and accountable.

The European Defence Fund (EDF), with a budget of €8 billion for the period 2021-2027, finances projects that incorporate CSR criteria, particularly in the areas of sustainable innovation and responsible cybersecurity. In addition, European companies specialising in the protection of critical infrastructure are developing technological solutions aimed at optimising energy consumption and reducing the use of rare raw materials.

The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) encourages the development of ethical and ecological digital solutions, with recommendations on the eco-design of data centres and the implementation of low-energy consumption cybersecurity protocols.

A global commitment to responsible and innovative security

Internationally, CSR is establishing itself as an essential standard for guaranteeing sustainable and ethical development in the security sector. The United Nations Global Compact, to which more than 15,000 companies in 160 countries adhere, encourages organisations to integrate principles related to human rights, working conditions, the environment and the fight against corruption.

In the field of new security technologies, several initiatives illustrate this trend. The AI Act, adopted in March 2024 by the European Union, requires companies in the security sector to apply strict transparency and ethical criteria in the use of artificial intelligence, thus guaranteeing respect for individual freedoms while optimising the management of security risks.

In the United States, companies such as Motorola Solutions are developing urban surveillance solutions that incorporate intelligent solar-powered sensors, thus limiting their ecological footprint. In Asia, Japan has adopted a roadmap for ‘green’ security, with a target of a 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions in the security sector by 2040.

Finally, the rise of digital technologies is making security more efficient and more environmentally friendly. Artificial intelligence makes it possible to optimise data flows and avoid unnecessary interventions, thus reducing the energy consumption of surveillance systems. Innovative and recyclable materials are also increasingly being integrated into the manufacture of protective equipment and security infrastructures.

A Lasting Evolution Towards Responsible Security The internal security sector is undergoing radical change, integrating CSR as a strategic lever for a more sustainable and ethical future. Regulatory advances, corporate commitments and technological innovations make it possible to reconcile security efficiency and social responsibility.

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