Sustainability should be a key consideration for any business or organization. It benefits the environment and presents cost-saving opportunities—and in many cases, access to government incentives for adopting eco-friendly practices. With that in mind, it’s natural to ask: is digital signage an environmentally responsible choice?
This question becomes even more important if your facility aims to earn or maintain a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Let’s explore how digital signage stacks up regarding environmental impact and energy usage.
At first glance, digital signage may not appear eco-friendly. It requires a computer to create the content and a screen to display it, both of which use electricity. But modern technology has come a long way. Today’s LED displays and energy-efficient computing devices—often used in manufacturing digital signage—consume up to 90% less power than their older counterparts. Gone are the days of bulky tower PCs and power-hungry plasma screens.
LED displays, in particular, are designed to last longer and can be recycled more efficiently than older technologies. They’re engineered with energy efficiency in mind, making them a solid option for environmentally conscious businesses.
To put it in perspective:
Imagine running a 40-inch LED display with 35 watts of power, operating 24/7. At an average U.S. energy cost of $0.12 per kWh, that screen would cost about $3.07 per month to operate. Putting the screen into standby mode during off-hours—like evenings or weekends—’ll reduce that number even more.
You can run your own energy cost estimates using EnergyUseCalculator.org to understand your exact usage better.
While digital signage does consume energy, it often delivers a more efficient and effective communication experience. Unlike static paper signs, digital displays are dynamic, eye-catching, and easy to read. That means your message gets noticed—and remembered.
Not getting the results you expected? You can quickly troubleshoot and improve messaging by avoiding these four most common digital signage mistakes.
When your system is managed with a cloud-based content management system (CMS) like Rise Vision, updates can be made remotely—no need to visit each display in person. This reduces fuel use, travel emissions, and time spent on site changes, making your signage strategy even more eco-friendly.
Technology is getting greener, but your setup and habits still play a big role in reducing energy consumption. Here are three practical steps to ensure your digital signage system stays as environmentally friendly as possible:
Our Creative Team has also created several free digital signage and green templates for schools and companies that want to show their viewers that they care about the environment.