Sustainable Printing: The Impact of ENERGY STAR Imaging Equipment

Sustainability has become a top priority for businesses looking to minimize their environmental impact while maximizing efficiency. Yet, as organizations strive to adopt eco-friendly practices, one essential aspect often overlooked is the role of office equipment in achieving sustainability goals.

Luckily, we have ENERGY STAR® – a nationally recognized program launched by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992. Designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions, ENERGY STAR drives sustainability efforts across industries.

In 1994, fax machines were introduced as an ENERGY STAR-labeled product category, and just a year later, copiers were also added to the labeling program. In this blog, we'll shine a light on the role of ENERGY STAR-certified imaging equipment in creating eco-friendly workplaces.

From curbing energy consumption to minimizing paper waste, ENERGY STAR-certified office equipment offers benefits that align with environmental goals while delivering cost savings. Let's explore how businesses can leverage ENERGY STAR to embrace sustainability without compromising equipment performance.

Understanding ENERGY STAR Certification

To earn the ENERGY STAR label for their products, manufacturers must undergo a rigorous process overseen by the EPA. Beginning with a formal agreement between the manufacturer and the EPA, third-party certification is then conducted to ensure that products are thoroughly tested and evaluated by independent organizations before being awarded the ENERGY STAR label. 

The EPA manages certified product lists, oversees a network of certification bodies and recognized labs, and conducts post-market testing to ensure ongoing product performance. By adhering to these standards, products with ENERGY STAR certification demonstrate superior energy efficiency (between 10 and 90% greater efficiency than conventional products) while also offering cost-effective solutions without compromising performance or quality (energystar.gov). 

Ultimately, ENERGY STAR remains the gold standard for energy efficiency, empowering organizations to save money while also reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of their copiers and imaging equipment.

Energy-Saving Features of ENERGY STAR Imaging Equipment

ENERGY STAR-certified copiers, printers, scanners, and multifunction devices offer comparable pricing to standard imaging equipment while using less energy. Investing in a copier with ENERGY STAR certification can be a smart move for reducing energy consumption and paper waste in your office.

Some key energy-saving features to note are:

• Sleep mode and automatic shut-off: Modern copiers equipped with sleep mode and automatic shut-off features can significantly cut down on energy usage during periods of inactivity. By automatically transitioning into a low-power state when not in use, these features help minimize energy consumption and contribute to cost savings over time.

• Automatic double-sided copies/duplexing: Another essential feature of ENERGY STAR copiers is automatic double-sided printing, also known as duplexing. This functionality allows the copier to print on both sides of the paper without requiring manual intervention, reducing paper usage and waste. By optimizing paper usage, businesses can lower their environmental footprint and decrease operational costs associated with paper procurement and disposal.
• Adjustable quality settings & ink monitoring: Printers equipped with ink monitoring capabilities allow users to track ink levels and/or replace cartridges one color at a time, helping to reduce waste. Adjustable quality settings enable users to opt for lower print resolutions, conserving ink and reducing costs when high-quality printing isn't necessary.

When searching for your next office copier, be sure to keep an eye out for the ENERGY STAR® label. It should be prominently displayed on the product itself, but you can also find the label on the product's packaging and/or highlighted in the product features.

Environmental and Financial Advantages of ENERGY STAR Equipment:

Investing in imaging equipment that has ENERGY STAR certification brings significant advantages to businesses, both financially and environmentally. Let's explore some numbers:

ENERGY STAR-certified products use up to 35% less energy than their conventional counterparts. Imagine the savings potential if all imaging equipment in the United States were ENERGY STAR-certified – over $32 million in electricity costs could be saved annually. Not only that, but we could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 596 million pounds every year (energystar.gov).

Since its inception in 1992, the ENERGY STAR certification program has prevented a staggering 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering our atmosphere. In 2020 alone, the program's emissions reductions were equivalent to more than five percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions (energystar.gov).

These figures help to illustrate the environmental impact of ENERGY STAR-certified products and their role in advancing sustainability efforts nationwide.

Embracing Sustainability with ENERGY STAR Equipment

It's clear that ENERGY STAR-certified imaging equipment offers a compelling combination of financial savings and environmental benefits. By investing in these eco-friendly solutions, businesses can not only cut costs but also contribute to a healthier planet. 

If you're considering upgrading your office technology, don't overlook the benefits of ENERGY STAR products. At Cobb Technologies, we're proud to offer a range of ENERGY STAR-certified copiers, printers, and multifunction devices from leading brands like Canon, HP, and Konica Minolta. 

Ready to make the switch? Reach out to us today to explore how ENERGY STAR products can enhance your workplace while reducing your carbon footprint. 

Interested in exploring other ways to enhance sustainable printing practices in your office? Check out our blog about PrintReleaf, the world's first platform that automatically converts your paper footprint into actual trees. 

Resources:

https://www.energystar.gov/products/ask-the-experts/multifunction-printers-can-help-reach-zero-carbon-and-zero-waste-goals

https://www.energystar.gov/sites/default/files/asset/document/ENERGY%20STAR%20Imaging%20Equipment%20Version%203.2%20Final%20Specification.pdf

https://www.energy.gov/femp/purchasing-energy-efficient-imaging-equipment

https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/806113#:~:text=In%201994%2C%20fax%20machines%20were,added%20to%20the%20labeling%20program.