Reduce Print @ Pitt
Reducing paper saves departments money, reduces waste, saves energy, and just makes sense! Paper alone accounted for 1.1% of Pitt’s FY19 GHG emissions, but since 2019 paper use on campus has dropped by 70%.
While these reductions were accelerated by the pandemic, the shift towards working and sharing information digitally continues.
Pitt is committed to supporting behaviors that reduce paper and printing. Read on for resources and best practices to reduce your paper use!
The Impact of Printing at Pitt
In 2018, Pitt began purchasing carbon neutral TreeZero paper, made from sugarcane fiber rather than trees. The combination of purchasing TreeZero and at least 30% recycled content paper reduced the impact of Pitt’s printing, saving over 5,800 trees and 2.5 million lbs of CO2e in 2019 [EPN].
In 2019, Pitt purchased 206,490 reams of paper- nearly 2,800 sheets per person! With remote work and behavior change from the pandemic, paper purchases dropped to just over 560 sheets per person in 2022.
Global supply shortages of TreeZero and recycled content paper have limited Pitt’s sustainable paper supply (Click here for updates on alternative sustainable paper supply), though 30% Recycled Content paper is currently available for $0.60 more than a case of the leading nonrecycled content paper.
While paper is 100% recyclable and Pitt is making strides in sustainable paper purchases, reducing print all together is the most resilient and sustainable practice.
Pitt’s Paper Purchases Pre- and Post- COVID19, and the percentage of recycled content and TreeZero paper vs virgin paper.
Make the Switch to Digital
Pitt has many resources to help reduce our reliance on paper. Click the links below for details!
Share Documents Digitally
Trainings & How-Tos
Opt Out of Mail
University Managed Print Services
The University of Pittsburgh is transitioning to a new vendor for managed, multifunction Printers. These shared devices save energy, reduce accidental and abandoned print jobs, are more secure than desktop printers, and provide all service and ink/toner through university-wide contract.
Click the link below for details on the University Managed Print program and our ongoing campus-wide assessment of our print environment.
Have a desktop printer you need to get rid of? Contact Pitt Surplus to request a pick up of your desktop printer and any other electronic waste.
Print Conservation Tips
When you can’t go digital, make the most out of what you print:
- Set your printers to automatic duplex and black & white. Search for your “RICOH” or “HP” printer on Pitt IT’s How-To page for instructions.
- Send your print jobs through the Pitt Print Client, which requires a pin to release the print job at the device. This reduces accidental and unnecessary prints.
- Collect one-sided paper by your shared printer. Use it to print one-sided flyers, when needed! How to load printed paper – RICOH and HP.
- Making external print requests in PantherExpress? Be sure to request 50 or 100% recycled content paper for your project.
- Keep a recycling bin, with signage that indicates the bin is recycling only, next to your shared printers.
