Small changes that can add up to make a big difference
1 Staff awareness and engagement
The Carbon Trust recommends running an awareness campaign to engage employees on using energy efficiently and making them aware of areas of potential waste. Consider holding regular short briefings or sending staff a newsletter to keep them updated on the company’s progress towards meeting its environmental goals and to keep them engaged.
2 Lighting
According to the Carbon Trust, around one fifth of the electricity generated in the UK is used for lighting and Clare Taylor of Clare Taylor Consulting, an environmental consultancy specialising in print and related areas, says that it is one area that many printers could improve. She says: “If you have old-style lighting, replace it with an energy-efficient alternative; and if the lighting is set so that the lights are either all on or all off, investigate installing lights that can be switched on or off individually. Also make sure the light fittings and windows are cleaned.” Another option is to fit activity detectors in areas that are not frequently used, such as photocopy rooms or toilets.
3 Draft proofing
Taylor says that draft proofing is another area often overlooked by printers. She says: “The print factories I have visited have tended to be very drafty and people sitting or working by the windows are frozen.” Simple draft proofing strips for windows and the edges of doors can be found at DIY shops such as B&Q and Wickes with costs starting at less than £10. If there are gaps underneath the doors, consider using a brush or hinge-flapped draft excluder; these can also be found at DIY stores for less than £10 each. Gaps in floorboards or skirting boards can be blocked using a silicon-based filler.
4 Heating and air conditioning controls
Chaylee Collis, marketing manager at the Green Building Store, has another key common sense tip for conserving energy. She says: “Businesses should look at settings for the heating and air conditioning to ensure there is no overlap and both do not run simultaneously.” The Carbon Trust recommends setting a gap of 4–5°C between the heating and cooling thermostat set points to avoid any overlap.
5 General maintenance
Checking that heating and air conditioning systems are operating effectively will help to prevent energy wastage and lower the risk of breakdown. Gas-fired boilers should be serviced once a year, while oil boilers should be checked twice a year. The Carbon Trust claims that a regularly serviced boiler can save as much as 10% on heating costs.
6 Printing equipment maintenance
Make sure all printing equipment is well maintained and so running efficiently. Key to this will be training staff on how to deal with more straightforward maintenance issues themselves, rather than relying on manufacture service support for all scenarios. Remember, greater efficiency should lead to greater productivity, as well as lowering a press’s environmental impact.
