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Printers and Fax Machines

Green Guru — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:25:12 +0000

Printers and Fax machines are used almost as much as computers and use just as much energy, meaning they also add a huge amount of power waste to our environment. To save energy, there are things we can do to make these pieces of office equipment more environmentally friendly.

Printers-
· Switch it off: most printers nowadays have quicker start up times so it means you can turn it off without waiting around for it to warm up.
· Enable standby modes if it needs constant use
· Print in batches: printers use a lot of energy when printing but also when they are in idol mode between printing and standby. Printing in batches will reduce the idling time and power used.
· Default to duplex: this means printing on both sides. Is a good option to have on default setting.
· Fit more on a page: try and squeeze as much as you can on one page and expand printing margins.
· Use inkjet: inkjet models use less energy than laser ones.
· Look for the Energy Star logo to ensure it’s environmentally friendly

Fax Machines-
· Use fewer machines: if there are multiple machines in the office, divert the messages to one to reduce running costs and energy use.
· Check standby consumption: although it is not printing, standby modes use a lot of energy so when purchasing a new fax machine ensure it uses the least amount possible.
· Default to draft: set the default setting to draft so that you use less ink if it prints.
· Stick to inkjet fax machines: for the same reason as printers they use less energy than laser ones.

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Photocopiers

Green Guru — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:34:43 +0000

Most busy offices will have big photocopy machines lurking in the corner. Whilst they can be useful for a fast paced organization, they use a lot of energy which has an impact on our environment.

We need to ensure that we save energy when possible and here are some effective ways to reduce the energy used from your photocopier.

· Copy in batches- When it is possible photocopy material in large batches so that it uses less power. Only ever photocopy exactly what you need. Any more will result in paper and electricity wastage.

· Default to duplex- if the machine has duplex printing set it to this default.

· What do you need to do?- buy a machine that does exactly what you need. Photocopiers can be expensive, and if you don’t need the one with every function available, don’t get it. Low-spec machines may give you everything you need for a lower price and it will use less power and energy.

· Check the type of ink used- look for models that have low melting-point inks. The photocopiers work by heating up components that fuse toner to paper. The lower ink temperature means less energy used.

· Check copy-to-standby times- try and purchase a photocopier that goes quickly from copy to mode to standby. A fast switching mode will save time in energy wasting idol mode.

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Computers

Green Guru — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 06:24:54 +0000

Computers are used in most Australian business on a daily basis and are the main source of power waste. With the constant use and interactivity, it seems almost impossible to save power and energy for the environment. But there are some effective ways to reduce your power use- and save money- in the office.

Switch it off- there have been computer myths over the last few years that say turning a computer on and off uses a huge surge of energy. But this is completely untrue. In reality, starting up your computer uses only as much energy as it does to run- in just a few seconds. If you are going to be away from your desk for more than a few minutes, ensure you turn it off or switch it to hibernation mode.

Enable automatic standby mode- turning your PC on and off may not be practical during the day. Change your control setting so that the computer will turn to standby mode after a few minutes of inactivity. It will still be running but the compute will use less power than normal.

Ditch screensavers- these use up unnecessary power and energy.

Make a commitment- try and make a commitment to using energy efficient models. It could save your company money (and the environment) in the future.

Look out for the Energy Star Logo- The energy star logo symbolizes that the product is a reliable energy source and that it is energy efficient.

Upgrade rather than buy new- most computers can be upgraded with bigger and better hard drives, faster processors and greater memory capacity. When your office is purchasing a new computer, make sure it can be upgraded later on.

Choose flat screen monitors- flat screens use up to two thirds less energy than CRT models and they also save space, less packaging is involved and they are lighter to transport.

Consider a laptop- laptops are as energy efficient as possible. They can do all the same things as a PC and there are docking facilities to stablise them and connect them to monitors.

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