Reducing energy use in printing is a practical step toward lowering costs and improving workplace sustainability. Every page produced consumes power, ink, and paper, making smarter strategies essential for businesses seeking efficiency. Boomerang TCR Qld provides solutions that balance performance with environmental responsibility, helping organisations optimise printing processes without compromising quality. By adopting energy-efficient practices, workplaces can cut waste, extend device life, and contribute to broader sustainability goals.
Key Takeaways
- Energy-efficient printers lower both costs and emissions
- Duplex printing reduces paper usage significantly
- Managed print services improve sustainability
- Regular maintenance prevents energy waste
- Digital solutions reduce reliance on hard copies
Why Energy-Efficient Printing Matters
Workplaces generate millions of printed pages each year. Every page requires energy, ink, and paper, all of which contribute to carbon output. According to the research, office equipment accounts for nearly 20% of workplace energy use. Embracing the future of sustainable printing is essential for reducing this impact.
By implementing energy-efficient strategies, businesses can:
- Lower electricity bills
- Reduce waste
- Extend printer lifespans
- Improve corporate sustainability goals
Strategies for Energy-Efficient Printing
With rising electricity costs and growing awareness of climate change, cutting back on unnecessary power consumption isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for your bottom line, too. One area often overlooked in energy-saving efforts is the humble printer. Whether in a corporate office or a small home setup, printers can be quite energy guzzlers, especially when left running, overused, or poorly maintained.
Luckily, a few smart changes can make a big difference. Here’s how you can implement energy-efficient printing strategies in your workspace or home office, reduce your carbon footprint, and save a few bucks while you’re at it.
1. Choose Energy Star Certified Printers
First things first, start with the right gear.
When buying or upgrading a printer, look for models that are Energy Star certified. These printers are designed to meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by international standards. They use less energy in both standby and active modes, helping to reduce power consumption across the board.
Many newer models also come with automatic sleep modes and low-power settings, ideal for workplaces that don’t need to print constantly throughout the day.
Tip: Laser printers tend to be more energy-intensive than inkjets, especially in standby mode. If you’re not printing large volumes, a modern inkjet printing may be more energy-efficient.
2. Enable Power-Saving Features
Most modern printers include built-in energy-saving modes, but they’re not always switched on by default.
Enable features such as:
- Sleep Mode: Automatically powers down after a period of inactivity.
- Auto-Off: Shuts the printer off completely if it hasn’t been used for a set time.
- Duplex Printing: Prints on both sides of the paper, cutting your paper use in half.
Have your IT team or tech-savvy staff configure printers to enter sleep or eco modes after just a few minutes of inactivity. For home printers, check the settings menu or printer app and make the tweaks yourself, it’s usually just a few taps, simple tech tips for smart printing that save energy and costs.
3. Print Less – Digitise More
Let’s be honest, not everything needs to be printed. In fact, many offices are moving toward a paperless or low-paper environment, and for good reason.
- Use digital documents and PDFs instead of printouts during meetings.
- Share files via cloud platforms like Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive.
- Encourage staff to preview documents before printing to avoid waste.
- Set default printing to “print only if necessary” and promote this culture in your workplace.
Not only does this reduce electricity use from the printer, but it also cuts down on paper and ink costs.
4. Centralise Printing Stations
In medium-to-large offices, it’s common to have a printer at every desk or department. While convenient, this setup can significantly increase your energy use, especially if all printers are on standby 24/7.
Instead, centralise your printing stations. One high-efficiency printer in a central location uses far less energy than multiple small units scattered around.
This approach also encourages more mindful printing, since people tend to think twice if they need to get up and walk to collect their documents.
5. Use Draft Mode or Eco-Print Settings
Many documents don’t need to be printed in full resolution. For internal notes, drafts, or temporary documents, switch your printer to draft mode or eco mode.
These settings:
- Use less ink or toner
- Print faster
- Consume less energy during the print job
Check your printer’s software or driver settings to enable this as the default for everyday printing.
6. Use High-Yield or Eco-Friendly Ink Cartridges
Ink and toner can also contribute to your environmental footprint. Traditional cartridges often run out quickly and create plastic waste. Instead, opt for:
- High-Yield Cartridges: Print more pages per cartridge and reduce waste.
- Recycled or Remanufactured Cartridges: Lower environmental impact.
- Refillable Systems: Some printers now support refillable tanks instead of disposable cartridges.
Also, ensure that used cartridges are recycled through proper e-waste channels. Many office supply retailers offer collection bins for this very purpose.
7. Maintain Your Printer Regularly
A well-maintained printer is an efficient printer.
Dusty, clogged, or malfunctioning printers often use more energy to complete tasks or can waste ink and paper due to misfeeds and errors. Regular maintenance helps:
- Keep your printer running smoothly
- Reduce breakdowns and energy waste
- Extend the life of your device
Clean your printer according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and schedule servicing if it’s used heavily in an office setting.
8. Monitor and Track Usage
What you can measure, you can manage.
Larger workplaces should consider installing print management software that monitors printer usage, tracks energy consumption, and identifies inefficiencies. You can spot overused printers, detect unnecessary jobs, and enforce smart printing rules.
For smaller setups, even a manual tracking system or monthly check-in can help encourage more mindful habits.
9. Turn It Off at the End of the Day
It sounds obvious, but many offices and homes leave printers on overnight, even over weekends. That standby power adds up.
Make it a habit to turn off printers at the end of each workday. If you’re managing a team, set up reminders or automatic shutdown timers to make sure it happens consistently.
Conclusion
Energy-efficient printing is about smarter choices, from equipment selection to daily habits. Every adjustment, whether small or large, contributes to reduced operating costs and a lighter environmental footprint. At Boomerang TCR Qld, we provide expert printer repairs service and help businesses implement sustainable print strategies that balance efficiency with responsibility. Contact us today and take the first step towards greener, cost-effective printing.
FAQ:
What is the most energy-efficient type of printer?
Multifunction devices with Energy Star certification are among the most efficient options, as they combine scanning, copying, and printing in one.
Does double-sided printing really save energy?
Yes. Duplex printing reduces paper production demand, lowering both energy and water usage in the paper industry.
How can small businesses reduce printing energy costs?
Simple strategies like setting default print modes, reducing colour printing, and using MPS can lower costs significantly.
Are recycled papers suitable for high-quality printing?
Yes. Modern recycled papers are manufactured to high standards, ensuring they deliver reliable results without damaging devices.
How often should office printers be serviced?
Regular servicing every six months is recommended, though high-volume workplaces may require quarterly check-ups.
Can energy-efficient printing help achieve sustainability certifications?
Yes. Implementing eco-friendly printing practices contributes towards certifications such as ISO 14001 for environmental management.
