Saving energy through print processes

A Barclays Wealth programme to save paper, energy and costs from printing was named one of 2009’s top environmental initiatives in a prestigious poll.

The managed print scheme, which reduced the number of printers across the UK business from 1,400 to 420 energy-efficient devices, was named Environmental Initiative of the Year at the 2009 Financial Sector Technology Awards.

The new multi-function machines use approximately 60 per cent less energy than the old equipment, and include features such as an automatic sleep mode, double-sided printing, and a setting which uses 30 per cent less toner.

A ‘PIN to collect’ option also avoids wasted paper through forgotten print-outs, as recipients have to enter a code number at the collection point before their document is printed.

Through 2009, the project saved 20 million sheets of paper – a 25 per cent reduction on the previous year. It also saved the business £200,000 through reduced energy, paper and toner costs, reducing energy use to 73,000 kWh (kilowatt hours) annually.

Based on the success of the UK pilot, Barclays Wealth is now seeking to deploy its managed print service across other areas of the business.

Reducing waste

Barclays also aims to reduce the amount of waste produced from our operations and to increase the proportion of our waste that is recycled.

In the UK, with the help of our suppliers, we improved the waste removal and recycling services in 46 of our corporate offices in 2009. We also introduced improved recycling services, with increased collections for aluminium cans and plastic cups and bottles.

That year, 63 per cent of waste from our UK offices was recycled, an improvement of 28 per cent on 2008.

Recycling in our UK branch network is more challenging due to the small volume of waste produced at each site. In 2009, we carried out a successful trial of a mixed recycling service at a small number of branches. These schemes were coupled with employee engagement programmes to encourage colleagues to recycle at work.

In total 90 per cent of paper waste from Barclays branches in the UK was recycled in 2009.