Rating System

LEED O+M: Existing Buildings, LEED O+M: Existing Buildings

Rating System Version

v3 - LEED 2008, v3 - LEED 2009

Inquiry

Intent To reduce environmental impacts of print infrastructure through minimizing energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and solid waste generation. Challenge: Document printing contributes to office energy consumption. Office equipment accounts for 4% of the electricity consumption in office buildings (Energy Information Administration 2008). On average, companies have one device for every 2.2 workers (Global e-Sustainability Initiative 2008). On average, devices are used only 1-2 percent (about 15 minutes) of a typical day (Xerox data, compiled from thousands of on-site visits and interviews with more than 100,000 people). A large enterprise may have hundreds or thousands of devices. Each year, Americans generate millions of tons of waste in our homes and communities (U.S. EPA). Every year, the United States generates approximately 230 million tons of "trash"--about 4.6 pounds per person per day (Annenberg Media). Solution: Print infrastructure optimization is an opportunity for improved building operational efficiency, in which multiple personal and single function devices are replaced with shared, networked multifunction devices. We propose the incorporation of Print Infrastructure Optimization into building operation as a means to reduce the environmental impact of office-related equipment. We aim to reduce lifecycle energy consumption by at least 20% from the baseline. We aim to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% from the baseline. We aim to reduce lifecycle solid waste by at least 20% from the baseline. Approach Process: Assessment & Analysis - Print infrastructure assessment will be performed to determine the current and optimized product mix and usage. In addition, a streamlined lifecycle-based evaluation that includes raw material extraction and processing, use of equipment and consumables, and solid waste generation shall be used. The methodology used to develop the life cycle data sets should be consistent with ISO 14040. At a minimum, include results for life cycle energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and solid waste. Data indicate that print devices of similar technology and speed bands have similar characteristics and can be aggregated together (EuP Preparatory Studies for Imaging Equipment). This approach will enable a more efficient process for collection and analysis of data. Baseline  Current number of devices  Establish Baseline for Lifecycle Energy Use  Establish Baseline for Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions  Establish Baseline for Lifecycle Solid Waste Generation Design Case  Optimized number of devices  Establish Design Case Lifecycle Energy Usage  Establish Design Case for Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions  Establish Design Case Lifecycle Solid Waste Generation Proposed Submittals: Print infrastructure assessment w/ recommendations Narrative that declares that you have implemented assessment recommendations Calculated results of Print Infrastructure Optimization  Lifecycle Energy Usage Reduction of 20% - Baseline vs. Design Case  Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction of 20% - Baseline vs. Design Case  Lifecycle Solid Waste Generation Reduction of 20% - Baseline vs. Design Case