Environmental and Health Issues and Recommendations
 Prevents Waste:
Save paper with copiers that feature automatic double-sided and multi-page printing. In addition, purchasing remanufactured toner cartridges reduces the amount of material that goes to landfills and transformation facilities. Remanufactured copiers may offer environmental benefits, but newer models may have less hazardous components and improved energy efficiency.  Conserves Energy:
ENERGY STAR® copiers "sleep" or power down when not in use. Copiers that comply with ENERGY STAR® requirements can cut energy use 30 to 40 percent and may realize additional savings on air conditioning and maintenance. [1]  Air Quality:
Improve indoor air quality by setting performance standards for allowable emissions of ozone, particulate, styrene and volatile organic compounds. Emitted ozone concentrations should be minimized and should at a minimum comply with state and federal occupational standards.  Less Hazardous:
Keep hazardous substances out of the environment. Do not allow polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) or diphenyl ethers (PBDE). Use toner which is free of carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic substances. Choose copiers that contain "Lead-Free Solder" for their printed circuit boards and contain no arsenic, cadmium, or selenium in the photoreceptor. The copiers on the 2005 State Copier Contract contain "Lead-Free Solder" which complies with the European Union Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive.  End-of-Life Management:
Give your old copier a new life. Leasing or take-back agreements that stipulate acceptable refurbishing, recycling or disposal practices ensure environmentally responsible management isn't a last-minute hassle. The 2005 State copier contract offers take back of the equipment through the distributorship. This helps ensure that copiers will not end up in landfills or transformation facilities.
See the Introduction for complete descriptions of these environmental and health issues.
BACKGROUND AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH ISSUES
From everyday use to end-of-life management, copiers pose environmental concerns. Copiers are one of the most energy-intensive types of office equipment because they use energy while sitting idle for long periods of time. [2] In addition, copiers, along with printers, use large amounts of paper, too often wastefully. During use, copiers can emit dust, ozone and other substances from their inking paper processes, their image projecting process, and from their paper handling operations, thereby reducing the quality of indoor air. Internally, their components can contain toxic materials and older analog models may have drums that can contain heavy metals such as selenium. The toxicity of these and other heavy metals poses disposal concerns.
Newer digital multifunctional copiers are replacing analog models and these new copiers offer several environmental benefits over their predecessors, some of which are highlighted below.
Environmental and Health Issues
Waste Prevention
Double-sided Copies
Copiers with automatic double-sided copying capability help save paper and energy. Depending upon how frequently the feature is used, double-sided copying or duplexing can reduce paper use [3] and this in turn saves energy because it takes 10 times more energy to manufacture a piece of paper than it does to copy an image onto it. [4] Digital copiers now dominate the sales of new copiers and also present paper-saving opportunities through multi-page printing on a single sheet, as well as improvements in paper handling technology.
The 2005 State contract (specification) adopted standard requirements for digital copiers that range from 15 copies per minute (cpm) to 55 cpm. One of the standard features is that the copier shall be able to scan/copy double-sided documents with the exception of the 15 cpm copier. This duplexing feature is set as a default and will enable users to save approximately 30 to 40 percent in paper use. [5] In addition, products that can produce copy or print at the rate of 35 cpm and above can scan both sides of a double-sided document simultaneously. [6] This feature improves productivity and efficiency in the office compared with products that do not have this feature.
Multifunctional
With the advance of digital copiers, a single machine can provide the functions of two or more. This machine is called a MultiFunction Peripheral (MFP), e.g., a single device that serves several functions and can act as a printer, a scanner, a fax machine and a photocopier. To take advantage of multifunctional capabilities when buying new copiers, upgrade the copiers to utilize those functions and eliminate purchasing other office machines. This can reduce costs, save space and reduce energy consumption.
Take Back Agreements
By using purchase, rental, or leasing agreements that stipulate take-back of the copier when it is no longer needed, workplaces can avoid the necessity to manage the copier as a waste and avoid the liability. These agreements transfer responsibility for safe management of toxic materials to those who provide the equipment. In certain cases, depending upon the replacement schedule, old copiers can even have reuse value.
Reuse
Some manufacturers are redesigning copiers to be more easily disassembled for reuse and recycling, in order to recondition or remanufacture units and certain components for reuse. Remanufactured copiers are available for purchase, often at cost savings compared to machines with all new components.
With the introduction of digital technology, copiers with all-in-one toner cartridges are becoming more common. These cartridges may be sent to a re-manufacturer, thus saving resources and cutting waste and potential pollution. See Toner and Inkjet Cartridges. See National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) lease as an example.
Recycled Materials
Some manufacturers are designing their copiers to maximize their recyclability and their use of recyclables. There is opportunity for most components to be manufactured from recycled material content.
Energy Efficiency
It is State policy to purchase ENERGY STAR® products when cost effective. Many manufacturers offer models that comply with the requirements of ENERGY STAR®, a voluntary leadership program established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the United States Department of Energy. To meet ENERGY STAR® requirements, copiers must have a power management feature that reduces energy consumption during periods of inactivity.
ENERGY STAR® Tier 2 requirements, adopted in 1997, apply to standard copier models. Tier 3 requirements, adopted in 1999, apply to large format copiers designed to handle 17" x 22" paper or larger. According to the ENERGY STAR® program, copiers equipped with low-power and automatic power-off features can save 30 to 40 percent of otherwise wasted energy.
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is a concern for office occupants. Office machines can emit several substances that contribute to indoor air pollution and can irritate the human respiratory system . [8] Air contaminants that may be generated by copiers are:
Ozone
Many copiers in the marketplace generate ozone during their operation. [9] One source of ozone in copiers is electrically charged corona wires used in the imaging system. In order to eliminate this source, certain low-output copiers are equipped with charged rollers instead of corona wires. Also some copiers are equipped with ozone adsorption or catalyst devices to reduce the ozone emissions. Ozone is a recognized criteria pollutant and has several recognized adverse health impacts. [10] The USEPA notes that ozone can cause the following health effects: decreases in lung function; aggravation of asthma; throat irritation and cough; chest pain and shortness of breath; inflammation of lung tissue; and higher susceptibility to respiratory infection. [11] Repeated exposure to ozone pollution for several months may cause permanent lung damage. Emitted ozone concentrations should be minimized and should at a minimum comply with state and federal occupational standards.
Particulates
The generation of particulates may result from paper debris, toners, and inks, and the particles may vary in size. Many of these particles are in the respirable size range and pose health impacts. [12] Some scientists are concerned about the presence of carbon black. [13]
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
VOCs are hydrocarbon compounds that evaporate into the air (with a few exceptions). [14] VOCs can cause various health problems indoors including flu-like symptoms for building occupants. A variety of VOCs has been found to be emitted by copiers. [15],[16],[17] The wet process technology found in older analog models emits high concentrations of VOCs and should be avoided.
Less Hazardous
Copiers do contain some hazardous materials, which can be reduced through the use of:
- Toner that does not contain carcinogens, mutagens or teratogens.
- An organic photoreceptor, or if not organic, a photoreceptor that does not contain arsenic, cadmium, or selenium.
- Photoconductor drums that do not contain selenium, lead, mercury, or cadmium or any of their compounds as constituents.
- Plastic components that do not contain polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) or diphenyl ethers (PBDE).
- Plastic components free of cadmium, lead or mercury compounds (stabilizers).
- Ozone adsorption media or catalysts should be non-toxic and not contain heavy metals requiring special end of life management steps.
- Lead-free circuitry.
LAWS AND GUIDELINES
California
Statute
Ban on Some Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)
The manufacture, distribution and processing of products containing pentabrominated diphenyl ether (pentaBDE) and octabrominated diphenyl ether (octaBDE) flame retardants will be prohibited in California as of June 1, 2006 (California Health and Safety Code, Sections 108920-108923 as amended by AB 2587, Chan, 2004); only products manufactured after June 1, 2006 are subject to the prohibition. However, the manufacture, distribution and processing of products containing the most commonly used PBDE mixture, decabrominated diphenyl ether (decaBDE), has not been prohibited.
Recycled Content
Public Contract Code section 12217(f) directs state agencies to remove contract provisions that impede the consideration of recycled products and to replace them with performance standards. For information on procurement requirements for toner cartridges, see the Laws and Guidelines section of Toner and Inkjet Cartridges.
State Agency Waste Diversion
California law [Chapter 764, Statutes of 1999 (Strom-Martin, AB 75)] requires each state agency and large state facility to divert 50 percent of their solid waste stream from landfills or transformation facilities through source reduction, recycling, and composting activities. State agencies can receive source reduction credit for double-sided copying.
Health Standards for VOCs
Proposition 65 defines into code safe harbor levels - no significant risk levels (NSRLs) for carcinogens and maximum allowable daily levels (MADLs) for chemicals that cause reproductive toxicity. In addition, Chronic Reference Exposure Levels are defined for implementing the Air Toxics Hot Spots program.
Other
- Sustainable Copy Paper Policy. Department of General Services (DGS) Administrative Order 06-04 requires that new copiers and printers purchased have automatic duplex capability and that computers are set up to default to two-sided printing.
- Executive Order W-7-91 states, "IT IS ORDERED that all State agencies provide for
use of two-sided copying of all State documents, to the maximum extent feasible."
- Executive Order S-20-04 includes a provision that state agencies, departments, and other entities under the direct executive authority of the governor purchase and operate ENERGY STAR® electrical equipment whenever cost-effective.
- State of California Purchasing Authority Manual. Chapter 3 contains environmental policies. Topic 9 requires the purchase of ENERGY STAR® products.
- State of California State Administrative Manual. Chapter 1900 describes waste prevention and recycling policies.
- The ambient air quality standard for ozone can be used as an indoor guideline value for ozone because it is designed to protect the entire population. California has the most stringent standard for ozone in the United States; the 8-hour average allowable concentration is 0.070 parts per million (ppm) (137 µg/m³) and the 1 hour average is 0.09 ppm (180 µg/m³). [18]
- The ambient air quality standard for respirable particulate matter (PM10) is a 24 hour average of 50 µg/m³. This standard can be used as an indoor guideline value for respirable particulate matter (PM10) because it is designed to protect the entire population.
Federal
- Federal Executive Order 13123 directs federal agencies to select ENERGY STAR® compliant products, including copiers. State and local governments are encouraged to follow this direction for their copier purchases.
- USEPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone. The maximum 8-hour average allowable concentration is 0.08 ppm (157 µg/m³) and the 1-hour average is 0.12 ppm (235 µg/m³). [19],[20]
- The NAAQS for respirable particulate matter (PM10) is a 24 hour average of 150 µg/m³, and the NAAQS for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) is a 24 hour average of 65 µg/m³. [21]
Health Standards for Ozone [22]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that workers not be exposed to an average concentration of more than 0.10 ppm for 8 hours.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends an upper limit of 0.10 ppm, not to be exceeded at any time.
PERFORMANCE
Duplexing
Whether making single-sided or duplex copies, users expect efficient performance. Typically, duplexing involves a little extra paper handling time compared to single-sided copying. Because duplexing efficiency varies from model to model, look for those with efficient duplex output speed. With an efficient model, users will notice very little difference in the time it takes to make single-sided versus duplex copies.
Newer digital copiers tend to be less susceptible to jamming because there is less paper handling and they generate less heat than most analog copiers. Proper storage and handling of the paper also minimizes jams. See the Copier Paper section for prevention tips. Fortunately, if the copier is properly adjusted and good quality paper used, this potential is minimal.
Multi-function Copiers
Multi-function copiers combine both printing and copying in one unit. With considerable potential for reducing overall costs, multi-function units can be equipped with a variety of features such as scanning, faxing, and document security (allowing users to access printed documents by entering a personal identification number, or PIN).
Reduced maintenance is a primary advantage. One multi-function unit can replace a copier and two to three laser printers, thus reducing the pieces of equipment to maintain. Ask your copy machine vendor for options and availability. It is likely offices will save money by switching to multi-function units and these are available on state contract.
Recycled Paper Use
In 1998, three office equipment manufacturers and the United States Government Printing Office evaluated a number of brands of 30 percent postconsumer content multipurpose paper and found that they performed as well as virgin papers. "Altogether, over 2 million sheets were tested on various types and models of copiers, laser printers, and ink jet printers for physical properties and performance." [23]
Recycled paper is sometimes unfairly blamed for excessive jamming, but a copier can jam for a variety of reasons, such as:
- a bad batch of paper (this can occur with both virgin and recycled paper)
- poor maintenance of the copier
- improper storage of the paper
- improper handling of the paper
- dust in the copier room [24]
More often than not, the machine merely needs adjusting.
Many high-quality postconsumer recycled content papers are readily available. Low-quality paper is rarely a good value, and when paper is truly at fault, the issue is quality, regardless of whether or not the paper has recycled content. In addition, remember that all contract provisions impeding the consideration of recycled products should be deleted in favor of performance standards [Public Contract Code section 12217(f)].
The 2005 State Contract Copier specification requires all copiers to be able to use paper with a minimum of 30 percent postconsumer material without any degradation of the quality of print and without an increase in service. The State encourages all users to use recycled paper at all times in copiers. New copiers available through the State Contract can use papers with a higher percentage of recycled content as long as they have the same performance characteristics as virgin paper. Several state agencies are successfully using the 100 percent postconsumer content papers that are available on contract and from small businesses and disabled veteran business enterprises.
See the section on Copier Paper.
ENERGY STAR®
The only difference in performance of copiers with sleep features is the time it takes to "wake up" the machine after periods of inactivity. Depending upon the copier speed, ENERGY STAR® either requires or recommends a 30-second recovery time from low-power mode (many low-volume copiers are even faster). This is a small compromise for the benefits of saving energy and extending the life of the copier. The current State Contract Copier specification requires all copiers to comply with ENERGY STAR® so that the State can take advantage of energy savings when the copiers are not being used. In addition, copiers that can produce 35 cpm or more have the feature to allow scanning of both sides of a double-sided document simultaneously. This reduces energy use because it eliminates the paper passing the feeder a second time. The biggest savings come when we fully utilize the capability of the MFP capable copiers. The 2005 State Contract has a provision that allows purchasers to upgrade copiers to take advantage of their MultiFunction features. When fully equipped, a copier will be able to act as printer, networking printer, scanner and fax machine. This will allow the State to eliminate those extra machines and reduce energy use even further.
Low-Emitting Copiers
Low-emitting copiers are designed to emit low concentrations of ozone, particulates, and VOCs during operation and idle. Procuring copiers that emit low levels of pollutants contributes to safer work environments.
To maintain proper operation, ozone catalysts and particulate filters must periodically be changed as part of a preventative maintenance program. Copier use causes the ozone adsorption media to be consumed and filters to become caked, thereby blocking needed airflow to the units. Proper maintenance should reduce ozone and particulate matter concentrations in office settings. Failing to maintain copiers could result in overheating and increase wear reducing the overall life of the copier and inhibiting the pollution controls. [25] Copiers should be equipped with indicators to alert office users to replace these control devices according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Noise Emissions
Certain office environments need quiet work environments; this includes work environments where there is ongoing training and occupants need to hear information, or areas where workers talk on the phone and need to minimize noise distractions or interruptions. Decibel or other noise metrics thresholds may be useful to apply for procurement for these applications. Copiers that have noise levels exceeding 63 dB(A) should not be used in offices where intellectual work is done, but should be set up in separate rooms. [27]
AVAILABILITY
Numerous vendors provide copiers that are environmentally preferable and meet the performance criteria required in today's offices.
COST
In 2005, the state of California was able to reduce costs for new copiers, while incorporating many environmentally preferable features. [28]
Duplexing
Automatic duplexing is available at no additional cost on most mid- and higher-speed analog models and nearly all digital models. When available as an option, adding duplex capability to low-speed analog models typically adds 25 to 30 percent to the base cost of the copier. Typically, it is not much more expensive to upgrade to a faster model that includes automatic duplexing as a standard feature than to buy a slower model and pay for duplexing as an add-on feature. Most offices can see a reduction in paper purchase costs of 30 to 40 percent. [29] Even greater savings can be realized in postage and storage costs, as documents copied on both sides mean fewer sheets to mail or store.
Beware of the term "manual duplexing." It means the user has to go to the copier/printer and manually feed the paper so printing occurs on both sides. This is very time consuming and results in minimal duplexing. Seek equipment with automatic duplexing.
Automatic duplexing is a standard requirement for all copiers from the current State Contract, except for those copying at 15 cpm or less. The contract was the result of the California Strategic Sourcing Initiative (CSSI) effort. The price of these copiers is 40 percent below what the State used to pay, [30] so there is no added cost for duplexing. The feature is set as the default so it is anticipated that paper use will be reduced.
Energy Use
New copiers purchased through the State Contract are ENERGY STAR® compliant. For an estimate of Life Cycle Cost, visit the ENERGY STAR® Web site. This tool estimates the lifetime energy cost and benefits for products that are ENERGY STAR® compliant.
SPECIFICATIONS
California
The Procurement Engineering Team of the Procurement Division of the Department of General Services develops and reviews specifications for statewide commodity standards and information technology. If you have questions regarding developing specifications, or would like a copy of one of their specifications, please contact the team.
The state of California has created a standard specification (Digital Copier Specification 3610-51A-01, April 12, 2005) for 15 - 55 cpm copiers. This specification includes many environmental and energy requirements mentioned below and incorporates several environmental criteria from the USEPA guidelines.
Others
Performance standards set minimum requirements that bidders must meet. Below are criteria that have been incorporated into copier specifications by others.
Duplexing
Canada's EcoLogoM criteria state that copiers producing 44 copies or more per minute must be equipped with automatic duplexing capabilities and be programmable by the end-user such that the duplexing mode may be set as the default mode. [32]
To increase the chances that employees in the workplace use the duplexing feature, carefully compare the output speeds for duplexing and single-sided copying. Look for a model with a duplex speed at least 80 percent as fast as single-sided copiers.
Consider specifying efficiency ratings that are above average for your preferred model's size and speed. Specify that models make duplex copies at a speed no more than a certain percentage lower than single-sided copies. Consider a minimum speed for mid-speed copiers of 40 cpm for single-sided copying and a duplex copy speed that could not be more than 25 percent lower than single-sided copying for that model.
Consider requiring that all equipment printing 15 cpm or greater include automatic duplexing and that products be delivered with automatic duplexing installed. It may be appropriate to have duplexing set as the default option.
Recycled Paper Use
When purchasing or leasing a copier, it is important for the contract or agreement to specifically require that the copier run as well with recycled paper (with up to 100 percent postconsumer content) as with comparable-quality virgin paper. Additionally, the contract should specify consequences for the vendor if the machine does not perform to expectations. This provides the customer with leverage should the technician claim recycled paper is to blame for excessive jamming problems.
Upgradeability
Specify that the copier allows for upgrades without special tools, has expandable memory, contains ample slots for expansion and other components. These features can result in extended use, which saves resources and money.
Design for Demanufacturing
Several equipment features can facilitate product dismantling. Specify clear and visible labels of the plastic types found in components, use of single plastic resins in larger parts, avoidance of painted parts, avoidance of non-separable bonds (e.g., glued, welded) between different materials, presence of easily separable mechanical bonds, and reduction of the number of materials used.
ENERGY STAR®
The ENERGY STAR® Purchasing Tool Kit offers sample procurement language for ENERGY STAR® compliant copiers, specifications for compliant equipment, and other helpful pointers for purchasers. The Tool Kit is available by calling ENERGY STAR® toll-free at (888) STAR-YES (888-782-7937), or by visiting the ENERGY STAR® Web site.
Consider using a general specification in bid solicitations to establish a requirement for ENERGY STAR® compliance, such as the following: "All copiers must meet federal ENERGY STAR® power consumption guidelines and be shipped with the ENERGY STAR® functions enabled."
More detailed specifications may also be provided to clarify desired features. Keep in mind that in order to meet ENERGY STAR® requirements, standard copiers that make over 20 cpm and large format copiers that make over 40 cpm must enter a low-power mode after 15 minutes of inactivity. Copiers are also required to have a power off mode that engages after 30 to 90 minutes of inactivity, depending upon the copier speed.
Ozone Emissions
Specifications should stipulate meeting 0.02 mg/m³ measured by ASTM standard D-6670-01. The Nordic Ecolabel's criterion for ozone is a threshold value of 0.02 mg/m³ using the RAL UZ 62 protocol.
For low-output copier applications, charged rollers may be environmentally preferable instead of corona wires to reduce ozone generation. Also, copiers can be specified to be equipped with ozone adsorption or catalyst devices to reduce the ozone emissions. If such devices are included, be sure to specify that the copier be equipped with a sensor alarm to remind operators to change the ozone adsorption or catalyst device in a timely manner.
Particulate Emissions
USEPA guidelines for copiers state that they should not emit dust at a concentration in excess of 0.25 mg/m³. [34] Canada's EcoLogo criteria state copiers should not emit particulates at a concentration that will result in room concentrations in excess of 0.25 mg/m³ as measured by ASTM standard D-6670-01. [35] The Nordic Ecolabel's upper limit for dust is 4.0 mg/hr as described and measured by the Blue Angel RAL-UZ-62 test method. [36]
Specify the inclusion of High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters to capture particulates from copiers' paper inking processes during operations.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
If the copiers are going into an office where it is anticipated that children or pregnant women will be present, such as an office open to the public, or a daycare or developmental center or school, then be sure that the specifications include a stipulation that the copier be able to comply with the safe harbor levels that have been developed by California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) for Proposition 65. It should be specified that the copier in operation should not release any Proposition 65 listed chemicals above the no significant risk levels (NSRLs) for carcinogens or above the maximum allowable daily levels (MADLs) for chemicals that cause reproductive toxicity. It should be specified that, for copiers that do release chemicals above these limits, this fact should be disclosed in the bid process and the bidder should state how "clear and reasonable" warning could be posted so that members of the public may be aware that they may be exposed to the harmful chemicals. This includes, but is not limited to, posting signs near the copier in the workplace.
The Blue Angel Eco Label certification requires that a copier have a total VOC (TVOC) emission rate of less than 10 mg/hour when operated in the copying mode, and a benzene emission rate of less than 0.05 mg/hour and a styrene emission rate of less than 1.0 mg/hour as measured by the RAL UZ 62 test protocol. [37]
The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute certification is based on emission testing in an environmental chamber. Emission limits are based on the contribution of office equipment to a pollutant concentration in a room. The GREENGUARD certification ensures that a copier operating in a room with a volume of 32 cubic meters and with 0.8 air exchanges per hour will not result in elevated pollutant concentrations. These limits are less than 0.4 mg/m³ for TVOCs, 0.15mg/m³ for dust, 0.002 mg/m³ for benzene, 0.04 mg/m³ for styrene, and 0.04 mg/m³ for formaldehyde. Environmental chamber testing follows ASTM standard D-6670-01. [39]
Specify that the copier, including its toner ink cartridge, contain no carcinogens, mutagens or teratogens.
The Nordic Ecolabel uses a threshold value of 0.07mg/m³ for styrene concentrations in a defined room test.
Other Toxics
Specify that an organic photoreceptor be used that does not contain arsenic, cadmium, or selenium.
Specify that the photoconductor drums shall not contain selenium, lead, mercury, or cadmium, or their compounds, as constituents. Also specify that the photoreceptor drums be taken back to the original manufacturer to be remanufactured for reuse in the equipment, or if the drums can not be reused, that the materials be recovered.
Take Back
In leasing and purchase agreements for copiers, take-back clauses can be simple statements to the effect that the vendor agrees to take back the copier at the end of its useful life, or at a specified date or usage limit (e.g., a specified number of images). At a minimum, the clause should require the vendor to certify that all recyclable components are recycled and that components that are not reused or recyclable are processed to remove and recycle lead-bearing circuit boards and any selenium drums and disposed of properly.
Also see the USEPA guide for federal purchasers, which has many of the aforementioned topics. Refer to the Nordic Ecolabel for additional criteria and descriptions.
Recyclability of Plastic Parts
It is environmentally preferable that the plastic components in the copier be made of common recyclable plastics, easy to dismantle without special tools, marked with an ISO 11 469 or an equivalent recycling labeling system, and not painted or varnished in a way that reduces the recyclability of the material.
Remanufactured and Recyclable Toner Cartridges
When writing specifications, state agencies should ensure that the equipment can use State Agency Buy Recycled Campaign (SABRC)-compliant toner cartridges.
Recycled Content for Plastic and Metal Parts
Criteria can be set to maximize the use of postconsumer recycled materials in the copier units, especially in larger parts.
Packaging Materials
Set criteria to maximize the use of reusable and/or postconsumer content packaging materials. See the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) packaging criterion (4.8) for suggestions.
Noise Emissions
Copiers should be specified to have noise levels below 63 dB(A). [40]
Sample Copier Specifications and Environmental Criteria
California Department of General Services
Germany's Blue Angel Eco Label Certification Program. Basic Criteria for Award of the Environmental Label, Copiers RAL-UZ 62.
Federal Electronics Challenge. Product Environmental Assessment for Printers, Copiers, and Other Electronics.
Greenguard Environmental Institute. Allowable Emission Levels.
State of Massachusetts. Copier Specification.
Nordic Ecolabelling. Criteria of Copying Machines, Printers, Fax Machines, and Multifunctional Devices, 2001-2007. Labeling criteria used in Europe. In this case, the Nordic Ecolabel is harmonized with the Japan Environment Association, and its criteria are at the forefront of advancing the environmental performance of office equipment. These criteria include additional categories such as noise.
City of Seattle. Questionnaire for Copier Vendors, 2002. Provides a comprehensive and concise overview of environmental criteria.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Database of Environmental Information for Products and Services. This database contains contract language, specifications, and policies created and used by federal, state, and local governments and others to buy environmentally preferable products and services. If you have a specification for an environmentally preferable product or service, consider asking the USEPA to include it in this database.
VENDORS
California State Contracts
Several copiers are available through the mandatory statewide copier contract (contract number 1S-05-36-20) that meet several criteria identified in USEPA guidelines. See also the "Contract Usage/Rules" section of the contract. This contract is for 15 cpm - 55 cpm copiers. Models are available through the vendor -- Sharp Electronics -- and their authorized distributors. A catalog is available online.
Recycled paper -- with up to 100 percent postconsumer content -- to use in copiers is available through the statewide office supply contract (contract number 1-01-75-55.)
Local agencies may use State procurement contracts.
California Multiple Award Schedules (CMAS)
Copiers that are not available from the Statewide contract shall be purchased through CMAS. Vendor information can be found through the CMAS Web site. Users of CMAS are encouraged to use the State's specification for copiers. This will ensure the products will meet the State Standard.
Local agencies may use State procurement contracts.
SUCCESS STORIES
NASA's Innovative Leasing, Cost-Per-Copy Contract
Other
Double-sided copying is a key component of any office paper waste reduction program. See the following Web sites for information on how individual organizations are saving paper through double-sided copying and other office paper waste reduction techniques.
RESOURCES AND WEBSITES
California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB)
Sacramento, CA
(916) 341-6000
The CIWMB's mission is to reduce waste, promote the management of all materials to their highest and best use, and protect public health and safety and the environment, in partnership with all Californians. The CIWMB maintains a Creating a Paper Reduction Campaign in Your Office Web page.
ENERGY STAR®
Washington, DC
(888) STAR-YES (888-782-7937)
ENERGY STAR® is a partnership program of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Department of Energy, and the private sector that secures voluntary participation of manufacturers to meet energy conservation standards for products and equipment. See the Copiers Web page for procurement language, a savings calculator, and a searchable list of ENERGY STAR®-qualified copiers.
GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI)
Atlanta, GA
(800) 427-9681
The GEI is an independent, non-profit organization that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification Program for Low Emitting Products. It has created GREENGUARD Certification Standards for Low Emitting Products for the Indoor Environment.
United States Department of Energy
Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)
Washington, DC
(800) 363-3732
The FEMP was designed to reduce the cost and environmental impact of Federal agencies by advancing energy efficiency and water conservation, promoting the use of distributed and renewable energy, and improving utility management decisions at Federal sites. The FEMP provides a variety of resources to help any purchaser more readily identify energy compliant (ENERGY STAR®) products and find ways to save money, energy and natural resources in the office. See the following on-line resources:
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
Washington, DC
(202) 272-0167
The USEPA maintains a web page on green copier attributes.
[1] United States Environmental Protection Agency and United States Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR Copiers Web page. Available at: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=CP.
[2] United States Environmental Protection Agency and United States Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR Copiers Web Page. Available at http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=CP.
[3] As explained by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the highest percent of paper reduction from duplexing is 50% (even paged document), while it is 25% for a 3-image document that goes from 4 sheets to 3 sheets. See http://eetd.lbl.gov/paper/ideas/html/duplexrates.htm.
[4] Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Environmentally Preferable Products Procurement Program, Product Information: Photocopier Equipment, Supplies & Service, Energy Efficient (Including Remanufactured) Web page. Available at http://www.mass.gov/epp/products/copier.htm#benefits.
[5] The assumption is that 50 percent of the time, you will copy more than two pages.
[6] Sharp Electronics Corporation. Double Your Productivity with Scan² technology Web page. Available at http://www.sharpusa.com/products/business/scan2/0,2577,,00.html.
[8] For additional information on indoor air contaminants, see the United States Environmental Protection Agency Report titled, "Office Equipment: Design, Indoor Air Emissions, and Pollution Prevention Opportunities." Available at http://www.p2pays.org/ref/07/06260.pdf.
[9] P. Wolkoff, C.R. Johnsen , C. Franck, P. Wilhardt, and O. Albrechtsen. A study of human reaction of office machines in a climatic chamber. J Exp Anal Environ Epidemiol Suppl. 1992;1:71-96.
[10] P. Wolkoff, C.R. Johnsen, C. Franck, P. Wilhardt, and O. Albrechtsen. A study of human reaction of office machines in a climatic chamber. J Exp Anal Environ Epidemiol Suppl. 1992;1:71-96.
[11] See United States Environmental Protection Agency publication titled "Ozone and Your Health." Available at http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=static.brochure.
[12] A.B. Stefaniak, P.N. Breysse, P.M. Murray, B.C. Rooney, and J. Schaefer. An evaluation of employee exposure to volatile organic compounds in three photocopy centers. Environmental Research. 2000;83(2):162-173.
[13] State of California. Specification Copier, Digital, 3610-51A-01. April 12, 2005. Available at http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/pd/strategic/specsdigitalcopiers.pdf.
[14] State of California. California Air Resources Board. Glossary of Air Pollution Terms. Available at http://www.arb.ca.gov/html/gloss.htm.
[15] R. Hetes, M. Moore, C. Northelm. Office equipment: Design, indoor air emissions, and pollution prevention opportunities. United States Environmental Protection Agency Project Summary, EPA/600/SR-95/045; Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. 1995.
[16] S. K. Brown, Assessment of Pollutant Emissions from Dry-Process Photocopiers. Indoor Air, Volume 9, Issue 4, Page 259 - December 1999 doi:10.1111/j.1600-0668.1999.00005.x
[17] S.C. Lee, Sanches Lam, Ho Kin Fai, "Characterization of VOCs, ozone, and PM10 emissions from office equipment in an environmental chamber", Building and Environment 36 (2001) 837-842.
[18] See complete listing of Ambient Air Quality Standards. Available at http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/aaqs/aaqs2.pdf
[19] The United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards. See http://epa.gov/air/criteria.html#1.
[20] United States Environmental Protection Agency. Mid-Atlantic Air Protection. Frequently Asked Air Questions Web page. Available at http://www.epa.gov/reg3artd/faqs/APDFAQ.htm. Accessed on June 1, 2006.
[21] The United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards. See http://epa.gov/air/criteria.html#1.
[22] United States Environmental Protection Agency. Ozone Heath Effects and Standards. See http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html#table 1.
[23] No More Excuses. Available from the U.S. Conference of Mayors at http://www.usmayors.org/uscm/recycle/buy/30paper.pdf. Accessed on April 13, 2006.
[24] Federal Network for Sustainability. Greening Federal Copier Paper - Frequently Asked Questions Web page. Available at http://www.federalsustainability.org/initiatives/gfcp_faq.htm. Accessed on April 13, 2006.
[25] Aerias Air Quality Sciences. IAQ Resource Center. Laser Printers and the Problems They Cause in the Indoor Environment. Available at http://www.aerias.org/DesktopModules/ArticleDetail.aspx?articleId=87.
[27] See the EN ISO 7779 and ISO 9296. Also see the Nordic Swan noise requirements, available at http://www.svanen.nu/Default.aspx?tabName=CriteriaDetailEng&menuItemID=7056&pgr=15
[28] State of California. Department of General Services. Procurement Division. California Strategic Sourcing Initiative -- Copiers and Associated Services Web page. Available at http://www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/StratSourcing/SpecsDigitalCopiers.htm.
[29] The assumption is that 50 percent of the time, you will copy more than two pages.
[30] State of California. Department of General Services. News Release. July 25, 2005. Available at http://www.dgs.ca.gov/Press/04-05/050725.htm.
[32] Environmental Choice Web site. Available at: http://www.ecologo.org/
[34] United States Environmental Protection Agency. Green Copier Attributes Web page. Accessed on May 10, 2006. Available at: http://www.epa.gov/epp/pubs/copiers.htm
[35] Environmental Choice Program, Certification Criteria Document CCD-035, 10-9-98, page 4. Available at: http://www.ecologo.org/en/seeourcriteria/details.asp?ccd_id=260
[36] Nordic Ecolabelling, Copying Machines, Printers, Fax Machines and Multifunctional Devices, page 13. Dec 2005. Available at http://www.svanen.nu/Default.aspx?tabName=CriteriaDetailEng&menuItemID=7056&pgr=15
[37] See "Basic Criteria for Award of the Environmental Label. Copiers RAL-UZ 62" from Blue Angel. Available at http://www.ictoffice.nl/docs_ictoffice/HP%20Toners/RAL-UZ%2062%20Copiers%20(Engels).pdf, pg 33. See also http://www.blauer-engel.de/englisch/navigation/body_blauer_engel.htm.
[39] GREENGUARD Environmental Institute Web page, GREENGUARD Certification Standards for Low Emitting Products for the Indoor Environment. Accessed on May 10, 2006. Available at: http://www.greenguard.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=3&tabid=16#officeequipment.
[40] See the EN ISO 7779 and ISO 9296. Also see the Nordic Swan noise requirements that are available at http://www.svanen.nu/Default.aspx?tabName=StartPage
Special Note: Portions of the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Best Practices Manual were borrowed or adapted from the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide published by the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board of Minnesota.
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