A new, free, online self-assessment tool from Heidelberg helps printers to better understand their environmental performance and could help them identify additional areas for improvement. Environmental Self-Assessment is the latest addition to Heidelberg’s growing list of sustainability initiatives, which also include a CO2 Calculator (to determine the CO2 footprint of any print project); CO2 neutral equipment; and special “Eco” product lines of its Saphira Consumables range – in addition to equipment choices and upgrade offers. The self-assessment is divided into three areas, following the set-up and terminology of the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP):
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Product (the design aspects, substrate choices and material management to create the finished item) - Process (the manufacturing steps involved in converting input materials into a finished product)
- Envelope (all manufacturing support activities and functions, including building, grounds, utilities and employees)
The OEM added that its Environmental Self-Assessment could take a printer one step closer to reaping the benefits of running a greener business – including the use of fewer resources in a smarter way to save money and/or to appeal to new, potential customers. The assessment is comprehensive yet easy to complete, taking into account a wide range of factors, from overall environmental management to daily decision-making. These include:
- Level of consultancy with your customer about minimizing the overall environmental footprint of a project
- Your knowledge of the environmental impact of your substrates and consumables
- Your recycling initiatives
- Your colour management procedures and certifications
- Your manufacturing process efficiencies
- Your building certifications in general, and pressroom environment in particular
Once completed, it provides a general grading, as well as more detailed information in all three categories. Users will receive an email with a link to their results quickly, which they can share with others in their organization. Using this information, each participant should be able to identify possible next steps, said Heidelberg.
To participate, please visit http://sso.us.heidelberg.com/HEI_Eco/.
