Laurel Brunner: All About the Data

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Today’s graphics industry is data driven. From digital prepress through to performance analytics, data is the only way to get accurate printed output and to measure business performance. The need for greater environmental accountability, either voluntary or regulatory, means that we have a new category of data to worry about.

Except that relatively few small to medium sized businesses will want to bother with it which is not so good, because this new data dimension can actually help the bottom line. Companies cite the expense as a reason not to bother with sustainability data. And yet time after time we come across companies with improved profits because of their sustainability and quality management efforts. Sustainability reporting creates an imperative and a discipline which can help make the business more efficient and profitable.

It all begins with a structure, the pillars and joists that provide the basics for sustainability policies and practises. The metrics are common for most companies, within and beyond the graphics business. Probably the simplest and most common starting point is to set targets for energy usage. Calculate how much energy your business uses today on a monthly or annual basis. Then decide how much you want to reduce it over a certain period of time, compared to that base value. A common goal is to use 5% less within five years, which is hardly onerous. Setting a five year timescale also gives you wriggle room for investing in energy saving measures, such as more efficient equipment or new insulation.

You can apply the same model for water usage and volumes of waste, if and how it gets recycled and how much of it goes to landfill. Aiming for a zero waste target can start immediately. Indeed any aspect of the business that has an environmental impact should be considered. There is a surprising number of things you can start doing straightaway, like setting up recycling points in the company and asking staff for suggestions that could contribute to improved environmental impact reductions.

Many companies have developed road maps to help them gradually phase in sustainability initiatives. For small businesses this can be an easier means of grappling with greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) relating to energy, transport and product use. The roadmap should address products and processes separately and set targets, even if the target is just to consider eco-efficiency improvements and how the business is structured to promote best environmental practises.

The graphics industry is the same as other industries in that it is on a journey. The sustainability route starts with a couple of small steps that are easy to take and that can lead to a greener future.

Laurel Brunner

This article was produced by the Verdigris project, an industry initiative intended to raise awareness of print’s positive environmental impact. This weekly commentary helps printing companies keep up to date with environmental standards, and how environmentally friendly business management can help improve their bottom lines. Verdigris is supported by the following companies: Agfa Graphics, EFI, Fespa, HP, Kodak, Kornit, Ricoh, Spindrift, Unity Publishing and Xeikon.