Being environmentally conscious is an essential part of doing business today. Buyers are increasingly concerned about protecting the environment, and they expect the companies they do business with to be, too. Transitioning to digital technologies can help you “go green” while reaping other benefits as well.
Digital Document Management Systems
The benefits of a digital document management solution are well-known: it streamlines workflows, makes it easier to locate data, offers increased security and compliance, and reduces an office’s operating expenses. However, it’s also a valuable tool for any organization seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. Document management promotes office sustainability through:
Reducing Paper Output
Using digital documents reduces the need for paper. In a traditional paper-based office, many prints end up in the trash bin at the end of the day – a true waste of paper. One obvious benefit of using less paper is that is protects trees; however it also conserves the energy needed to convert those trees into paper and reduces the pollution that comes along with the transportation of it.
Paper manufacturing itself is also a major contributor to environmental pollution. It produces sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide, which contribute to acid rain, greenhouse gases and water pollution.
Keeping Toner Cartridges Out of Landfills
Toner cartridges are a major contributor to landfill waste. Nearly 400 million empty cartridges are disposed of each year, where they take 1,000 years to decompose! Reducing your toner consumption can have a big impact.
Eliminating Unnecessary Printing
It’s a common occurrence for office workers to print personal items on the company printer. Unauthorized printing drives up the bottom line and increases waste. A document management solution can help eliminate personal printing by only allowing authorized individuals to use the printer.
Additional Benefits
There are significant environmental benefits in going paperless, but the business benefits are also compelling. Storing paper takes up costly real estate and it’s estimated that the standard filing cabinet costs between $1,500 and $2,100 a year to maintain.
Paper documents are not only difficult to manage, but they’re also easier to lose and harder to locate than documents stored digitally. The average office worker spends an estimated 30% to 40% of their day searching for printed documents.
A digital system means that it is easier to find and send documents, reduce errors and the time it takes to locate a document. Digital documents also make regulatory compliance and audits easier and keeps your documents more secure.
Digital document management is a great way to reduce your company’s impact on the environment. This Earth Day, April 22, 2022, make it a goal to assess and reduce your company’s carbon footprint. Not only does it help the environment, but it also reduces your costs and aligns with today’s environmental mindset.
