The CU-Boulder campus will begin a new system of printing from campus laser printers on Aug. 20, implementing a new "Campus Printing Initiative" that is expected to reduce usage by as much as 7.5 million prints per year, based on reductions at other major universities.
The program will require anyone using printing sites in ITS labs, housing and the libraries to pay 10 cents for the first page of each black-and-white print, 9 cents for the second side and $1 for each color print.
Students can print from computers using their Buff OneCard student IDs. Credit for printing can be added to Buff OneCards either online or at locations around campus. Non-student users will be able to purchase vending cards for printing, and departmental vending cards also will be available.
Students will receive an initial free quota of 100 black-and-white prints, which will be credited to Buff OneCards upon their return this fall.
"Aside from the obvious environmental impacts, the program will allow students to pay according to their own usage and not be penalized for heavy usage by others," said Bobby Schnabel, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs. "The initiative will place a stronger emphasis on service with staffing available to load and maintain printers from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on weekends. Color printing, which was not an option previously, now will be available."
Usage at other major universities has declined from 30 percent to 70 percent when similar programs have been established. CU-Boulder's cost estimates for the program are based on a planned print reduction of 50 percent, and an increase in double-sided printing. Faculty are encouraged to accept duplex prints for course assignments.
The anticipated paper savings is the equivalent of 1,260 trees, 3,150 pounds of air pollution, 367,500 gallons of water and 215,355 kilowatt hours of electricity annually from the manufacturing processes. The savings also could eliminate 4,252 cubic feet of landfill space.
The program emerged from several years of study, discussion and student input. A 1999 student opinion survey conducted by CU-Boulder's Environmental Center indicated that 69 percent of students either strongly supported or somewhat supported the concept.
The Department of Housing piloted the program in a successful trial in the residence halls during the 2001-2002 academic year.