Radford University
IN-25: Innovation B

When negotiating a new contract Virginia Business Systems (VBS) for campus copy and print services, the Division of Information Technology had sustainability in mind. In addition to leasing EPEAT Gold imaging equipment, they wanted to continue doing their part to reduce paper consumption. As a result, VBS is facilitating Radford University's use of PaperCut software and participation in the PrintReleaf program. PaperCut is a print management software designed to reduce printing costs. It sets all copier/printer settings to the most efficient and cost effective, saving money and paper. When a user selects color and/or single-sided, it updates the user with the cost of the print job. PrintReleaf is a Certification System and Software Platform for Automated Global Reforestation. PrintReleaf is a program that measures the University's paper consumption over time, calculates the forest impact of our paper consumption, and then our paper footprint is automatically reforested at planting sites of our choice. PrintReleaf creates a global sustainability standard by certifiably guaranteeing to releaf the paper consumption of PrintReleaf customers. PrintReleaf is the only technology platform that measures customers' paper usage and certifiably reforests that usage on an equivalent basis. The patented PrintReleaf technology not only tracks paper consumption, but also monitors PrintReleaf reforestation partners to ensure fulfillment. PrintReleaf began tracking Radford University paper use in mid-July, and through December 2018, has offset the university’s paper usage by reforesting 144 trees. In September, PrintReleaf reported that its reforestation rate exceeds 1,500 tree per day.