Greening Graphic Design - The Graphic Design: Reference and Specification - page 161

Energy Conservation and Renewables
Energy sourcing and conservation are important variables for designers who want to work
sustainably and can be targeted in the office, at the printer, and with materials chosen for pro-
duction. Since paper production and printing are energy-intensive processes, it is particularly
important that mills and printers utilize energy from renewable resources and conserve where
possible.

Common Sources of Renewable Energy

• Solar
• Wind
• Landfill gas

• Biomass
• Geothermal
• Low-impact hydro

renewable energy for paper production

Btu of Energy Used in Paper Production

33 million
Btu of Energy

1 ton
of Paper

Energy used by 4 Families
in 1 Month

On average, paper mills use 33 million Btu of energy to produce 1 ton of paper—approximately
the same amount of energy used by four U.S. families in one month.

Paper mills consume about 33 million Btu of energy to produce 1 ton of paper or
paperboard. Some mills can make their own power from waste generated during the
pulping process. (This may be considered renewable, but it is worth asking about air
pollution if waste burning is part of the process.) Mills that don't include pulping facilities
and environmentally conscious printers may purchase energy from renewable sources.
Renewable energy is a good alternative to power generated from nuclear or fossil fuel
sources. The use of renewables, and the range of options available when specifying ener-
gy from alternative sources, means that there isn't one certification or type of energy that
is considered preferable. Fortunately, companies that use renewables are eager for the
public to know about their environmental commitment and these products and services
are almost always labeled or highlighted to consumers and purchasers.