Image of Computer used for print management.Print Management System

Elon’s print management system has greatly reduced paper usage in computer labs and the library. Paper usage went down 70% in the first year of full implementation (FY 07) compared to usage before the system was installed. Users must go to the selected print station and tap their Phoenix Card before the requested document will print. The system has raised awareness of paper usage and reduced unnecessary printing, which has conserved resources and reduced waste.

Duplexing

All printers in computer labs and the library are defaulted to duplex (print on both sides). Duplexing is also available on all the multi-function photocopiers throughout campus. Printing on both sides is a great way to reduce paper use for those documents that must be printed.

Electronic Document Storage

An electronic document storage system is utilized by several offices across campus including Admissions, Registrar, Financial Planning, Purchasing, University Advancement, the Provost’s Office, the Education Department and Disability Services. This system reduces the need to print documents, allows for easy access and frees up space that was being used for paper document storage. A new system was implemented in fall 2018, which affords a more paperless approach to document storage and workflow solutions.

Virtual Servers

Elon has moved to virtual servers in many locations allowing multiple servers to run on a single machine instead of having one machine per server. Virtual servers reduce power and cooling needs.

Equipment

Energy Star Partner Badge

Energy Star rated products are sought when making purchases. The switch has also been made from CRT to LCD monitors, which use less energy and produce less heat. Many of the electronics, such as laptop and desktop computers, Elon purchases are rated Gold or Silver through EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool).

Computers are utilized on campus for five years and then go to a recycling facility. Other electronics are also recycled when they are no longer needed on campus.