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Universities Are Reducing Carbon by Rethinking Printing

Brian McKone / May 1, 2025
Graduation cap resting on a globe and university books.

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword on campus anymore—it’s a mandate. With carbon reduction targets, student-led environmental initiatives, and increased public scrutiny, higher education institutions are under pressure to lead the way in reducing their environmental footprint.

One often-overlooked contributor to campus emissions? Printing.

The problem: Print’s hidden environmental cost

Between outdated devices, inefficient fleet management, and lack of oversight, many universities operate printer fleets that are anything but eco-friendly. Unnecessary printing, energy-hogging hardware, and unmanaged toner waste all contribute to a larger-than-necessary carbon footprint.

The urgency is real—45% of students considered an institution’s environmental sustainability in their college enrollment decision. This rising expectation makes it critical for colleges and universities to take measurable, visible steps toward sustainability.

The opportunity: Sustainable print management with Toshiba

Toshiba’s Managed Print Services approach transforms the way higher education institutions manage their print environments. Our solution addresses sustainability from every angle:

  • Eco-friendly devices: Replace aging, energy-draining hardware with modern, energy-efficient equipment.

  • Digital workflow automation: Shift away from paper-heavy processes to secure, cloud-based workflows.

  • Toner recycling programs: Reduce landfill waste and support circular economy initiatives.

  • Carbon footprint tracking: Gain visibility into environmental impact with centralized analytics and reporting.

Why it matters in education

Students, faculty, and staff increasingly expect institutions to lead by example. Sustainable print management helps higher ed campuses:

  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

  • Align with institutional sustainability goals

  • Cut unnecessary waste and costs

  • Appeal to environmentally conscious students and faculty

A smarter, greener future starts now

Toshiba helps colleges and universities simplify their print infrastructure with cross-brand fleet support, centralized service, and a single point of accountability—eliminating vendor complexity while advancing environmental goals.

Want to know your print environment’s carbon footprint? Let’s find out together.

Request a free environmental impact assessment