60 SECONDS: How GPO is Moving to GreenerPrint
By Bob Tapella -- Graphic Arts Online, April 1, 2008
As the largest industrial manufacturer in the District of Columbia, the Government Printing Office tries to be “green” in virtually every step of its printing processes. Under my administration, GPO's business will be conducted in an environmentally, economically and fiscally sound, integrated, continuously improving, efficient and sustainable manner. In short, I believe in doing the right thing.
This may come as a surprise, but environmental sustainability is not a partisan issue. It's good business and good government. By law, I have an obligation to “take charge and manage the GPO.”
In concert with federal policy, nearly all of GPO's printing—both produced in plant and procured—uses recycled paper. The vast majority of inks we use are vegetable-oil based. The Environmental Protection Agency recently downgraded GPO from a Large Quantity Generator of Hazardous wastes to a Small Quantity Generator. This was done by changing the solvents used to clean our presses. We are also in the process of evaluating a solvent recycling system that may further reduce waste solvents by up to 90%.
Currently, we print what essentially are two daily newspapers — the Congressional Record and Federal Register. These are produced on 40% post-consumer waste recycled newsprint. They are printed on offset web presses just like those used in the newspaper industry, and we have a tremendous amount of planned waste. I'd like to see that amount of waste reduced ASAP. Additionally, because the quantities printed are continuing to decline, I would like to see if we could move from web offset to digital equipment to significantly reduce paper consumption. Digital itself is a key sustainability initiative, and it is the core of our ongoing transformation programs.
In concert with the Office of the Environmental Executive, I want GPO to develop an environmentally advanced certificate or seal for paper used by federal agencies. These could include processed chlorine free (PCF) paper, carbon neutral papers, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified papers and others.
GPO is perhaps the largest printing and information factory in the world. It encompasses 1.5 million sq.ft., but our newest building was completed in 1940. It is both too large and too antiquated for our needs today.
I want GPO to move into a new factory, the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) printing plant in the U.S. LEED is a voluntary green building rating system that provides measurable benchmarks for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Platinum is the highest standard.
President Theodore Roosevelt said, “Our position in the world has been attained by the extent and thoroughness of the control we have achieved over nature; but we are more, and not less, dependent upon what she furnishes than at any previous time of history.”
He made this observation 100 years ago, and it's just as accurate today. At GPO , we intend to move forward with this timeless vision so eloquently expressed by one of America's greatest leaders.
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