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Buildings consume about 34 per cent of global energy. They also contribute up to 37 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions, making sustainability a crucial concern for AEC firms. Energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and renewable energy are vital to mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change. They are increasingly key components of winning projects and staying competitive. As the Philippines moves toward a more eco-friendly, low-carbon economic framework, as outlined in the National Adaptation Plan, AEC firms must adapt and showcase their commitment to sustainability through efforts like sustainable printing.

Efficient document management is one way AEC firms can substantially reduce energy use. This practice can also cut waste as they work toward their sustainability goals. The HP DesignJet Plotter is a great tool for streamlining and improving document management. Here, we'll explore how HP DesignJet can help Filipino AEC firms position themselves as leaders in the sustainable construction market by:

• Reducing their environmental footprint
• Enhancing their reputation
• Securing more green projects

The Role of Sustainable Practices in Project Success

The demand for green buildings is rapidly increasing in the Philippines, with a projected investment opportunity of 24.7 trillion by 2030. As consumers learn more about the impact of carbon emissions on the environment, they're increasingly seeking out AEC firms that prioritise sustainable printing and other business practices. Companies that lead the way in adopting eco-friendly procedures will stand out as industry leaders and gain a competitive edge.

Enhancing Reputation and Brand Value

Sustainable practices show a commitment to social responsibility and environmental protection. Processes that conserve energy and reduce waste offset the ecological impact of construction, resulting in cost savings. AEC firms that lead the way with innovative technology and a fresh approach will gain consumer confidence and win bids for green projects.

Meeting and Exceeding Client Expectations

Homeowners, city officials, and business owners are increasingly considering how their actions contribute to climate change and other environmental concerns. Construction companies that take the initiative by incorporating sustainable processes into their routine workflows are prepared to meet or exceed client expectations for eco-friendly design and construction.

How Document Management Affects Sustainability

Construction professionals handle a lot of paperwork, blueprints, and documentation. Document management is the process used to organise permits, drawings, plans, models, and other construction documents. Streamlining and improving these processes through sustainable printing can reduce waste and energy consumption to minimise your carbon footprint.

Reducing Paper Waste

Streamlined document management improves a company's ability to locate, share, and use documents. Eliminating inefficiencies that come with the circulation of physical copies and tracking revisions reduces the need to print multiple copies of a single document. Modern large format printers and plotters further reduce paper waste through digital connectivity and error reduction. As a result, companies can substantially cut paper use and associated waste.

Energy Efficiency in Printing and Scanning

Tools and workflows for enhancing AEC document management improve communication among team members and stakeholders in different locations. Cloud printing, energy-efficient devices, print preview, and managed print services work to reduce the number of physical documents firms need. Sustainable printing tools also reduce the energy required to produce necessary construction drawings, blueprints, and forms.

Minimising Environmental Footprint

By reducing paper waste and energy consumption during the large format printing process, AEC firms can significantly decrease carbon emissions related to a single project. Consistent use of these practices allows firms to incorporate sustainability into their everyday operations.

How HP DesignJet Supports Green Projects

HP is a leader in the development of eco-friendly printing tools and technology to improve workflows for AEC firms and support sustainable building practices. HP DesignJet printers and plotters are sustainable printing solutions. They're designed with features that cut carbon emissions through decreased energy use, reduced waste, and simplified maintenance.

Energy-Efficient Technology

The new enhanced HP DesignJet T200/T600 Printer series brings the most significant driver update for large format printers in the last 30 years. The update enables AEC professionals to "print preview" designs from any Windows 11 application. This turns the printing process into a reliable, integrated smart flow that avoids the pain of reprints, unseen errors, and wasted print resources. The ability to "Save to PDF" and "send to print" reduces the need for reprinting physical documents, decreasing paper use. The printers also feature an on/off auto scheduler that saves up to 65% energy during use.

Recycled and Sustainable Materials

HP strives to help clients meet their sustainability goals with printers made from recycled and recyclable materials, eco-friendly packaging, and ink-saving features. Examples of these new features in action include:

• New moulded fibre packaging and the removal of most plastic bags reduce plastic waste by more than 50% in the DesignJet T200/600 Printer series 2025 Edition.
• The DesignJet T850 and T950 series are made with at least 40% recycled plastics and recyclable supplies. They also have a compact build that further reduces waste by extending the time to replacement.
• Automated ink maintenance routines in HP DesignJet printers reduce inefficiencies that result in wasted ink from repeated printing when errors occur.

Reduced Maintenance and Operational Costs

Features that reduce maintenance and operational costs help AEC firms reduce carbon emissions through energy savings and waste reduction. For example, the T850 DesignJet series printers feature 130/300-mL ink cartridges that require fewer ink interventions. Automated ink maintenance further reduces wasted ink, addressing one of the most prohibitive costs of using a large-format printer. Additional HP features that cut operational costs include:

• Draft and Economode to use less ink and toner for more efficient printing
• Presets for monochrome CAD vs colour renders
• Calibrated lineweights and correct scale
• Auto-nesting to save paper and minimise media waste
• Batch options to reduce offcuts and resulting media waste

Meeting Regulatory and Certification Standards

Regulatory bodies in the Philippines are working to reduce carbon emissions in construction. Several certification standards have been adopted to guide AEC firms in their sustainability efforts. The Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE) program and the Geared for Resiliency and Energy Efficiency for the Environment (GREEN) program are widely recognised programs that help AEC professionals ensure the environmental performance of construction projects.

Compliance With Green Building Standards

Integrating sustainable plotter and printer use and efficient document management practices into AEC workflows can help AEC firms earn green building certifications used by the Philippine government and a growing number of businesses and individuals as a measure of sustainability in the building sector. For example, BERDE certification recognises energy efficiency in all aspects, including waste reduction. The GREEN Program includes criteria for reducing energy during design and development. EDGE Zero Carbon certification recognises energy savings through renewables or carbon offset. Each of these programs can reward sustainable printing.

Earning LEED and Other Certifications

Developed by the US Green Building Council and globally recognised, LEED certification provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. A project earns points for LEED certification by complying with prerequisites that address carbon, energy, waste, materials, and other factors. Printing practices that reduce energy, carbon emissions, and waste can help professionals earn points. Ultimately, LEED focuses on reducing waste and energy use during design and construction.

Introduce Sustainability Into AEC Workflows With HP

Reducing waste and energy use in the AEC industry begins with operational practices that reduce energy consumption and waste. HP printers simplify eco-friendly large format printing with a variety of features that reduce paper and ink consumption. They also decrease the risk of human error. Get in touch to learn more about how we can help your AEC firm meet sustainability goals and win bids for green buildings through sustainable printing solutions.