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The demand for sustainable building practices is growing, requiring AEC firms to develop eco-conscious strategies to meet green certification standards like BERDE and LEED. The regulations within green certifications prioritise energy-efficient designs and eco-friendly printing materials. However, printing practices are frequently overlooked despite their environmental impact.

AEC firms that integrate eco-friendly printing solutions, such as energy-efficient printers, sustainable inks, and smarter printing workflows, can reduce waste, conserve energy, and contribute to a greener future. This blog explores the role of eco-friendly printing practices in helping AEC firms meet certification standards and shares how HP's innovative large format printers contribute to meeting these goals.

Why Sustainability Matters for AEC Firms

Every aspect of construction has the potential to create waste. From paper, ink, and energy waste during the design process and building material waste during construction to energy use over a building's lifetime, how a building is designed has a major impact on the environment. AEC firms are tasked with delivering high-performing, eco-friendly buildings that meet users' needs and align with sustainability goals.

The Growing Importance of BERDE and Other Certifications

Green certifications in the Philippines are designed to optimise and monitor the environmental performance of buildings to reduce waste and energy usage. The BERDE Certification is the formal assessment, rating, and certification process for measuring, verifying, and monitoring the environmental performance of buildings.

BERDE Certification is not mandatory, but it is recognised as the National Voluntary Green Building Rating System by the Philippine government. Government agencies, such as the Department of Energy (DOE), have used BERDE as a guide in developing policies and programs for green building and sustainability for the building sector.

Environmental Impact of Traditional Printing in AEC Projects

AEC firms produce large volumes of large format prints, including:

• Blueprints
• Construction documents
• Renderings
• Presentations

Traditionally, these materials involve harmful chemicals and non-recyclable components that contribute to deforestation, pollution, and landfill waste.

How Eco-Friendly Printing Supports Green Certification

By transitioning to eco-friendly large format printing, AEC firms can reduce their environmental footprint and maintain the quality customers expect. Achieving these goals requires practices that consider energy consumption, eco-friendly inks, and waste reduction.

Energy-Efficient Printing Technologies

Eco-friendly printing technologies address energy usage during the printing process to help AEC firms lower their carbon footprint in operations. For example, the DesignJet T850 features an auto-schedule function that automatically turns the printer on and off to reduce energy consumption. The printer also has at least 35% recycled plastics, demonstrating HP's commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.

Use of Sustainable Materials and Inks

The introduction of eco-friendly materials allows AEC firms to meet their large format printing requirements without contributing to pollution and landfill waste. For example, HP Bright Office Inks deliver sustainable printing solutions while supporting AEC firms' green certification goals.

With up to 95% less maintenance ink consumption, ENERGY STAR compliance, and free recycling through HP Planet Partners, these inks combine environmental responsibility with superior documentation quality. Bright Office Inks are ideal for the demands of AEC printing, featuring enhanced line accuracy and durability for long-term archival needs.

Reducing Waste With Smarter Printing Solutions

Modern printers designed with sustainability in mind minimise contributions to landfill waste through the use of recyclable materials and efficient ink usage. HP printers and supplies contain recycled plastics, reducing waste in printer production. HP Eco-Carton ink cartridges reduce plastic by 80% and CO₂e by 66%. Recycling programs for the disposal of ink cartridges and printing materials can further help firms reduce landfill waste in the printing process.

Key Benefits of Eco-Friendly Printing for AEC Firms

Adopting environmentally-conscious large format printing processes is an essential move for a healthier environment and a change that can help firms recognise significant business benefits. Investing in eco-friendly printers and materials helps companies save money over time with lower operation costs, regulatory compliance, and an improved reputation.

Lower Operating Costs and Energy Savings

Green printing practices prioritise reducing material consumption and energy use. These changes translate into cost savings for businesses over time through lower energy and material costs.

Meeting BERDE and LEED Certification Standards

New builds and projects undergoing regulated renovations often require green certifications such as BERDE and LEED. Eco-friendly printing practices enable firms to meet and exceed environmental regulations, reducing legal risks and fines related to non-compliance.

Enhancing Reputation in the Local Market

Today's consumers are more environmentally conscious and prefer to interact with brands that adopt eco-friendly practices. Establishing eco-friendly printing practices helps consumers recognise your commitment to environmental responsibility and gives you an edge over the competition.

Choosing the Right Eco-Friendly Printer for Your AEC Projects

Investing in the right large format printer is critical for sustainable printing. Modern printers designed for eco-friendly practices have recycled materials and include vital features that help users reduce material and ink waste.

Essential Features to Look For

Look for these features when seeking a large format printer to align with your AEC firm's sustainability goals.

• Eco-friendly printing technologies, including LED curing technology and efficient ink usage
• Printers designed for recyclability
• Supplier programs that support eco-friendly practices, such as ink cartridge recycling

How HP's Large Format Printers Support Sustainable Printing

The HP DesignJet series offers several technological advances that help reduce the impact of AEC large format printing operations. The printers are designed with energy-saving features that reduce energy consumption and material waste. Top eco-friendly features in HP printers include:

• Instant-On Printing, which reduces standby power consumption by up to 95% compared to traditional printers
• Smart-scheduling tools that reduce energy use during operations
• Compatibility with a wide variety of eco-conscious media choices
• Eco-Carton ink cartridges that reduce plastic use
• Accurate previewing and proofing to reduce error-related waste
• Printers contain recycled plastics

Advancing Green Certification With Eco-Friendly Printing

Meeting the challenges of delivering high-performing net-zero buildings and infrastructure is a complex undertaking. However, with the introduction of eco-friendly printing solutions, AEC professionals can adopt printing practices that help them meet their environmental goals. HP has long been a leader in championing eco-friendly printing practices that meet the standards of the AEC industry. Reach out to us to discuss your sustainable printing needs and develop green printing practices.