Significant Initiatives
University Publishing’s Sustainability Program is a leader among Washington state’s printing agencies and reaches beyond the standards set by state and University policies. Most recently, UP was first among the state’s printing agencies to achieve Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification and to implement digital press technology.
Forest Stewardship Council Certification
The FSC, a nonprofit organization, has established comprehensive and rigorous standards for responsible forestry. The FSC logo on a publication represents an unbroken chain of custody, from the standing trees to the final printed publication. University Publishing at WSU is the first university printing plant in the nation to achieve FSC certification. For more information about FSC, visit www.fsc.org.
Digital Press Technology
University Publishing’s digital press presents an environmentally responsible option for short-run, high-quality color publications. This resource-saving technology:
- eliminates paper and ink waste
- eliminates the use of printing film and printing plates
- facilitates swift production of the quantity needed, as needed, with minimal excess use of materials
Océ Copy Press Technology
In August 2008, University Publishing installed
Océ photocopiers that use new technology to
press the image into the paper using a low fusing
temperature. The new technology produces excellent
copies that rival the quality of offset printing. It
also has significant environmental benefits, including
minimal ozone emissions (less than 1/100th of the level
specified by the most stringent legislation). This
technology produces no toner waste, does not require
chemical developers, and significantly cuts energy
consumption by using a 50 percent lower fusing
temperature.