How to Buy an Energy-Efficient Copier
Information about energy-efficient copiers in this section includes the following:
| Efficiency Recommendation Cost-Effectiveness Example Where to Find |
 |
Buyer Tips Usage Tips For More Information |
Also provided is a portable document format version of How to Buy an Energy-Efficient Copier (PDF 73 KB, 2 pp). Download Adobe Reader.
| Efficiency Recommendation | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copier Type (copies/minute) |
Recommended | Best Available | Automatic Duplex Copying | ||
| Watts in "Sleep" Modea | Watts in Off Mode | Watts in "Sleep" Mode | Watts in Off Mode | ||
| <=20 cpm | N/A | 5 or less | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 21-44 cpm | 5 + (cpm * 3.85) or less |
15 or less | cpm * 3.0 or less | 0 | Default Setting |
| >44 cpm | 5 + (cpm * 3.85) or less |
20 or less | cpm * 1.3 or less | 0 | Default Setting |
a "Sleep" mode refers to a low-power standby condition, which is entered automatically after a set period of inactivity. The copier's active mode is restored when the user touches a control button, or by a motion sensor. For example, a 30 cpm copier can only use 120.5 watts (5 + (30 * 3.85)) in sleep mode.
| Cost-Effectiveness Example | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | Base Model | Recommended Level (with duplexing) |
Best Available (with duplexing) |
| Annual Energy Use | 1,532 kWh | 1,138 kWh | 974 kWh |
| Annual Energy Cost | $92 | $68 | $58 |
| Lifetime Energy Cost | $460 | $340 | $290 |
| Lifetime Energy Cost Savings | — | $120 | $170 |
| Annual Paper Use | 136,000 sheets | 108,000 sheets | 108,000 sheets |
| Annual Paper Cost | $680 | $540 | $540 |
| Lifetime Paper Costa | $3,650 | $2,900 | $2,900 |
| Lifetime Paper Cost Savings | — | $750 | $750 |
| Lifetime Total Cost Savings | — | $870 | $920 |
a Lifetime energy cost is the sum of the discounted value of annual energy or paper costs based on average usage and an assumed copier life of 6 years. Future electricity price trends and a discount rate of 3.4% are based on Federal guidelines (effective from April 2000 to March 2001).
Cost-Effectiveness Assumptions: Copier model used for above example was 35 cpm, black-and-white. Annual energy use calculation is based on typical office operating practices, including a 9.5 hour work day with 8.5 hours of standby (inactive) time and 250 work days per year. Model assumes the copier is left on overnight and weekends 70% of the time. Copy volume is 12,000 copies/month. With the default-duplex feature, 50% of sheets are assumed to be two-sided (vs. 11% for the base model). Assumed electricity price is $0.06/kWh, the Federal average electricity price in the U.S. Assumed paper cost is $0.05/sheet.
Where to Find Energy-Efficient Copiers
The Federal supply source for copiers is the General Services Administration (GSA). GSA's on-line ordering system, GSA Advantage! can be used to select and order copiers. Make sure the model you order qualifies for the ENERGY STAR® label and has default duplex (two-sided) copying (for copy speeds above 20 cpm). Visit the ENERGY STAR® Web site for a list of complying models.
When contracting or buying from a commercial source, specify or select a copier that qualifies for the ENERGY STAR® label and has automatic duplexing (if copy speed exceeds 20 cpm).
Buyer Tips
The most effective way to save energy and reduce copying costs is to copy on both sides of the paper (duplex). Look for a model with duplex speed at least 80% as fast as one-sided copying. Ask your dealer or check the product reviews by Buyers Lab, Inc.
The time needed to recover from sleep or off modes is very important to most users. ENERGY STAR® copiers at 21 cpm or above must be ready to copy within 30 seconds; many low-volume copiers are even faster.
Select a copier that the manufacturer recommends for use with recycled paper. Federal agencies are required to use paper with at least 30% post-consumer waste.
Usage Tips
Make sure your copier was shipped and installed with the default-duplex, auto-off, and sleep mode features enabled. Some existing copiers can be reset to default duplexing. Turn off your copier at night if it does not have an auto-off feature; this will not shorten your copier's lifetime.
It is important to inform copy-machine users about the duplex setting, including benefits from reducing paper use (e.g., cost savings). Show users how to manually select one-sided copying if needed for a specific job (e.g., for faxing or transparencies). Make fewer copies whenever possible by using electronic mail, posting documents on the Web, or by circulating a single copy. For originals with large print, use 2:1 image reduction to save paper.
For More Information
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ENERGY STAR® product listings. EPA also provides a "Toolkit" for manufacturers, buyers, and users of ENERGY STAR® copiers.
Phone: (888) STAR-YES (782-7937) - TCO is a labeling program for computers, monitors, and other office equipment that includes energy efficiency, environmental, and ergonomic criteria, as well as low electro-magnetic emissions.
Phone: (312) 781-6223 - Buyer's Lab, Inc. publishes detailed copier test reports, a Copier Specification Guide, and an electronic selection guide.
Phone: (201) 488-0404 - Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory maintains a Web site devoted to office paper reduction issues and strategies.
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory provided supporting analysis for this recommendation.
Phone: (202) 646-7950