EPA has signed partnership agreements with industry-leading copier manufacturers who sell a high percentage of copiers. In July 1995, ENERGY STAR copiers and fax machines joined ENERGY STAR computers, monitors and printers in the marketplace.

ENERGY STAR copiers have a feature that allows them to automatically turn off after a period of inactivity, ensuring night and weekend shut-off. This auto-off feature can reduce a copier's annual electricity costs by over 60 percent. In addition, high speed copiers will be set to automatically make double-sided copies; one copier can reduce an organization's paper costs by $60 a month, and can also reduce the volume of paper sent into the waste stream. It takes 10 times more energy to manufacture a piece of paper than it does to copy an image onto it. Therefore, using less paper also means decreased national energy consumption. If everyone used ENERGY STAR copiers, the amount of paper used in 1996 could be reduced from more than 700 billion sheets to only 500 billion. These 200 billion sheets amount to a savings of 1 million tons of paper, enough to go around the world 1400 times.

Consumers will easily recognize the new, more efficient copiers because they will be identified by the EPA ENERGY STARSM logo shown in the picture above.

To get the maximum savings, here are some additional tips to follow when ordering ENERGY STAR copiers. Choosing a copier with a low power mode and a quick recovery time will provide extra energy savings during the weekdays. You can also purchase a duplexing unit (which allows you to make double-sided copies) if your copier doesn't come standard with one. While there is an up-front cost for the duplex unit, the savings from using less paper can exceed the purchase price in as little as two years. To find out how well a copier performs when making double-sided copies, you can refer to independent lab tests which help ensure high quality products. Finally, using recycled toner cartridges and paper will dramatically reduce the flow of solid waste into the nation's landfills. The EPA recommends specifying a minimum of 20% post consumer content in all paper used in the office.

EPA is encouraging public- and private-sector consumers to buy ENERGY STAR products. If your organization is interested in learning more about maximizing its purchasing power to help the environment, contact EPA about available ENERGY STAR products.

An EPA ENERGY STAR copier can save users a great deal of money by turning itself off at night, and by increasing the number of double-sided copies. And according to manufacturers, many of their products will have these features within just a couple of years. This added functionality will be nearly invisible to the user, making it primarily noticeable by the lower paper costs and electricity bills.