Digitization of documents and less printing

Baseline strategy · No score

It replaces printed copies by circulation and digital archive where signature, preservation and access allow.

Subject: WasteContext: Offices · Companies · InstitutionsCost: lowEffort: mediumLevel: basicStage: operationMaturity: established
Principle of Digitalización de documentos y menos impresión
Operating principle

How it works

It replaces printed copies by circulation and digital archive where signature, preservation and access allow.

It follows a hierarchy: prevent, keep in use, reuse, repair, recycle and safely treat only what could not be avoided.

When does it make sense?

  • Since the purchase and design, not only at the end of the process
  • With known quantities, compositions and destinations
  • Where traceable responsibilities and managers exist

How to apply it

  1. 1

    Define what needs resolves "digitalization of documents and less printing" and establish a starting situation.

  2. 2

    Compare alternatives and adapt design to climate, use, regulation, affected people and available resources.

  3. 3

    Apply with clear responsibilities, check the actual result and correct unwanted effects.

Potential benefits

Reduced use of resources

Less final waste

Increased value recovery

Limitations and precautions

  • The digital archive has its own consumption and its own requirements for data conservation, accessibility and protection.
  • Valuation should not conceal opportunities for prevention or reuse.
  • Separate materials without a real and traceable destination does not guarantee their recovery.

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