Print and Sustainability in Professional Services: Small Changes, Big Impact
- sophie44480
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have - it’s a key consideration for clients, employees, and regulators alike. Professional service firms, from legal and financial practices to consultancies and architects, are increasingly expected to demonstrate environmental responsibility.
But while many firms focus on travel policies or energy efficiency, one area often overlooked is office printing.
It may not seem like a major contributor to your environmental footprint - but unmanaged print usage can quietly become a significant source of waste, cost, and carbon emissions. The good news? A few small, smart changes can lead to a measurable impact.
Why Print Still Matters in Professional Services
Professional services are still heavily reliant on documents:
Contracts and proposals
Client reports and presentations
Internal policies and case files
Regulatory paperwork and archives
Despite the shift to digital, many firms still print daily - which means print management remains a critical opportunity for sustainable improvement.
1. The Hidden Environmental Cost of Unmanaged Printing
Untracked or unmonitored printing often leads to:
Excessive use of colour printing
Single-sided documents as default
High volumes of abandoned or duplicate print jobs
Unnecessary reprinting due to human error
Outdated devices with poor energy efficiency
These practices not only waste paper and toner, but also drive up energy usage, carbon footprint, and landfill waste - all without most people noticing.
2. Small Changes, Big Impact
Here are simple but effective changes that can significantly reduce your print-related environmental impact:
✅ Set Default Printing to Black & White and Double-Sided
Most documents don’t need colour or single-sided formatting. Changing the default can reduce paper and toner use overnight.
✅ Introduce Secure or Pull Printing
This ensures documents are only released at the printer when the user authenticates — cutting down on forgotten and duplicate prints.
✅ Monitor and Report Usage
Use print management software to track who’s printing what, where, and how often. Visibility drives accountability.
✅ Retire or Consolidate Old Devices
Newer printers use less energy and are often more efficient. Consider multifunction devices (print/scan/copy) to reduce your fleet size.
✅ Automate Supply Ordering
Avoid emergency restocking by using smart tools that order toner only when needed, reducing excess and improving logistics.
3. Why It Matters for Your Brand
Clients and talent are paying attention. Many corporate procurement teams now consider sustainability in supplier selection. Jobseekers, especially younger professionals, also expect employers to show meaningful environmental commitment.
Your internal policies - including something as basic as print behaviour - reflect your firm's values. Small operational shifts, when communicated well, build trust and credibility with both stakeholders and staff.
4. The Business Case for Sustainable Print
Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet - it’s good business. Efficient print management can lead to:
Lower print volumes
Reduced paper and toner costs
Fewer service calls and less downtime
Extended device lifespans
Easier ESG and CSR reporting
In short: better sustainability often comes hand-in-hand with smarter operations and cost savings.
Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection
You don’t need to go paperless overnight. But by taking small, considered steps -adjusting settings, engaging your team, and optimising your print infrastructure - you can make a real impact.
Sustainability in professional services starts with everyday habits. And few are more routine than printing.
Need help making your print setup more sustainable?
We work with firms of all sizes to reduce waste, optimise costs, and align print systems with sustainability goals - all with minimal disruption.
👉 Get in touch for a free print sustainability review.
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