The Department for Transport is in the process of updating its guidance to staff on the printing of e-mails along the lines of “Think before you print” and double side if you need to print. Additionally, e-mails issued through the departmental system will carry a footer note reminding the recipient to think whether they need to print. The Department has also recently commissioned a study to explore the potential rationalisation of printers, which will contribute towards the attainment of sustainability targets.
The Department for Transport’s agencies already have in place “print only essential e-mails” guidance for their staff and when printing is necessary to ensure it is double sided wherever possible. They also promote the use of the “print preview” option to reduce the number of printed e-mails.
There is a continuous improvement target of reducing paper usage incorporated into environmental management systems where they exist across the Department.