Reduce Use of Paper

This initiative proposes to develop programs and practices that encourage mindful use of paper across the university and promote the use of digital materials instead of paper textbooks, exams, and other paper materials. Paper is a contributor to a university’s carbon footprint. This will foster a culture of sustainability and digital transformation within the university community, aligning with broader environmental goals and reducing the institution's ecological footprint. Actionable items include:

• Encouraging instructors to provide course materials digitally, such as e-books, online journals, and digital handouts, to minimize the demand for printed materials.
• Promoting digital submissions for assignments, exercises, quizzes, and exams through online platforms to reduce paper use in classroom settings.
• Developing programs and practices to support the adoption of digital materials over paper textbooks, exams, and other paper-based materials, leveraging existing resources in libraries and campus stores to facilitate this transition.
• Surveying campus offices to identify and transition paper-only forms and processes to digital formats where feasible, supported by initiatives to digitize content in collaboration with external partners if necessary.
• Collecting data on paper usage across campus through surveys among faculty, students, and office managers to monitor progress and adjust strategies for further reducing paper consumption over time.