Aug 03 2009
FedEx Office Named No.1 Green-Powered Printer
A few years before starting Sustainable Printing, I worked for what was then FedEx Kinkos (now FedEx Office). I can’t say my time spent with that company was filled with joy and laughter. I was turned off by the corporate policies and politics that didn’t allow me to best serve our customers. I was recruited by a local competitor after a little over a year with FedEx Kinkos and have remained with this company ever since (just had my 4 year anniversary with them!)
My current employer started going the sustainable route about 2 years ago, and it has been a wonderful process to be a part of. Being exposed to the processes and procedures involved in being a sustainable company has led me to view other companies’ efforts (or lack of efforts) with a somewhat critical eye. Now I find myself having to give some kudos to my former employer.
The Green Power Partnership is an Environmental Protection Agency program designed to help organizations procure energy from green power sources. The program compiles quarterly lists of organizations across different industry sectors as top ranking partners. These companies are ranked by the amount of kilowatt-hours of green energy purchased. Lo and behold, FedEx Office tops the list of the Top 20 Green-Powered Printers.
While the purchase of over 34 million kWh of green energy is quite admirable in any light, and here’s where my critical eye comes in, it only accounts for 14% of FedEx Office’s yearly energy consumption. That means that there are nearly 209 million kWh used annually from non-renewable energy sources.
On the other hand, EarthColor, Inc. holds the number two slot with over 27 million purchased green energy kWh. While still trailing FedEx Office more than 7 million kWh, this purchase accounts for 100% of that company’s yearly usage. Now, which company do you consider “greener”?
Photo Credit: Flickr user Jeff Kubina
