New Photocopiers Multi-Task, Use Less Energy and Paper

The University of Victoria has signed a new contract with Kyocera Mita Canada Ltd. and its local servicing partner Island Office Equipment to replace the university’s current fleet of photocopiers with a new generation of energy-efficient multi-tasking devices boasting several sustainable features. The goal of the program, which Kyocera calls Advantage², is to eventually eliminate independent laser printers, fax machines and scanners across campus.

Through the five-year, $1.5 million contract, Kyocera and local partner Island Office Equipment will supply and service new multi-functional devices that will copy, print, scan and fax. Combining multiple office functions in a single device will significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions at UVic. The copiers will default to double-sided printing and enable users to eliminate master copies by printing finished documents directly from their computers to cut down on paper usage. The new devices will also take up less space, as they will replace multiple stand-alone desktop units. Kyocera was chosen after an extensive evaluation through a formal request for proposals process.

“UVic is very pleased to enter into this Strategic Alliance with Kyocera,” says Gayle Gorrill, UVic’s Vice-President Finance and Operations. “Employees and students will find the Kyocera devices more efficient, and their environment-friendly features are consistent with UVic’s commitment to sustainable operating practices. The Advantage² initiative also supports our mandate to use 100 per cent recycled paper stock for all printing on campus.”

With Kyocera’s customized financial program, called cost-per-copy, the university will only pay for the pages printed. Through their Strategic Alliance with UVic, Kyocera will support several university initiatives, including scholarships, co-op and other sustainability initiatives.

"The Strategic Alliance between the University of Victoria and Kyocera to address the convergence of imaging solutions is innovative in its design and environmentally responsible,” says Raymond Baraya, President, Kyocera Mita Canada Ltd. “The university’s mandate is an excellent fit with Kyocera's ECOSYS concept to produce products that minimize the impact on the environment while being economical for the user. This strategic initiative with the University of Victoria has set a new benchmark that all institutions should emulate and we are proud to be a partner with the university on such an important project."

UVic began phasing in the new Kyocera devices at the beginning of 2008, replacing its older photocopiers first. Full replacement of the university’s existing fleet is expected to be complete within the next four years.

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