4 steps to kickstart your print carbon measurement journey

Article • January 9, 2025 • 2 min read


Steve Lister emphasizes the importance of measuring the print carbon footprint for sustainable procurement.

To create a more sustainable print procurement strategy, start by defining your measurement scope and identifying key print activities. Assess your control over the supply  chain and prioritize areas for improvement. Choose the right tools to measure your carbon  footprint, such as carbon calculators or lifecycle assessments. Finally, set clear targets to reduce emissions and track your progress. By taking these steps, you can contribute to a  greener future for print. 

 

Ready to make a real impact on your print carbon footprint? Let’s walk through the first steps to measure effectively. 

 

Measuring your print carbon footprint is essential for sustainable procurement. Identify key  print activities, assess your control, define your scope, and set clear targets. By tracking progress and optimizing processes, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact. 

 

Step 1: Know what to measure

Every print has unique carbon contributors. Think of a business card compared to a full-scale poster campaign—they’re worlds apart when it comes to measurement needs! Defining  measurement boundaries will help you pinpoint the activities driven by your print that  should be tracked. 

 

Step 2: Assess your control and what you can influence 

Take a good look at all print aspects, from business stationery and annual reports to marketing campaigns and behind-the-scenes logistics. Ask yourself: what do you directly  control, where do you have influence, and what falls outside your immediate reach? This is  your map for effective measurement.

 

Step 3: Decide your measurement scope

It’s tempting to measure everything, but focus is key! Decide which print activities will be  part of your carbon measurement and why. This clarity will make your data collection more efficient and impactful. 

 

Step 4: Set clear, specific targets

With targets in place, you’ll be able to: 

Track progress as you go

Review performance to see what’s working

Showcase your success to your stakeholders

Continuously improve for even greater impact

 

 

Join the Sustainable Printing Revolution 

By choosing Cloudprinter.com, you're not just getting high-quality printed materials; you're  making a conscious choice for the environment. It's a win-win situation for your business  and the planet. Embrace the power of localised printing and experience the  Cloudprinter.com difference – speak to us and start printing sustainably!