Photocopiers and Energy Efficiency: Guide to Reducing Your Electricity Consumption
Photocopiers and Energy Efficiency: Guide to Reducing Your Electricity Consumption
In a context where energy costs remain a major concern for Belgian businesses, optimising the electricity consumption of your print fleet becomes an essential strategic lever. A professional photocopier can consume between 500 and 2,000 kWh per year depending on usage – an expense that weighs on your budget and your carbon footprint.
Understanding a Photocopier’s Energy Consumption
The Different Operating Modes
A modern photocopier operates in several modes, each having a different impact on consumption:
- Active mode: 400 to 1,500 watts during printing or copying
- Standby mode: 50 to 200 watts while waiting for a task
- Energy saving mode (sleep): 5 to 30 watts
- Auto-off mode: less than 1 watt
Paradoxically, most of an office photocopier’s consumption comes from standby mode, as the device spends most of its time there.
Factors Influencing Consumption
Several elements determine your equipment’s actual consumption:
- Printing technology: laser vs inkjet
- Monthly print volume
- Active features: Wi-Fi, touchscreen, finishers
- Device age: newer models are generally more efficient
- Energy saving settings configuration
Certifications to Look For
Energy Star
Energy Star certification remains the benchmark for identifying energy-efficient equipment. An Energy Star certified photocopier consumes on average 25% less energy than a standard model. Look for the logo when choosing your equipment.
Blue Angel
This German label, recognised in Belgium, imposes strict criteria regarding:
- Standby mode consumption
- Fine particle emissions
- Component recyclability
EPEAT
The EPEAT registry evaluates electronic products according to comprehensive environmental criteria, including energy efficiency throughout the lifecycle.
Concrete Strategies to Reduce Consumption
1. Optimise Standby Settings
Configure your photocopier to switch to energy saving mode after 5 to 15 minutes of inactivity. This simple modification can reduce consumption by 30 to 50%.
Recommended settings:
- Switch to standby: 5 minutes
- Deep sleep mode: 30 minutes
- Auto-off: after office hours
2. Programme Time Slots
Modern photocopiers allow you to define operating hours. Programme automatic shutdown in the evening and at weekends:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Weekend: complete shutdown or on-demand activation
3. Centralise Intelligently
Rather than multiplying small devices, opt for centralised multifunction photocopiers. A single high-performance device often consumes less than several small pieces of equipment.
4. Choose the Right Technology
| Technology | Average Consumption | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Colour laser | High | Large volumes |
| Monochrome laser | Medium | Intensive B&W use |
| Professional inkjet | Low | Medium volumes |
| LED | Very low | All uses |
LED printers consume up to 80% less energy than traditional lasers at equivalent volume.
5. Maintain Regularly
A poorly maintained photocopier consumes more energy. Make sure to:
- Clean components regularly
- Replace consumables on time
- Have preventive maintenance carried out
Calculating Return on Investment
Concrete Example for a Belgian SME
Take the example of a company with 3 photocopiers:
Initial situation:
- 3 old devices (class C)
- Annual consumption: 4,500 kWh
- Electricity cost: €0.35/kWh
- Annual bill: €1,575
After optimisation (new Energy Star devices + configuration):
- 2 recent multifunction devices
- Annual consumption: 1,800 kWh
- Annual bill: €630
- Savings: €945/year
The return on investment for an optimised fleet is generally between 2 and 4 years, whilst benefiting from more efficient equipment.
Recent Technological Innovations
AI-Based Intelligent Eco Modes
The most recent photocopiers integrate learning algorithms that automatically adapt energy saving settings according to your company’s usage habits.
Heat Recovery
Some high-end models now offer heat recovery systems, reusing the heat generated to preheat the fuser unit upon waking.
Low Voltage Power Supply
New generations of photocopiers operate with reduced internal voltages, decreasing energy losses.
Daily Best Practices
For Users
- Avoid small repeated tasks: group your prints together
- Use duplex mode by default
- Prefer black and white when colour isn’t necessary
- Cancel stuck jobs quickly
For IT Managers
- Regularly audit fleet consumption
- Train users in best practices
- Monitor consumption peaks
- Negotiate contracts including recent equipment
Impact on Your Carbon Footprint
Reducing your photocopiers’ electricity consumption directly contributes to reducing your carbon footprint. In Belgium, each kWh saved represents approximately 0.15 kg of CO2 avoided (Belgian electricity mix).
For an optimised fleet saving 2,700 kWh per year, that’s more than 400 kg of CO2 less – the equivalent of a Brussels-Paris car journey.
Conclusion
The energy efficiency of your photocopiers is no longer an option but an economic and environmental necessity. By combining certified equipment, optimal configuration and responsible practices, you can reduce your consumption by 40 to 60%.
Would you like to evaluate the savings potential of your current print fleet? Our experts can carry out a free energy audit and propose solutions adapted to your needs, whether for rental or leasing. Contact us to optimise your print infrastructure whilst controlling your energy costs.
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