By Kristina Michel
University of Houston Printing Services remains committed to sustainability and environmentally-responsible management practices.
Since 2012, the department has been a certified Forest Stewardship Council printing service. The Forest Stewardship Council is an independent, international nonprofit that promotes environmentally sound, socially beneficial and economically prosperous management of the world’s forests. There are two types of FSC certifications: forest management certification and chain of custody certification. Printing Services has chain of custody certification.
“The chain of custody certification covers the path taken by all products from forests through the supply chain to the consumer. It includes processing, transformation, manufacturing and distribution,” said Sally Rowland-Ketley, director of Printing and Postal Services. “All of our printing materials are FSC-certified. When faculty, staff and students use our printing services, they can be assured that the materials we use come from forests that are maintained using sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.”
To maintain its FSC certification, Printing Services uses digital equipment that is less wasteful and more environmentally friendly. It uses paper materials made by companies that replant and maintain forests. Printing Services also works closely with Printers Green Resource LLC and the Rainforest Alliance to complete required audits and training.
“Printing Services remains committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship,” said Rowland-Ketley. “Any of our customers can utilize the Forest Stewardship Council and/or Rainforest Alliance logos on their mail pieces. If any of their targeted customer groups support sustainability, this will make them aware that their University is a participant in protecting our forests.”
The award-winning UH Printing Services department offers quality printing and mail processing services to UH students, faculty and staff. The office is located in the General Services Building at 4211 Elgin.
For more information about the Forest Stewardship Council, visit the organization’s website.
For more information about UH Printing Services, visit the Printing and Postal Services website.