Making the shift from paper to digital operations isn’t just a great environmental choice — it’s a smart financial decision that can impact your school’s bottom line. In this week’s Sustainable Wednesday article, let’s discover how educational institutions can go paperless as effectively as possible. 

Encourage digital assignment submissions

Offer user-friendly platforms where students can upload their assignment submissions without needing to print anything out. This eliminates the cost of printing supplies, reduces the chance of lost work, and provides an organised digital system. Plus, students can submit work from anywhere, making the process more convenient for everyone.

Switch to online grading systems

Digital grading platforms also offer environmental benefits. They streamline the assessment process by allowing for faster feedback and eliminate the need for physical storage space. An online system like this allows teachers to track student progress and performance far more comprehensively.

Digitise communication channels

Replace paper memos and newsletters with email communications and digital bulletins. Create a central online hub for school announcements, updates, and important documents. This not only reduces paper waste, but also makes information more readily-available to the entire school community.

Monitor and track your savings

Unsure whether your efforts are making a real difference? Keep track of the financial benefits, such as reduced printer maintenance, fewer paper purchases, and lower storage costs. You could then reinvest these savings in other sustainable initiatives or educational resources.

Going paperless is a win-win strategy for sustainability and your institution’s budget. Follow these tips to start your school’s paperless journey today and you’re sure to notice a difference to your cost savings and overall waste reduction in the long run.

Written by Stephanie Clark