Information Technology Services is committed to furthering the University's efforts for a more sustainable campus. Learn what steps we are taking to reduce our environmental impact.
Printing
Ink & Toner Recycling. BC recycles both laser printer toner and inkjet printer cartridges.
About Recycling Used Printer Cartridges
Print Management. Over the years, ITS has reduced paper and toner usage and cost. The Print Management Program has significantly reduced the amount of accidental and unwanted printouts.
Digital Documents
Digital Reporting. Over the past decade, ITS has almost completely eliminated printing reports from our central data systems, and are working towards eliminating report printing entirely.
Electronic Document Management. ITS provides and supports electronic document management systems for the community. These systems both increase efficiency and reduce paper usage.
Recycling & Disposal
Computers and Other Hardware. All computers replaced through the Boston College Computer Replacement program (BCCR) are repurposed or returned to our vendors for recycling. Through the TechCycle Program, departments can exchange older computers for recently-retired (but newer) BCCR computers. If you have non-BCCR equipment, such as department-owned computers, monitors, or peripherals that you would like recycled, you can do so through our hardware repair services.
Batteries. ITS works with the Office of Environmental Health and Safety in support of their battery recycling program.
E-waste. While ITS recycles much of its obsolete and broken hardware, some items cannot be recycled. In such cases, this electronic waste, or e-waste, is properly disposed of to ensure that it does not contaminate our water supplies, soil, or air. ITS currently has two full-time staff members certified in the proper handling of e-waste. BC is unable to accept personal computers and other hardware for disposal. Many computer manufacturers, electronics retail stores, and municipal waste departments accept e-waste for a small fee.
Energy Savings
Power Management. ITS works with faculty and staff to find optimal power settings for desktop and laptop computers. By better understanding end users' needs, we can reduce the amount of energy each computer uses.
Virtualization. ITS has a server virtualization strategy, which allows us to run multiple servers on a single physical server thereby reducing the total number of systems. This has reduced the amount of energy consumed by the physical servers in the data center. As data center systems become eligible for upgrade and replacement, we explore the best and most energy effective replacement options.