Paperless Teaching

The impact of paper production on forests is huge. Approximately 40% of all forests that are cut down is used to make paper, and consumption and production continue to increase despite the incessant digitization of society. It is estimated that 1,500 million m³ of wood is extracted each year from forests for commercial purposes. Meanwhile, paper and cardboard recycling in Catalonia has been stagnant for a decade at around 70%, or in other words the recovery of 314 thousand tonnes of paper.

The study of the carbon footprint at UPF shows that the University consumes 17,840 kg, corresponding to 46,443 kg of CO₂ equivalent emissions. This includes all the reprographics of the campuses (printing of assignments, exams, documentation, etc.). The prints and photocopies made on the shared RICOH machines at the University clearly reveal that since May 2015 we have consumed a total of around 240 trees and the equivalent of 5.3 million hours of operation of 60W light bulbs.

The goal of the “Paperless” project is to reduce paper consumption. So, among other measures, we want to encourage teachers to accept all submissions of assignments or internships in digital format. If you are a student, we encourage you to ask your teachers to join this initiative. Currently, 29 teachers and 44 classrooms have joined it.

If you are a member of the UPF teaching staff and want to join this initiative, please fill out this form and, in a few days, the “Paperless” stamp will appear in the Aula Global of your subject.