How much paper does it take to run a university? A lot less now.

As part of a series of green initiatives, University Technology Services has recently implemented an electronic financial reporting system, which will help to save paper and reduce the University's carbon footprint.

The system, which replaced paper-based financial reports with electronic records, is expected to save an estimated 75,000 sheets of paper a month as well as carbon previously emitted during document delivery.

“This marks a leap forward in the way McMaster University does business,” said John Kearney, McMaster's chief intelligence officer. “Reports are now available faster and are accessible to multiple users at the same time. They are also delivered in a more secure manner.”

The new system allows for recipients to be notified via email when a new version of a report is available, can be electronically searched, sorted and manipulated and has helped streamline other office processes.

University Technology Services is working with research administrators to provide similar online reports for all research account holders, with the goal of having all areas of campus transitioned to the new system by the end of the year.

The electronic financial reporting system is part of a comprehensive program of environmental initiatives, called Green IT, which include energy management, recycling and disposal programs (in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability), duplex printing (in conjunction with Media Production Services's PrintSmart program) and working with Purchasing Services to source new IT equipment to lessen McMaster's impact on the environment.