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The University of St Andrews has moved a step closer to its net zero goals after forging a new partnership with workplace technology leaders Agilico, to install more than 130 remanufactured printers across its historic campus.
Founded in 1413, the University of St Andrews – Scotland’s first university – has a target of reaching net zero carbon by 2035. It recently sought a managed print solution capable of supporting its Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Sustainable and Ethical Procurement Policy, while maintaining reliable service across the estate.
Following a competitive tender process in which sustainability accounted for 15 per cent of the overall quality score, Agilico was appointed to deliver a solution built around circular economy principles, measurable Scope 3 carbon reduction and a responsive local support model. Agilico is a leader in workplace technology with circa 450 colleagues and 11,000 customers across the country.
After a detailed assessment of existing devices, user volumes and energy performance, Agilico proposed a blended fleet of Ricoh devices from its wider portfolio. This featured 131 Agilico Zero as-new remanufactured Ricoh A3 multifunctional devices, along with 21 brand new Ricoh A4 machines for specialist and lower-use areas. PaperCut MF software was implemented to provide secure authentication and reporting, with all Agilico Zero devices covered by a lifetime guarantee.
By adopting a fleet where 86 per cent of devices were remanufactured, the University achieved a reduction of 69.64 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Agilico’s remanufacturing process reduces manufacturing carbon emissions by up to 97.5 per cent. Operating in Ricoh’s Eco Mode, the fleet delivers up to an 84.3 per cent reduction in electricity consumption, generating estimated energy savings of more than £5,000 across the contract term and reducing energy-related CO2 emissions by 84.7 per cent.
Ross Garnier of the University of St Andrews said: “At the University of St Andrews, our experience with Agilico and Agilico Zero devices has really progressed our sustainability goals. The devices themselves have also massively improved our user experience of the print system.”
Alex Main, Account Director at Agilico, added: “We wanted to prove that sustainability does not mean compromise. By combining new and remanufactured devices, we have helped the University lower carbon, reduce energy consumption and maintain a high-quality user experience, supported by a strong local service model.”
With more than 3,000 staff and 10,000 students relying on print services across some 170 buildings – which include historic properties with complex access arrangements – service quality, reliability and responsiveness were critical and a decisive factor in the University’s appointment of Agilico.
The rollout was delivered through a phased installation in collaboration with the University’s IT Services and Estates teams. Each site was surveyed in advance and a test bed allowed users to assess functionality before full deployment. Agilico engineers and trainers maintained a visible on-site presence throughout, supported by structured training sessions.
Operational performance has remained strong since the installation and is being overseen by local engineers, proactive account management and ongoing optimisation through PaperCut reporting.
Steve McLeod at the University added: “Agilico and the Agilico Zero devices have transformed our fleet. Printing, scanning and copying, our users are extremely happy with it."
Agilico Workplace Technology was recently awarded the BSI Kitemark certification under BS 8887-220:2010 for remanufacturing under its Agilico Zero programme, becoming the first independent managed print service provider in the UK to achieve this standard.
As part of its ongoing support, Agilico continues to work closely with the University, providing ongoing refresher training, enhanced reporting through PaperCut Insights dashboards and further workflow optimisation, designed to support St Andrews’ long-term sustainability strategy.
