When the University of Pennsylvania was ready to roll out their new school-wide online stationery ordering system, they looked to simplify the process by partnering with one printer, and a sole supplier for their paper needs.

There were specific criteria that the University was looking for in the paper and supplier. Price was a consideration, as was the environment.

The University has long been active in sustainable practices. Penn is one of the largest nongovernmental purchasers of wind power in the nation, and today purchases 30 percent of its energy from wind energy.

"Dr. Amy Gutmann, president of Penn, is an avid proponent of sustainable choices and practices. In February of this year, she signed the American College and University President's Climate Commitment, pledging to significantly reduce emissions that contribute to global warming. We wanted to comply with her strategy for reducing campus greenhouse gas emissions in any area we could," said Aiasha Graham, associate director, Penn Publication Services, a department of the University's Supply Management Group www.purchasing.upenn.edu/sm/.

Rolling out the new online ordering system to the University's 12 schools was an opportunity for Graham and the Publication Services department to contribute to the University's environmental goals. After reviewing a selection of papers, Graham chose Mohawk Via.

"It was the best paper for our letterhead, envelopes and business cards. It fit within our budget, met our environmental needs and we are happy with its performance and reliability. The selection of the paper was also based on Mohawk's environmental positioning and the fact that its usage of wind power coincided with our strategy," said Graham.

The University's 12 schools now have the ability to produce their stationery on Mohawk Via Laid, Bright White, which contains 30 percent post consumer process chlorine-free waste fiber.

The paper is manufactured with 100 percent wind energy and is Green Seal and Green-e certified.

The last fiscal year's annual calculation of stationery printed through Publication Services was 1,070,000 sheets for letterhead; 11,000 sheets for business cards; and 7,625 pounds to make envelopes.

The use of Mohawk Via for printing resulted in Penn creating an environmental savings equivalent to: 68.2 trees preserved; 28,969 gallons of wastewater flow saved; 6,311 pounds of net greenhouse gases prevented; 48, 307,200 BTUs of energy not consumed, and more.

The University also uses a variety of Mohawk Via colors and finishes for other materials such as event invitations and mailings.

"We use Mohawk's wind power logo on the packaging for the materials and encourage our schools to put it on their printed pieces; it is a nice representation of our commitment," said Graham.

Graham has received a positive response to her department's environmental efforts.  Most recently the Wharton School, Penn's world renowned business school, entered into an agreement with Penn Publication Services to use the online ordering system.

"Penn departments understand the value and are trying to find sustainable choices that fit within their budgets.  Many people have told us that they have wondered what they could do to participate, even if it's small in measure, and this has given them their opportunity," said Graham.

All of Mohawk's papers are manufactured with 100 percent wind-generated electricity and carry Mohawk's wind power logo.

Projects printed on any of Mohawk's papers may include the logo with approval from Mohawk.

To obtain usage of this logo, visit www.mohawkpaper.com. You will find the logo under "Environment" in the "Seals of Approval."

10/3/07