The Green Case for Going Paperless: How Document Scanning Reduces Your Carbon Footprint

In today’s business world, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a responsibility. From SMEs to public sector organisations, companies across the UK are seeking practical ways to reduce their environmental impact. One of the simplest, yet most effective, steps is moving away from paper-based processes.

At MDSS, we’ve seen first-hand how document scanning can help organisations reduce waste, save energy, and operate more efficiently. If you're looking to cut your carbon footprint without overhauling your entire business model, digitisation is a smart place to start.

Why Does Paper Use Matter?

Paper might seem harmless — but it has a significant environmental cost. Consider the resources involved in the full lifecycle of a paper document:

• Energy-intensive production processes

• Deforestation and water usage

• Packaging, transport, and storage

• Ongoing use of printers, ink, and maintenance

• Shredding or disposal at end of life

  
  

According to industry estimates, the average office worker uses 10,000 sheets of paper per year — much of which is unnecessary, misfiled, or quickly discarded. Multiply this across departments or locations, and it’s easy to see the environmental impact.

How Document Scanning Supports Sustainability

Switching from paper to digital isn't just about convenience — it’s an opportunity to contribute to long-term carbon reduction goals.

Here’s how scanning helps your organisation operate more sustainably:

1. Less Paper, Less Waste

Every document scanned is one less piece of paper that needs to be printed, stored, or eventually destroyed. By digitising your records, you significantly reduce:

• The volume of paper used in day-to-day operations

• Physical waste created through disposal or shredding

• The need for physical file copies and duplicates

For companies aiming to cut back on waste and become more environmentally conscious, reducing paper dependency is a major win.

2. Lower Energy Consumption from Storage

Maintaining paper archives — especially large, on-site file rooms — requires lighting, heating, and often temperature control. In contrast, digital files can be stored securely in cloud-based environments, using significantly less physical infrastructure and energy.

At MDSS, we offer secure cloud storage solutions for clients who want to reduce their reliance on physical storage, while maintaining fast access and GDPR compliance.

3. Reduced Transport Emissions

Scan-On-Demand services allow businesses to retrieve documents digitally — eliminating the need for courier services or file deliveries. This not only saves time, but actively cuts transport-related emissions.

We’ve found that clients who switch to Scan-On-Demand reduce their use of physical file retrievals by up to 70%, cutting down both costs and carbon.

4. Supports Hybrid and Remote Work

In a hybrid working model, relying on physical documents means unnecessary travel, printing, and handling. By digitising your files and making them remotely accessible, you eliminate the need for paper-based workflows — reducing both energy consumption and your team’s environmental impact.

Planet Mark Certified: Our Commitment to Sustainability

At MDSS, sustainability isn’t an afterthought — it’s part of how we operate. In March 2025, we proudly achieved Planet Mark Certification, measuring and verifying our carbon footprint with a commitment to annual reductions.

This means that when you work with us, you’re choosing a provider that:

• Is actively measuring and reducing its environmental impact

• Offers services designed to support your own ESG goals

• Understands the balance between operational needs and sustainability

Make the Move to Greener Document Management by Going Paperless

Whether you’re a local authority, law firm, NHS provider, or small business — going paperless can be a powerful step towards meeting your sustainability goals. It’s also more efficient, secure, and compliant in the long run.

If you’d like to explore how scanning and digital access could help your business reduce its carbon footprint, get in touch with the MDSS team for a free consultation.