Stamford, Conn. – Government agencies can make significant progress toward achieving their sustainability goals and budget objectives by re-examining core functions and processes within their organizations that involve mail, print and document-related services, according to a white paper now available from Pitney Bowes Government Solutions, Inc. (PBGS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Pitney Bowes Inc.

The white paper, "Greening Government Services," uncovers three key areas that every government agency can focus on when addressing sustainability issues: reducing energy consumption, reducing waste, and improving productivity. It also recommends some immediate steps agencies can take to begin the process of "greening" their activities, including:
- Creating a roadmap for successful green initiatives
- Measuring their current situation
- Taking advantage of low-hanging fruit
- Utilizing available tools

"The challenge agencies face in meeting their sustainability goals is substantial, but necessary to protect the environment and curb government spending," said Jon Love, president, PBGS.

Love noted that, once agencies take the initial steps toward greening their activities, there are additional activities they can implement to help make their sustainability goals more attainable, such as:
- getting help with mail services;
- optimizing carrier routes and delivery schedules;
- combining like operations;
- outsourcing mail, print and document-related services to a multi-client facility;
- reducing unnecessary physical document requirements;
- re-visiting telecommuting opportunities.

"These steps may require a bit more time and resources, but can assist – along with a commitment to energy reduction, recycling and related activities – in creating sustainable programs that have a lasting, positive impact on both government and the environment," Love added.