Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP), a non-profit organization providing sustainability certification in the graphic communications industry, today announces that the Division of Printing and Reproduction for the City of Cleveland is now SGP Certified. By meeting SGP's stringent certification criteria -- ensuring health and safety compliance, minimizing waste, and implementing best practices for product, process, and facility -- the City's in-plant facility is in alignment with the guiding principles of Mayor Frank G. Jackson's sustainability initiative, Sustainable Cleveland 2019 (SC 2019). 

This is the first municipality to obtain the SGP Certification. The City of Cleveland recognizes SGP certification as a competitive advantage, especially in times of reduced budgets and regionalization. Leading by example, while providing innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective services, the City of Cleveland recommends SGP Certification to other municipalities and government entities that may be searching for a creative, money-saving and sustainable print partnership.

"My vision is to create a significant shift in the way the City of Cleveland, its corporate citizens, and its residents operate and interact with the environment," comments Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson. "By integrating sustainability principles into daily operations, we can save money, reduce our ecological footprint, and create a competitive advantage that benefits everyone."

The City of Cleveland regards SGP Certification as a public -- and independent -- validation of its considerable efforts to ensure the health and safety of its workers, the cost-effectiveness of its operations, and the responsible use of resources. This certification informs workers and the public alike that the City of Cleveland is committed to continuous improvement, accountability, and transparency.

"For print facilities of all sizes, there are many benefits to SGP Certification, above and beyond validating sustainability. The City of Cleveland is an excellent example of how the certification criteria can also create significant money-saving operational efficiencies," states Marci Kinter, Chair of the SGP Board. 

City of Cleveland's Division of Printing and Reproduction
The Division of Printing and Reproduction is a municipal in-house plant that provides comprehensive design, reprographic, and mailing services to more than 75 City of Cleveland, departments, divisions, boards, bureaus, the Mayor's Office, City Council, and Municipal Courts. The Division of Printing maintains a 20,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art production facility and two satellite operations. The facility uses both offset and digital printing processes to select the best and most cost-effective printing solution to meet its customers' needs. Its capabilities include digital pre-press services, computer-to-plate technology, and a full range of bindery, finishing, and mailing options.

The Division of Printing offers an extensive variety of products and services. Products include: brochures, newsletters, postcards, manuals, bid specifications, posters, stationery, forms, tax and billing documents, code enforcement books, certificates, signage, and literature for health and public safety. Services include: graphic design, variable data printing, mailing, fulfillment, and print management.