Dematerialization is a gesture for the environment because it reduces the consumption of natural resources and the carbon footprint associated with the production, distribution and management of paper documents. Here are some key points that illustrate how dematerialization contributes to the preservation of the environment:
Reduction of paper consumption: Dematerialization makes it possible to eliminate or considerably reduce the use of paper. As we know, the production of paper requires the exploitation of forests, the consumption of water, energy and chemical products. By opting for electronic documents, such as invoices, bank statements or contracts, HR relations, we reduce the demand for paper and the associated deforestation.
Energy saving: Paper production requires energy-intensive processes, including tree crushing, pulping, bleaching and drying. By avoiding these steps, dematerialization can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with paper production.
Reduction of CO2 emissions: By reducing the need for transport and physical distribution of documents, dematerialization makes it possible to reduce CO2 emissions linked to road, air or sea travel. Sending documents electronically, such as e-mails or file transfers, avoids physical transport and contributes to reducing the carbon footprint.
Less waste: Going paperless reduces the amount of waste generated by disposing of paper documents. Paper waste represents a significant portion of municipal waste, and proper disposal can be costly and harmful to the environment.
Conservation of natural resources: Dematerialization helps to preserve the natural resources necessary for the production of paper, such as trees, water and energy. By reducing the demand for these resources, it helps preserve forest ecosystems and associated natural habitats.
Centralization of data: Dematerialization also makes it possible to avoid excessive sharing of files. It makes it possible to centralize documentary sources within a Document Management solution (GED - ECM) and proposes to exchange links and no longer attachments (emails for example).
It is important to note that dematerialization is not only beneficial for the environment, but also for efficiency and productivity.
Dematerialization, Document management (ECM) facilitates storage, research and access to documents, reduces printing and document management costs, and promotes collaboration and remote information sharing.
In short, dematerialization contributes to the reduction of paper consumption, CO2 emissions, energy consumption and waste production, which makes it an ecological gesture to preserve the environment.