Bucheon-si Holds Paperless Meetings... Expected to Reduce Carbon Emissions by 21 Tons

Bucheon City in Gyeonggi announced on the 22nd that it will introduce 'paperless meetings' throughout the city administration to reduce unnecessary paper use and lead carbon neutrality.

For two months until next month, the Planning and Coordination Office will conduct a pilot operation, utilizing smart devices such as tablet PCs for various meetings and reports. After reviewing issues and improvement measures, the plan is to expand this to all departments of Bucheon City starting in March.

With the introduction of paperless meetings, participants will conduct meetings using files accessed via email and shared cloud services. If necessary, they can use apps installed on tablet PCs to directly write on electronic documents, which can then be separately saved, stored, and shared.

Participants of the 'paperless meeting' are using tablet PCs. Provided by Bucheon City

In cases where printing is unavoidable due to security or other reasons, the 'Carbon Neutral Printing Guidelines' must be followed. The use of eco fonts (environmentally friendly typefaces), production of e-books, and distribution via QR codes will minimize paper use and carbon emissions even when printed materials are produced.

The city expects that eliminating the paper documents traditionally used will drastically reduce carbon emissions in the public sector. If 80,000 sheets, half the amount of A4 paper currently used, are saved, it is anticipated that annual carbon emissions will be reduced by 21 tons and the budget will be cut by 90 million won.

Mayor Jo Yong-ik said, "The introduction of paperless meetings is an important first step for Bucheon City to practice carbon neutrality," adding, "We will continue to expand sustainable work methods and pursue administrative innovation."