Case Study: Centric Business Systems

See how Centric Business Systems’ green approach led to cost savings.

About Centric Business Systems

Centric, a Ricoh dealer, provides innovative and environmentally-friendly business solutions and systems. From its new headquarters in Owings Mills, MD, and four satellite offices, the company put its well-know commitment to environmental stewardship to work for clients in the mid-Atlantic region.

“Customers and others who visit our headquarters are extremely impressed with the many ways we have incorporated sustainable elements … They don’t always realize that taking a ‘green’ approach can often result in cost-savings as well.”
Scott Schnabel
Vice President of Sales
Centric Business Systems

Challenge

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Providing clients with state-of-the art and sustainable business solutions was at the core of Centric Business Systems' philosophy. And business was going well — so much so that the company needed to move its headquarters to a larger space.

Since helping customers become greener was a major sales philosophy, Centric wanted the new office to reflect that mindset.

After designing the space to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold-level standards, the next challenge was to incorporate more sustainable solutions into the company’s other aspects.

Solution

Providing clients with green solutions is at the core of what Centric does, and their new headquarters was the perfect opportunity to put more of their ideas to work.

The solutions included:

ENERGY STAR® certified devices for a significant energy reduction and cost savings.
Card swipe (or pass code) job release authentication to help decrease wasted paper.
TCO FullView to enable customers to calculate the carbon reduction associated with new devices.
Ricoh-sponsored Toner Recycling Program.
Right-sizing their printer fleet to increase productivity, reduce equipment costs and reduce the wasteful proliferation of printer devices and consumables in the work environment.
Customer training on initiatives to better support organizational “green teams.”

Result

Centric can now provide customers a first-hand look at green solutions at work and the effects they can have on the environment and a client’s bottom line. The company has seen:

35% reduction in water usage, thanks to self-metering faucets.
28% reduction in energy costs, thanks to the high-efficiency HVAC system.
3% of energy needs provided by solar panels.
20% of construction materials recycled or regionally sourced.
75% of construction waste diverted away from landfills.

The company’s “practice what you preach” approach to their headquarters is also resonating with customers. In fact, a major furniture supplier is using Centric’s headquarters as a model to renovate its own facility.

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