ATMs are both highly efficient and low-energy users

August 26, 2008 - The ATM Industry Association (ATMIA) has released its position paper on environmental aspects of ATMs.

“Consumers and regulators today are conscious of environmental issues such as pollution and global warming. In this context, ATMIA has taken a proactive stance and outlined a policy for encouraging energy-savings in our industry which are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly,” explained Mike Lee, the association’s CEO.

The paper shows that ATMs are both highly efficient and low-energy users. Historically, the ATM represents a major reduction in the carbon footprint of distributing cash, by substituting automated self-service for bank teller distribution and spreading automated bank cash dispensing to convenient locations beyond bank branches.

The overall consumption of power by ATMs, when calculated over time, including idling times of extremely low consumption as well as during peak operation / power consumption spikes, is relatively low, especially when the number of families/households which ATMs typically service is taken into account.

“The paper makes suggestions for managing the environmental impact of ATMs along its cycle from design to operation,” commented Lee. “Focusing on electricity reduction, paper and printing usage and cash recycling is a good starting-point.”

The paper recommends, among many suggestions, that ATMs set a “no receipt” as default, making receipts available by customer request only.



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