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In September of 2020, Book Industry Communication (BIC), Book Industry Study Group (BISG) and BookNet Canada (BNC) announced the formation of the Green Book Alliance (GBA). The alliance focuses on information sharing, joint planning, environmental events, and other initiatives.

 

“It is in the supply chain that the most significant changes can be made by the global book industry to eliminate waste and reduce its impact on the environment. It is vital that international supply chain organisations collaborate, and the US, UK and Canada are set to provide leadership in this critical area.”

— Karina Urquhart, BIC Executive Director

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While the alliance is jointly led by BIC, BNC, and BISG, all three organizations welcome support from other international bodies that may be interested in contributing. The International GBA grows its agenda in concert with its members and national book communities.

 

GBA focuses on internationally appropriate elements of greening the global supply chain that can be shared/adopted across territories. Local initiatives and market-specific concerns might not always translate well to broader contexts. However, GBA endeavors to illuminate these nuances while respecting and recognizing the diversity across our markets. 

 

“We’re interested in bringing together companies and people with diverse perspectives on the issues and opportunities in front of us. Amplifying the good work of others is a core strategy for BISG and this alliance.”

— Brian O’Leary, BISG Executive Director

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GBA continues to work on opportunities to collaborate, including:

• Collecting and sharing best practice information, with links to any applicable standards

• Publishing environmental news of relevance to the book industry

• Conducting environmental research, with an opportunity to align studies

• Offering a central resource for environmental information and ideas 

• Hosting global green book supply chain events 

• Developing an annual Green Global Supply Chain award

• Testing the idea of a Global Green Book Supply Chain accreditation, with work required to establish how it might complement ISO14001

• Collaborating to develop a united green programme of work 

 

As the alliance gathers momentum there will be other areas to consider and include. 

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“The book supply chain is the reason our respective organisations’ were formed. Addressing the environmental impact of that supply chain builds on both our interest and expertise.”

— Noah Genner, BookNet Canada CEO

 

Given the global nature of environmental stewardship and the book publishing industry, it makes sense to collaborate on green initiatives. GBA aims to be a leader and global facilitator in this endeavor.