How to Ask Your Suppliers for Paper Emissions Data

Paper is often the largest contributor to a book's carbon footprint, which makes having accurate paper emissions data one of the most valuable ways to improve your calculations.

The GBA Book Carbon Calculator lets you enter supplier-specific paper emission factors to create a more accurate estimate of your book's greenhouse gas emissions. 

You can use the template below to ask your suppliers for the information you need.

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Hi [Supplier Name],

[Organization name] is using the GBA Book Carbon Calculator to better understand and track the carbon footprint of our book production, and we’re collecting some information about the paper stocks we use.

Could you please provide the following information for the paper stocks we purchase from you?

1. Paper stock name – the full name or product name of the paper

2. Emission factor – the carbon emissions associated with the production of the paper, expressed in kg CO₂e/kg or tonnes CO₂e/tonne

3. Mill location – the city and country where the paper was manufactured

If you have any additional information that would be helpful to provide context for any of the values (such as if a mill is integrated or non-integrated) that would be appreciated as well.

Thank you for your help. This information will help us improve the accuracy of our carbon footprint calculations and reporting.

Best, [Name] [Organization]

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The GBA Book Carbon Calculator Launch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QnDwuJTLC4

On June 17, 2026, the GBA celebrated the launch of the Book Carbon Footprint Calculator.

The Green Book Alliance Carbon Calculator Project builds on more than two decades of sustainability work within the publishing industry.

The project's roots trace back to 2005, when New Society Publishers developed one of the earliest carbon footprint calculators designed for Canadian book publishing. Recognizing the need for updated tools and broader industry access, New Society Publishers and ECW Press collaborated to modernize and expand this work into a new generation of carbon accounting tools for publishers.

At Frankfurt 2025, GBA held a workshop on sustainability data collection, and what came out of that discussion and consultation with industry stakeholders was, “start with carbon footprints.” Organizations were asking for consistent, transparent reporting methods aligned with established frameworks like the GHG Protocol, and accessible for organizations of all sizes.

The GBA has adapted the existing Canadian Excel-based carbon calculator, created by New Society Publishers and ECW Press, into a free, user-friendly web tool accessible across international markets. This tool allows publishers, printers, and supply-chain partners to calculate the carbon footprint of a book before production decisions are made, enabling more climate-conscious choices in real time, or after a print run is finished to record carbon impacts for reporting purposes, carbon offsets, etc.

Start Using the Carbon Calculator

Watch the Launch Webinar

This project would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors:

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Happy Retirement to Brian O'Leary

It feels nearly impossible to capture the full impact of Brian O'Leary’s work and dedication, not only on the Green Book Alliance (GBA) but on the publishing industry as a whole.

As Brian steps into retirement, it marks the close of a remarkable chapter defined by thoughtful leadership and an unwavering commitment to building a better book industry.

In 2020, Brian was a founding member of the Green Book Alliance alongside Karina Urquhart and the late Noah Genner, helping shape the organization from its earliest conversations into what it has grown into today. Alongside Karina Urquhart and joined by Lauren Stewart in 2024, Brian was both an advisor and active participant in countless GBA initiatives, helping advance critical conversations around sustainability at a pivotal moment for publishing. 

What sets Brian apart is not simply the breadth of his knowledge, but the way he shares it. He has been a mentor, connector, and trusted colleague to countless people across the industry. Whether through his writing, his presentations, or the seemingly endless number of excellent webinars he somehow managed to facilitate, Brian has brought unparalleled expertise (and humour) to every conversation.

Karina Urquhart and Brian O'Leary at The Albion Pub after the London Book Fair, 2026.

Brian discusses blockchain technology at BookNet Canada's Tech Forum, 2018.

From his roles in BISG and in GBA, those around Brian can’t help but learn from him, and as the GBA launches its Book Carbon Calculator, it is clear that we would not be at this stage without Brian’s years of foundational work.

Brian takes the floor at GBA's 2025 Frankfurt workshop on sustainability reporting.

On behalf of the Green Book Alliance, we extend our thanks to Brian for his years of excellent work. His contributions have helped shape a smarter and more connected publishing industry, and the impacts will continue to be felt.

Brian, you will be so greatly missed, but we are excited to see you trade BISAC codes for hiking boots.

With deepest gratitude for having the chance to know and work with you, we wish you the very best.

-The Green Book Alliance