A Recap of BookNet's "Green Paths: Learning from Publishers’ Sustainability Journeys with BookNet"

On March 26th, 2024 BookNet hosted "Green Paths: Learning from Publishers' Sustainability Journeys." In this event, industry leaders shared insights into their efforts toward environmental responsibility. The event, hosted by BookNet Canada, showcased the sustainable practices of the University of Toronto Press (UTP), Invisible Publishing, and Nosy Crow, and was moderated by New Society Publishers' EJ Hurst.

UTP highlighted its commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through publications and journals, emphasizing collaborations with figures like former Toronto Mayor David Miller. The focus extended to unexpected areas, such as climate change's connection to theatre and cinema, showcasing diverse approaches to sustainability.

Meanwhile, Nosy Crow, a UK-based children's publisher, shared its journey in implementing sustainability strategies. Key initiatives included reducing Scope 3 emissions and navigating supply chain complexities, reflecting the broader industry's challenges and ambitions.

Attendees gained insights into collaborative projects like the Book Chain Project, aiming to map carbon footprints and promote circular economy practices. Future tools and resources were also discussed, aiming to support publishers in their sustainability endeavours.

The event provided a valuable platform for industry players to exchange ideas and strategies, reinforcing the growing importance of sustainability in publishing.

For further details and access to event recordings, visit the BookNet Canada website.

Watch the Session Here

Photo by blackieshoot from Unsplash.

What is the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Publishers Compact?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Publishers Compact is a collective initiative which hopes to rally publishers worldwide to actively contribute to the realization of the SDGs by 2030.

According to the UN the SDGs are "the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all" they encompass many global challenges including those related to climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. You can learn more about the specific goals HERE.

Collaboratively launched with the International Publishers Association at Frankfurt 2020, the Compact serves as a framework for inspiring action and fostering collaboration among publishers, aiming to accelerate progress towards the shared goal of sustainable development.

Signatories to the SDG Publishers Compact commit to:

1. Committing to the SDGs

2. Actively promoting and acquiring content

3. Annually reporting on progress towards achieving SDGs

4. Nominating a person who will promote SDG progress

5. Raising awareness and promoting the SDGs among staff

6. Raising awareness and promoting the SDGs among suppliers

7. Becoming an advocate to customers and stakeholders

8. Collaborating across cities, countries, and continents

9. Dedicating budget and other resources towards accelerating progress

10. Taking action on at least one SDG goal

To learn more about the compact and to sign on, click here.

Read the Article Here

What Wiley is Doing in Sustainability

Taking a closer look at Wiley's sustainability initiatives reveals a concerted effort to address environmental concerns within the organization. The Wiley Impact program, particularly the Go Green initiative, aims to reduce the environmental impact of operations by understanding and mitigating factors contributing to carbon emissions.

Despite being CarbonNeutral certified across Global Operations, Wiley recognizes the ongoing necessity for climate action. Through participation in the Science Based Targets Initiative, the company has set emission reduction targets in alignment with contemporary climate science.

One area of their focus has been the distribution of print products, which significantly contributes to Wiley's carbon footprint. Collaborating with Trees for the Future, Wiley's Go Green Fund plants a tree for every print copy abstained from, establishing carbon sinks to offset print-related emissions.

While commendable progress has been made, with 505K trees planted since July 2021, Wiley's aspiration to reach 1 million trees within three years necessitates a reduction in print volume by 1 million copies. The success of this goal hinges on collaborative efforts to eliminate unnecessary print.

Insights from Wiley's 8th Annual Society Member Survey underscore a shifting preference towards digital content delivery, with environmental considerations increasingly factoring into decision-making.

While these initiatives signal a step in the right direction, ongoing commitment and action to address sustainability challenges are needed to continue progress.

Read the Article Here

Photo by Jeroen den Otter on Unsplash