As well as reconsidering the sustainability of the whole book supply chain, publishers should also look inwards at their own operations and consider how they can be brought in line with wider climate neutrality goals. 

The key areas to assess for minimising emissions are around travel and offices, with areas to investigate outlined below:

As flexible working schemes (including options to work from home) become more widespread, some organisations are already reducing their energy consumption by downscaling the size of their offices.

Here are other suggestions of opportunities to limit the emissions and waste generated in offices:

Energy

  • Switch to a renewable energy supplier for your offices and any warehouses

Lighting

  • Use LED / energy-efficient lighting
  • make use of natural light from windows
  • install sensor movement technology to reduce energy waste

Furniture

  • When sourcing furniture, choose domestically made items or seek out repurposed or recycled options.

Paper use

Brightly coloured recycling bins for plastic, glass, cans and paper
  • Discourage the practice of printing out manuscripts for review or editing, and promote the use of digital platforms instead
  • Encourage reviewers to accept digital copies of manuscripts
  • Use FollowMe printing to reduce paper wastage

Plastic & other waste

  • Eliminate single-use plastics from kitchens, canteens and catering –  switch to recyclable cardboard or bamboo, or reusable glass containers etc.
  • Choose stationery supplies made from sustainable materials
  • Aim for zero waste to landfill by ensuring furniture and office items are reused, given to charity, or broken down and recycled

For more information and ideas about running a green office, see this Australian government guide or these tips from the WWF.

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This content was last updated on 6/21/2022, and is updated quarterly. Please contact us if you have any recommended updates.