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Book Industry Environmental Council Sets Aggressive Climate Goals for U.S. Book Industry

Book Industry Environmental Council Sets Aggressive Climate Goals for U.S. Book Industry April 16, 2009 Overview Book Industry Environmental Council has set a goal of reducing book industry greenhouse gas emissions 20% by 2020 Intent of reducing emissions 80% by 2050

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Book Industry Environmental Council Sets Aggressive Climate Goals for U.S. Book Industry

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  1. Book Industry Environmental Council Sets Aggressive Climate Goals for U.S. Book Industry April 16, 2009

  2. Overview • Book Industry Environmental Council has set a goal of reducing book industry greenhouse gas emissions 20% by 2020 • Intent of reducing emissions 80% by 2050 • When 2020 goal is achieved emissions will be reduced by approximately 2.5 million metric tons • Equivalent to removing 450,000 cars from the roads

  3. About the BIEC • More than 40 participating companies and organizations—approximately 60% of market share • Coordinated by Green Press Initiative and Book Industry Study Group • Currently focused on 3 priorities • Tracking industry’s environmental progress • Developing eco-label for publishers • Setting industry goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions

  4. Structure of the BIEC • Council previously chaired by Random House • Subcommittees for each of the 3 priorities • Subcommittees develop proposals which must be accepted by majority vote of full council

  5. Climate Impacts of the U.S. Book Industry • Book Industry responsible for 12.4 million metric tons of emissions each year • Paper is 4th largest industrial source of GHG emissions in the U.S. • Paper produces GHG emissions throughout its lifecycle

  6. Source: Environmental Trends and Climate Impacts: Findings from the U.S. Book Industry

  7. The BIEC Climate Goal • Industry-wide goal of a 20% reduction from 2006 levels by 2020 • Equivalent to approximately 2.5 million metric tons of carbon* • Intent of reducing emissions 80% by 2050 • Absolute goal: not dependent on sales, revenue, etc. *Using figures from Environmental Trends and Climate Impacts: Findings from the U.S. Book Industry

  8. Why 20% by 2020? • Based on need and precedent • 20% by 2020/80% by 2050 is necessary to avoid the worst impacts of climate change at a societal level • Committee examined international, national, regional, local and corporate goals • Goal is both achievable and meaningful

  9. Getting to a 20% Reduction • Council felt that this goal was meaningful and achievable • Many possible paths to achieve goal • Will likely involve increasing the use of recycled paper, using paper more efficiently, reducing returns, and preventing books from entering landfills

  10. Getting to a 20% Reduction • At 2006 sales levels, 20% reduction could be achieved by: • Reducing the portion of books returned from 25% to 20% • Increasing average PCW recycled content in books from 5% to 30% for all paper types • Reduce portion of books in landfills by 30% • Baseline could change depending on final decision regarding forest carbon accounting

  11. Why Now? • Credibility with customers and consumers • Meeting goal requires efficient use of resources which has additional environmental and economic benefits • New studies suggest immediate action is necessary to avoid worst consequences of climate change • Could inspire other industries to take similar action • Equivalent of removing 450,000 cars from the road each year

  12. Thank You Please enter any question in the chat window

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