The Australian Publishers Association (APA) has released key findings from its recent sustainability survey, shedding light on how the publishing industry is addressing climate change. The survey provides a comprehensive look at the environmental practices of Australian publishers, revealing both progress and areas for improvement as the sector works to reduce its carbon footprint and adopt eco-friendly operations. The APA initiative aims to drive meaningful change, encouraging businesses to align with global sustainability goals and contribute to climate action efforts.
The survey analyzed the sustainability practices of 27 publishers across educational, academic, and professional sectors. Some of the top findings include:
• Dedicated Sustainability Efforts: More than 50% of publishers have now assigned a person or team responsible for driving sustainability initiatives, reflecting an increased commitment to tackling environmental issues.
• Setting Specific Targets: Over a quarter of the surveyed publishers are actively setting targets in key areas such as using FSC-certified or recycled paper, reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, and cutting down plastic usage.
• Carbon Data Collection: A significant 44% of respondents are collecting environmental data from their suppliers, with nearly 20% tracking their own carbon emissions—critical steps in understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of the publishing industry.
The APA's Sustainability Working Group continues to measure progress in the industry and released the 2024 survey results alongside five practical steps that publishers can adopt to reduce their environmental impact. These steps are designed to help publishers achieve incremental yet impactful changes toward sustainability.
Kathy Bail, CEO of UNSW Press and Chair of the APA's Sustainability Working Group, emphasized the importance of starting small but being strategic in sustainability efforts. "It's important for publishers to make a start. With these recommendations, every publisher can identify some achievable wins. For instance, appointing someone or a team in your organization to look after sustainability can be a powerful driver for positive change."
The APA's Sustainability Working Group has also introduced the Greener Publishing Guide, which offers an introduction to environmental best practices for the publishing industry. This resource serves as a valuable tool for publishers looking to integrate sustainability into their operations.
Both the sustainability survey and the Greener Publishing Guide are featured on the International Publishers Association’s (IPA) SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) dashboard, providing global visibility to Australian publishers’ efforts. The APA is encouraging all publishers to share their actions and contribute to making the industry more environmentally sustainable.
By aligning with sustainability initiatives, the Australian publishing sector is making strides in climate action, setting an example for other industries to follow. As the world moves toward a more sustainable future, publishers have a crucial role to play in promoting eco-friendly practices and reducing their environmental impact.
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