Green Committee

Bookbuilders West is proud to introduce the Green Committee as a working group of the following volunteers dedicated to supporting the Book Industry Environmental Council (BIEC), the Green Press Initiative (GPI), and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) book publishing and printing guidelines:

Ted Ricks – Chair
Cedarwood Books
1442 Cedarwood Drive
San Mateo, CA 94403-3911

Andrea Helmbolt – also Chair of the Education Committee
Jossey-Bass
989 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Mira Martin-Parker
McGraw-Hill Higher Education
160 Spear Street, Suite 700
San Francisco, CA 94105

The mission of the Green Committee is to provide information and resources about environmental issues to Bookbuilders West members as part of its commitment to a green initiative.

The activities of this committee will be to support a list of organizations and resources called the “Green Initiative” along with planned educational seminars and webinars throughout the year. Announcements will be made under “Upcoming Events” on the Bookbuilders West home page. CLICK HERE for the Green Initiative list of resources.

For any general questions about the Green Committee, please feel free to contact Ted Ricks at (650) 522-9729 or tmricks@comcast.net.

Proposal for a BBW Green Initiative

Situation:

With the issue of climate change now confronting us, and deforestation accounting for 25% of annual emissions of carbon caused by human activity, BBW sees a need to launch a "green committee" program to support the Green Press Initiative, Environmental Paper Network, and Forest Stewardship Council guidelines with its members.

Issues, Recommendations, and Actions Taken:

Issues:

Carbon emissions are at levels of 387 ppm worldwide, up almost 40% since 1850 and the highest for at least the past 800,000 years (SF Chronicle, 6/25/2008).
The U.S. book publishing industry releases 12.4 million metric tons of greenhouse gases (carbon equivalent) each year.
The U.S. book publishing industry contributes 600,000 metric tons of paper to landfills, accounting for 1,000,000 tons of emissions per year. Degradation produces methane, a greenhouse gas with 23 times the heat trapping capacity of CO2.
Impacts of toxic materials in the printing and binding processes. Publishers need to support efforts to reduce toxicity in the production of paper, as well as in printing and binding operations.
The need to reduce overall paper and energy use within book publishing and printing operations.

Recommendations and Actions Taken:

Endorse an industry 3-year goal (2010) to use 30% recycled paper (with the majority post-consumer waste fiber) and 10% FSC (or equivalent) certified papers. Approved by the BBW Board and Executive Committee 7.17.2008.
Endorse an industry 5-year goal (2012) to use 50% recycled paper (with the majority post-consumer waste fiber) and 20% FSC (or equivalent) certified papers. Approved by the BBW Board and Executive Committee 7.17.2008.
Endorse an industry use of low VOC (<2%) vegetable-based inks, processed chlorine free (PCF) paper, and less toxic materials and processes. Approved by the BBW Board and Executive Committee 7.17.2008.
Endorse industry standards for lighting, heating, and cooling businesses along with improvements in publishing and printing processes, such as online editing and online proofing of pdf files for jackets, covers, manuscripts, electronic POs, and invoicing. Approved by the BBW Board and Executive Committee 7.17.2008.

Further Issues:

The need to develop and post on the BBW website resources and information about environmental issues, standards, associations, conferences, articles, a glossary of terms, FAQs, and information about book publisher and vendor best green initiative practices and policies.
The need to motivate BBW publishers and vendors through Book Show recognition programs.
The need to develop educational seminars about green issues, book publisher best practices, vendor policies, and retailers input.
Survey all BBW members as to current and future environmental practices.
Establish a way for BBW members to exchange green ideas and practices.
The need to coordinate efforts with other Bookbuilder organizations.
The need to educate publishers, printers, and designers through educational seminars and certified training programs.

Further Recommendations and Actions Taken:

Develop and continue to update a resource file on the BBW website with a list of issues, standards, associations, conferences, articles, a glossary of terms, FAQs, and best green initiative practices and vendor policies. A link to an updated file is currently at http://www.bookbuilders.org/bbwnews/08-green-info.html
Establish a BBW Book Show award category beginning in 2010 for publishers and print vendors who use recycled paper and meet the Book Show design standards. In process for an announcement at the BBW 2009 Book Show.
Recruit book publishing managers, print vendors, and retailers for panel discussions on environmental issues and best green practices. An initial BBW educational seminar is planned for October 22nd.
Survey all BBW members as to current and future best environmental practices. In process.
Launch a wiki network of western publishers, especially small publishers such as New World Library and Berrett-Kohler, to trade best practices with those already engaged in green initiatives. Planned.
Coordinate BBW efforts with green standards groups and other Bookbuilder organizations in the country. Contacts being made and planning in process.
Develop a green certification program for production editors, production supervisors, designers, and vendors with Green standard groups and other Bookbuilder communities. Contacts being made and planning in process.