PA launches its Carbon Calculator

The Publishers Association (PA) has launched a “Carbon Calculator” to help publishers review how sustainable their practices are. 

Designed by the Research Institute of Sweden and software company Solstice, the tool will help businesses monitor their carbon outputs across various aspects of their business, including across different sites and departments. The PA says that eventually, with further data, it will be possible to benchmark publishers in order to highlight areas for improvement.

A “Materials Matrix” will also be added over the coming weeks, enabling members to see the most-used materials in the publishing supply chain and sustainable alternatives.

Each material is assessed according to a set of key environmental and social indicators and aims to encourage those in the design and production process to choose more sustainable options.

Dan Conway, c.e.o. of the PA, said: “Climate change is one of the most prevalent issues of our lifetime and one that we all must work to address. We worked with members to establish the Publishing Declares pledge and are fully committed to working towards a more sustainable future.”

Publishing Declares, a declaration on behalf of the UK book and journal publishing industry to take urgent action on climate change, was launched in October 2021 with 39 founding signatories. It now has more than 100.

“The Carbon Calculator and Materials Matrix will give our members a well-rounded view of their operations and help them make more sustainable choices throughout their entire business and value chain. Investing in tools like these demonstrates our association’s commitment to the sustainability agenda and the industry’s drive to make a greener future a reality for all,” Conway continued. 

The PA will be hiring a sustainability manager as part of its commitment to building a more sustainable industry. The new role will include further development of the Carbon Calculator and associated tools for members. 

Susan Pinkney, PA head of research, said: “Climate change and sustainability are topics that we see discussed at length, and we are delighted to be able to help our members turn these conversations into action.”