World of Books Group becomes carbon neutral and launches new charity

World of Books Group has become carbon neutral ahead of its schedule, according to the organisation’s latest impact report, and has launched a new charity.

In 2020 the group set the goal of being carbon neutral by the end of 2022. According to impact manager Hannah Clevett, the group reached its goal in October 2022 to become a certified carbon neutral business.

The organisation achieved its goal ahead of schedule by reducing its emissions from the vehicles it owns, emissions created on-site, like gas and electricity, and emissions from the supply chain such as water, waste and packaging.

Its impact report – which can be read in full here – also noted that almost 16 million preloved books had been rehomed via World of Books in 2021/22, the equivalent of 1,400 trees every day, with 79 tonnes of books, CDs, DVDs and games saved from landfill by the B Corp. More than 400,000 books were also donated.

World of Books Group, which operates a re-commerce model through its brands World of Books and Ziffit, was founded two decades ago with a mission to protect the planet and support charities by helping people reuse books, CDs, DVDs and games. It is now a B Corp and in 2023 has grown by 50%, by partnering with US trade-in site, Sell Back Your Book.

World of Books Group won two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, the Sustainable Development Award and the International Trade Award. It is one of only seven companies to achieve two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in 2022 from over 200 winners

Graham Bell, c.e.o., said: “World of Books was founded on the ethos to do good, help charities and benefit the environment. Our impact report is a great example of how we work to stay true to these values and make a positive impact on the world.

“With the launch of our very own charity, the Wob Foundation, and upcoming B Corp recertification, we look forward to another amazing year of making a positive impact for people and the planet.”

The Wob Foundation will be supported on a voluntary basis, meaning 100% of donations will go directly to charitable causes that promote literacy or the circular economy.