Research that can help deliver insights and solutions towards the reduction of hunger, as targeted by SDG 2, is a major publishing focus of Springer Nature’s SDG Programme, whether in biotechnology or in geography, whether in agronomy or in economics, whether in nutrition or in international law. This hub presents a selection of books, journals and magazines content that highlights our commitment to addressing SDG 2.
In a cross industry collaboration this new platform is a new initiative to help broaden the discovery and understanding of climate change research — and accelerate its application towards a sustainable future. Research articles have been summarized into layperson articles and available free for everyone to explore the research stories or try searching for topics such as rising sea level, carbon offset, environmental campaigning or pollution.
The Book Chain Project, since 2016 has aimed to build better supply chains for books and help publishers make informed buying decisions. The Component Chemical Screening program, for instance, enables print suppliers to submit exact chemical breakdowns of each book component that can then be screened and flagged to publishers in order to substitute any components of concern.
The Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, including publishing houses Droemer Knaur, Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Rowohlt, S. Fisher and Argon, announced in the beginning of March 2020 that they are labelling their new books with a new green logo on climate neutrality, referring to the klimaneutralerverlag.de (climatneutralpubliser), and committing to climate neutral production and transparency in climate communication.
In 2018, as evidence of their commitment to the SDGs, the French Publishers Association presented a Survey on the Environment and Manufacturing (covering the time between 2015-2018). The report concluded that French publishers have gradually adopted more eco-responsible policies throughout their supply chain – such as an increase in the purchase or use of certified or recycled paper for textbooks, for instance.
In 2005, Egmont, a Danish publisher, implemented the Egmont Social Compliance Programme to ensure that all suppliers respect human rights and safeguard the salary conditions and safety of their workers. The programme includes, for instance, the mapping of manufacturers; their health and safety assessments, social audits, and their compliance to the Egmont code of conduct. The resulting information, along with a report of their CO2 emissions has been compiled into a report.
Every year since 2011, RELX – a global provider of information-based analytics – has granted the Environmental Challenge Award to projects that demonstrate how they can provide sustainable access to safe water and sanitation. These projects make a tangible difference in the lives of people around the world. The RELX SDG Resource Centre also provides access to academic research in the areas of science, law and business that helps to broaden understanding of the SDGs worldwide.
‘Plastic Free: The Inspiring Story of a Global Environmental Movement and Why It Matters’ by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz and Joanna Atherfold-Finn is published by NewSouth in Australia. It is printed and packaged without using plastic. Dry trap varnish is used on the cover rather than plastic lamination. The reverse side of the board, effectively the rough, uncoated side, gives the cover added texture. Metal straps are used to secure the book boxes on pallets. All plastic shrink-wrapping is avoided.
“Our Principles of Publishing” document prepared by TPA aims to support the publishing industry and its stakeholders to accept and apply the stated principles to achieve common nominators of more equal individuals and institutions in terms of race, color, ethnic origins, age, religion, beliefs, disability status, gender, sexual identity, and sexual orientation. It also sets the rules for professional conduct.
Environment Guidelines for the whole book chain:
a. Design
b. Paper
c. Printing
d. Reprints
e. Storage
f. Transport
g. Marketing