Eco Labeling Proposal
The purpose of the eco labeling proposal is to identify publishers that are leading the way in reducing environmental impacts. The Eco Labeling Committee has proposed a scorecard awarding points for 22 environmental metrics, which are broken down into 5 broader categories. The proposal includes recognition at three different tiers of progress; the tier names and logo design have not yet been finalized.
Publishers must obtain a score of at least 400, 500 or 600 points (out of 1000 total points) to achieve the various tiers of certification. Additionally, a publisher must have a policy in place to ensure that at least 75% of the fiber used in publications originates from sources other than endangered forests. In order to maintain certification, demonstrable progress towards implanting this policy must be evident within 6 months of certification, and it must be fully implemented within 3 years.
The distribution of the points awarded in the scorecard are outlined in the table below:
| Category | Possible Points |
I. Content of Book Paper |
500 (50%) |
II. Reducing Paper Consumption/Waste |
200 (20%) |
III. Minimizing Climate Impacts |
150 (15%) |
IV. Toxics and Pollution Prevention |
100 (10%) |
V. Corporate Policies/Goals |
50 (5%) |
Total |
1,000 (100%) |
© copyright 2009 Book Industry Environmental Council
This proposal was approved by a majority vote of the Book Industry Environmental Council in March of 2009.
For an extended summary of the Green Publisher Certification see here.