Consumable
Green Guard
Products that have achieved Green Guard Certification are scientifically proven to meet some of the world’s most rigorous third-party chemical emissions. Covers building materials, furniture & furnishings; Electronic equipment; cleaning & maintenance products; Medical devices for breathing gas pathways standards, helping to reduce indoor air pollution and the risk of chemical exposure
https://www.ul.com/resources/ul-greenguard-certification- program
American Soybean Association
Represents US soybean farmers on domestic & international policy issues important to the soybean industry.
Carbon offsetting
Carbon Neutral
This badge demonstrates the climate action of successful companies around the world. Carried by businesses, product & events that have achieved carbon neutrality in line with the Carbon Neutral Protocol.
https://www.carbonneutral.com/
Carbon Trust
The Carbon Trust provides independent verification and assurance services that recognise real achievements in sustainability. Services include carbon footprint labels, demonstrating the carbon impact of products, and recognise reduction of emissions. Also, Zero Waste to Landfill and Route to Net Zero services support and communicate sustainability actions.
Carbon Fund
Carbonfund.org is leading the fight against climate change, making it easy and affordable for any individual, business or organisation to reduce & offset their climate impact and hasten the transition to a clean energy future.
Cool Effect
Combining science, expertise, and transparency, they are creating a community built around one simple vision: give people the power and confidence to band together and reduce the carbon pollution that causes climate change.
ISCC
International Sustainability & Carbon Certification document on how to gain certification.
https://www.iscc-system.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ ISCC-PLUS-System-Document.pdf
Verra
The VCS (Verified Carbon Standard) Program is the world’s most widely used voluntary GHG (Green House Gas) program. Over 1,840 certified VCS projects have collectively reduced or removed more than 984 million Tonnes of carbon and other GHG emissions from the atmosphere.
https://verra.org/programs/verified-carbon-standard/
The Gold Standard
Gold Standard for the Global Goals sets the standard for climate and development interventions to quantify, certify and maximize their impact – create value for the people around the world and the planet we share.
ClimatePartner
ClimatePartner is a global climate action consultancy with 600+ employees. Founded in 2006, ClimatePartner is headquartered in Germany, with offices in the UK, US and across Europe. We work with clients in more than 60 countries.
End-to-end solutions provider: from carbon accounting on company and product/print product level (via our software-as-a-service platform), reduction setting and implementation to supplying high quality carbon credits and transparent communication (ClimatePartner certification and Financial Climate Contribution).
With almost 2000 clients across Publishing, Print and Packaging, some of our customers include Penguin Random House, Sage Publishing, IOP Publishing, Bristol University Press, Imago Publishing, Canon, Mondi, Bertelsmann, CEWE, and Barefoot Books.
Extensive experience with Scope 3 assessment and reporting, helping companies to set SBTs and devise net zero strategies.
https://www.climatepartner.com/en
World Land Trust
Through the World Land Trust’s (WLT) Carbon Balanced programme, carbon emissions generated by a particular product or activity are offset or ‘balanced’ by the carbon stocks saved when WLT conserves ecologically important forestry under imminent threat of clearance. These standing forests ‘lock in’ carbon that would otherwise be released – and continue to absorb carbon dioxide through their lifetime.
https://www.worldlandtrust.org/carbon-balanced-paper-print/
Non-ISO Standards
Workplace conditions assessment
A leading global ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) assessment methodology and business certification standard. It measures where companies stand in terms of environmental, social and governance and gives an opportunity to create an action plan and track the progress.
https://www.intertek.com/assurance/wca/
Generation Impact 2030
A leading global ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) assessment methodology and business certification standard. It measures where companies stand in terms of environmental, social and governance and gives an opportunity to create an action plan and track the progress.
https://gi2030.com/generation-impact-2030-certification
Social Accountability International
Social Accountability International (SAI) is a global non- governmental organisation advancing human rights at work. SAI’s vision is of decent work everywhere—sustained by an understanding that socially responsible workplaces benefit business while securing fundamental human rights.
Sedex
Sedex is a membership organisation that provides one of the world’s leading online platforms for companies to manage and improve working conditions in global supply chains. They provide practical tools, services and a community network to help companies improve their responsible and sustainable business practices, and source responsibly.
Global Ecolabelling Network
Internationally recognized network of ecolabelling organisations. Has lists of accreditation by product e.g. paper includes.
https://www.globalecolabelling.net/what-is-eco-labelling
ISO Standards
ISO 14004:2016
Environmental Management Systems – General Guidance on implementation
https://www.iso.org/standard/60856.html
ISO 14005:2019
Environmental Management Systems – Guidelines for a flexible approach to phased implementation
https://www.iso.org/standard/72333.html
ISO 14020:2000
Environmental Labels and declarations – general principles
https://www.iso.org/standard/79479.html
ISO 14063:2020
Environmental Management – Quantitative environmental information – guidelines and examples.
https://www.iso.org/standard/72888.html
ISO 14033:2019
Environmental Management – Environmental communication – guidelines and examples.
https://www.iso.org/standard/71237.html
Packaging
On Pack Recycling Label (OPRL)
Not for profit membership scheme providing a label for end- consumers on whether the product is commonly recycled by UK local authorities, used by nearly 730+ member companies and charities.
OK Compost
Not directly targeted towards the book industry – most applicable for end-users of packaging products.
https://www.tuv-at.be/fileadmin/user_upload/docs/download- documents/GEN/RegCert_TABE_EN.pdf
Paper
Paper Profile
A voluntary environmental Product Declaration which aims to help the pulp, paper & paperboard buyer to make responsible choices.
Rainforest Alliance
The Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organisation working at the intersection of business, agriculture, and forests to make responsible business the new normal. We are building an alliance to protect forests, improve the livelihoods of farmers and forest communities, promote their human rights, and help them mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis.
https://www.rainforest-alliance.org
Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI)
Carbon Footprint Framework for paper & board products.
https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ ENV-17-035.pdf
Environmental Paper Assessment Tool
Tool operated by Sustainable Paper Group, an environmental consultancy specialising in sustainable solutions for paper & paper based packaging.
Environmental Paper Network
Worldwide network of civil society organisations working towards the Global Paper vision.
https://environmentalpaper.org/about/about-epn
World Forest ID
World Forest ID is an international non-profit, working to halt deforestation by increasing the traceability and transparency of forest risk commodity supply chains. Our mission is to create a comprehensive global reference database against which products in trade can be tested, and their species and harvest origin determined.
Printing
Evergreen Printing
Printer company.
Interesting article about sustainable paper procurement under their ‘Environmental Responsibility’ page.
https://evergreen-printing.com/home/environmental- responsibility/paper
Shipping
DHL Green Carrier Certification
Logistics company. They’ve set up certification for subcontractors.
Certification for Sustainable Transportation
Certification, education & labelling for the passenger transportation sector.
Sustainable Shipping Initiative
Non-profit charity. They do host the Ship Recycling Transparency Initiative which uses transparency to drive progress on responsible ship recycling.
https://www.sustainableshipping.org
Clear Seas Centre for Responsible Marine Shipping
Not for profit research centre that supports safe & sustainable marine shipping in Canada.
Waste
Zero Waste to Landfill
Audits companies and provides a certification of waste disposal
Data Centres
European Code of Conduct in Data Centres
Voluntary initiative primarily addressing data centre owners and operators, as well as the supply chain and service providers, looking at both IT and facilities load. Signatories commit to an initial energy measurement (involving an audit to identify the major energy saving opportunities) and the preparation, submission and implementation of an action plan against an agreed time table.
Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact
Available for data centre operators and trade associations to take actions to make data centres climate neutral by 2030 with incremental targets. Covers both energy source (renewable energy), efficiency and water usages.
https://www.climateneutraldatacentre.net
The Green Grid
Develops tools and guidance for the optimization of energy and resource use efficiency of data centres. Membership scheme with public recognition on the website and awards for exceptional performance.
Green Mark
“Green Mark accreditation has become a cornerstone of business operations across the UK, as they move towards being environmentally sustainable for the long-term.
With their forward thinking approach and use of their expertise to help our community create the foundations for a more sustainable future by implementing sustainable practices across their operations and supply chains.”
Certified Sustainable
A technology-led independent organisation, helping businesses become more sustainable.
https://certified-sustainable.co.uk
Helpful Organisations
IEMA
IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment) is the professional body for everyone working, studying or interested in environment and sustainability. They provide resources, tools, knowledge and research sharing to meet the real world needs of their members. They believe that together we’re positively changing attitudes to sustainability as a progressive force for good.
Green Business Bureau
The Green Business Bureau is the trusted authority in green business. Our EcoAssessmentTM and EcoPlannerTM tools enable businesses to understand, prioritize, implement and certify green initiatives and sustainable business practices. As a trusted 3rd party, they provide businesses with an official seal to validate and promote their green commitment and accomplishments.
https://greenbusinessbureau.com
Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
A partnership between the Carbon Disclosure Project, the UN Global Compact, the World Resources Institute and the WWF for nature to promote best practice in emissions target setting for businesses. The SBTi allocates the global remaining carbon budget to remain within the goals of the Paris Agreement to calculate the rate companies need to decarbonize.
https://sciencebasedtargets.org
EcoVadis
EcoVadis helps you manage your sustainability network both upstream and downstream, either by sharing your performance with your stakeholders or monitoring the performance of your own value chain.
Global Good Awards
Recognises businesses, NGOs, charities and social enterprises successfully delivering environmental and social change.
https://globalgoodawards.co.uk
EDIE
UK’s largest sustainability awards recognises excellence across the spectrum of green business.
SDIA
SDIA is the European platform for the creation of a sustainable digital economy. It is an independent alliance of all stakeholders working across the digital sector. They are committed to executing the Roadmap to Sustainable Digital Infrastructure by 2030 covering environmental targets surrounding pollution, digital waste, energy efficiency and renewable procurement. An organisation can join as a member with access to alliance sessions with regular sustainability events, interviews and panel discussions.
Regulations
Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol also established a rigorous monitoring, review and verification system, as well as a compliance system to ensure transparency and hold Parties to account.
https://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol
REACH – Regulation, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals
Applicable to:
Products
Description:
Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.
Reference links:
https://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/reach/ reach_en.htm
Further notes:
EU legislation that aims to improve the protection of human health and the environment through identification of chemical substances. Manufacturers and importers are required to gather information on the properties of their chemical substances and in term then product manufacturers provide.
WEEE – Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Applicable to:
Products
Description:
Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment became law in the UK as of 1st of January 2014.
Reference links:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/waste/waste-electrical.htm
Further notes:
Producers of WEEE i.e., electronic companies are required to provide evidence of disposal for consumers, manufacturing facilities and non-domestic premises are required to use a WEEE certified recycling company for electronic waste (laptops, screens etc.) to ensure disposal is responsible.
Plastic Packaging Tax
Applicable to:
Products
Description:
A tax levy on all producers and importers/exporters on plastic packaging components containing less than 30% post-or pre- consumer recycled content over 10 Tonnes in an annual year
Reference links:
Further notes:
Only certain types of pre-consumer waste are permitted as exempt under the tax (sent for re-processing and returned) however often conflated under one label as ‘PCR’ or ‘recycled content’ when the relevant differences between the two sources should be considered. Paid by for manufactures/ exporters/importers with costs transferred downstream.
ESOS – Energy Savings and Opportunities Scheme
Applicable to:
Organisation
Description:
ESOS is a mandatory energy assessment scheme for organisations in the UK – mandatory for business that employ 250 people or more or have an annual turnover in excess of £44,000,000.
Reference links:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-savings-opportunity- scheme-esos
Further notes:
The scheme has been run since December 2015 with the first reporting taking place by 5th December 2015, second reports were completed for phase 2 December 2019 and the 3rd period is proposed for December 2023. A lead assessor comes to each site and advises on changes that business can make to save energy consumption.
CCAs – Climate Change Agreements
Applicable to:
Organisation
Description:
Climate Change Agreements are voluntary agreements in the UK between industry and the Environment agency.
Reference links:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/climate-change-agreements–2
Further notes:
Governed by the environmental agency and reductions negotiated by a nominated industry body-the BPIF (British Printing Industries Federation) for the printing sector. By achieving certain reductions in consumption then small discounts are available, if there is an increase then there is an invoice for that overconsumption.
SECR – Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting
Applicable to:
Organisation
Description:
SECR was introduced in 2019 it requires obligated companies to report on their energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions within their financial reporting for companies house.
Reference links:
Further notes:
It is likely that Scope 3 reporting under SECR will likely become mandatory in the near future.
Waste packaging producer responsibility/extended responsibility
Applicable to:
Organisation
Description:
Obligated packaging producers must register and meet their packaging recycling responsibilities.
Reference links:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-producer- responsibilities
Further notes:
If you produce or use packaging or sell packaged goods then you have an obligation to reduce, each year reporting is completed and with the tonnage of packaging that is produced or sold to organisations then waste recovery notes are purchased to contribute to the cost of recycling. Scheme is changing in 2023 to extended responsibility which increases costs to producers to encourage reductions in waste at households from manufacturing.
ROHS – Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment
Applicable to:
Organisation and suppliers
Description:
Restriction of hazardous substances in electrical equipment, 10 substances that cause major environmental and health problems.
Reference links:
https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/ rohs-directive_en
Further notes:
10 substances restricted are: lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP).
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
Applicable to:
Organisation
Description:
By April 2030 all non-domestic rented buildings must have an EPC rating of A or B.
Reference links:
Further notes:
It is a legal requirement for landlords to ensure their buildings have an EPC rating and that they comply with the reductions for 2030.
Pollution Prevention and Control Act – Environmental Permitting Regulations
Applicable to:
Organisation
Description:
Industry, local government, agriculture and small businesses are covered by this law, ensuring releasing of anything into the environment is non polluting.
Reference links:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pollution-prevention-for- businesses
Further notes:
This covers discharging into drains/water systems to ensure that chemicals unless with a permit are put into the draining systems. It also covers air pollution to ensure that any discharge into the air is within limits of either a permit of within safe limits set by Environmental Agency.
Modern Slavery Act
Applicable to:
Organisation
Description:
This act requires businesses over a certain size to disclose what action they have taken to ensure there is no modern slavery in their business or supply chains.
Reference links:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/modern-slavery- bill
Further notes:
For businesses over a certain size a modern slavery statement is required and should be published on websites as well as being able to show due diligence of the supply chains. The statement has to be updated every year.
Gender Pay Gap Report
Applicable to:
Organisation
Description:
Employers of more than 250 employees must supply a gender pay gap report – this shows the average earnings of men and women across a workforce.
Reference links:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/gender-pay-gap- reporting
Further notes:
A narrative is also to be supplied on gender pay gap reporting to show what a company is doing to close the gap.
UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)
Applicable to:
Organisation
Description:
This currently applies to energy intensive businesses where 20% of their site costs are energy such as aviation, steel, chemicals and engineering. ETS sets a total amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted in a sector which will then decrease of time to contribute to achieving Net Zero in the UK.
Reference links:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/participating-in- the-uk-ets/participating-in-the-uk-ets
Health and Safety Regulations
Applicable to:
Organisation
Description:
The Workplace regulations apply to places of work to ensure employers provide a working environment that is safe, as free from risk as is reasonably possible and that appropriate equipment is provided where necessary.
Reference links:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/index.htm
Further notes:
The act sets out duties that employers have to their employees and the general public, employees have to themselves and others and also covers certain self-employed personnel.