Commitment to the Environment
Wiley-Blackwell is dedicated to mitigating the impact of climate change and in 2006, as Blackwell Publishing, it was the first global publisher to become carbon neutral.
In 2008, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. renewed the commitment to neutralize the carbon impact of its worldwide operations that were formerly part of Blackwell Publishing. In addition to offsetting the carbon footprint of 10 offices around the world, it is also compensating for the CO2 emissions that result from the global product shipments from this part of the business. To offset these emissions, Wiley-Blackwell is supporting a variety of reforestation, renewable energy and carbon-emission reduction projects in Central America and the USA.
Wiley-Blackwell Renews Carbon Neutral Commitment
Climate change is a global problem that demands immediate leadership.
In 2006, Blackwell Publishing decided to take action and became the first global publisher to become a carbon neutral organization. Wiley-Blackwell, now part of John Wiley & Sons, has renewed its commitment to sustaining the environment by offsetting unavoidable carbon dioxide emissions.
Wiley-Blackwell is working with CarbonFund.org, a non-profit organization which supports projects globally that reduce carbon dioxide emissions and the threat of climate change. Through Carbonfund.org, Wiley-Blackwell has purchased investments in a portfolio of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reforestation projects.
“Carbonfund.org applauds Wiley-Blackwell’s continued leadership and commitment to addressing the problem of climate change. Wiley-Blackwell’s carbon reduction and offset program serves as an example for the rest of the scholarly publishing industry.”
- Carbonfund.org Executive Director Eric Carlson.
“As we mark the anniversary as our first year as Wiley-Blackwell, renewing our carbon neutral commitment was an obvious decision. This environmental stewardship aligns with our responsibility to all of our global customers, authors, society partners, and colleagues. In addition, Wiley is looking to expand this effort by exploring a wide portfolio of environmental and corporate responsibility initiatives for the entire corporation.”
- Eric A. Swanson, Senior Vice President, Wiley-Blackwell
Wiley-Blackwell Carbon Offset Projects
In order to neutralize the unavoidable CO2 produced by Wiley-Blackwell’s activities, we are supporting a range of offset projects managed by CarbonFund.org. These include renewable energy, energy efficiency and forestry projects that will contribute to the social and environmental vitality of local communities.
For 2008, the carbon offset projects Wiley-Blackwell will be supporting include the following:
1. Paso del Istmo Conservation Corridor, Rivas Province, Nicaragua - reforestation
This project maintains three broad goals that seek to increase carbon storage while protecting biodiversity and supporting sustainable communities. These goals contribute to Paso Pacífico’s long-term vision of connecting forest ecosystems to form the Paso del Istmo conservation corridor. This corridor will be the first of its kind along the pacific slope of Central America, and in areas of the endangered tropical dry forest. It will be certified to meet the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standards, obtaining a gold rating, among the first projects in the world to do so and will be eligible for CDM/VCS credit as well.
2. New Bedford, MA, Landfill Methane Project – renewable energy
This landfill methane project located in New Bedford, MA captures methane from decaying matter in a local landfill and uses it to generate electricity. Traditionally, methane is released into the atmosphere by the decomposition of matter. Methane is a larger molecule than carbon dioxide, and when emitted exhibits a greater greenhouse gas impact. The methane can be captured prior to release, if the landfill is capped, and pumped out similar to a natural gas field. The gas is then piped to a nearby generation facility and burned, releasing the less potent greenhouse gas molecules of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. The gas is used to power a turbine to create electricity. Carbon credit is provided to the project owner for sequestering the direct release of methane, CH4.
3. Chicago Climate Exchange, Chicago, IL – energy efficiency
The Chicago Climate Exchange is the only voluntary cap and trade system for carbon dioxide emissions in the US. Members of the exchange receive credit for implementing energy saving techniques and energy efficient technologies, which allow for excess carbon credits to be traded on the market.
For more information, visit http://www.carbonfund.org
