In April 2007 a Green Committee was formed at Oxford University Press Australia and New Zealand (OUPANZ). The first aim was to create a proposal for company-wide change. The core details of this proposal are listed below.

First step (now complete)

A company-wide audit was undertaken and information from this audit was used to select and measure areas for improvement.
Working groups of key decision makers and enthusiastic staff were formed to establish policies and oversee implementation across all areas of the business.
A plan and implementation schedule for immediate, medium-term and long-term changes was created.

Areas of implementation

• Energy consumption—green energy
• Transport and travel—company cars, plane flights, commuting, etc.
• Office equipment and supplies—office paper, ENERGY star rating, supplier selection
• Water—collection and reduced usage
• Waste reduction—packaging, recycling
• Processes—duplex printing, PDF proofs, etc.
• Promotional pieces
• Returns policy
• Community involvement
• Book printing (medium- to long-term project)

All the recommended immediate changes have now been completed and new systems and workflows are in place. Just a few of these changes are listed below.

Office

• Wiring has been altered to avoid multiple lighting areas.
  
• Light switches have been labelled by area, to make it easier for people to turn lights off when possible.
  
• Recycle bins and systems have been introduced.
  
• Electricity supply contract has been changed to a Green Energy option.
  
• New appliances for the kitchens will be purchased with the energy efficiency ratings as a primary consideration.
  

Printing and production

• All page proofs are now delivered in duplex or PDF (showing reduction in paper of 30%).
  
• All print vendors have now successfully received FSC accreditation (5 printers in total).
  
• OUP has joined the Australian Publishers Association specialist working group on environmental issues.
  
• We now use Biowrap (100% biodegradable plastic wrap) on all of our promotional mailings.
  
• Mailing lists are carefully scrutinised for correct details.
  

Work practices

• Editors are changing their work practices to reduce paper, by using PDF proofs when possible.
  

Cleaning products

• We now buy phosphorus-free cleaning products.
  

IT

• ‘Sleep’ and ‘hibernation’ modes have been installed on computers.
  
• All new printers will have duplex capability.
  
• Superseded computers are donated to groups who cannot otherwise afford them.
  
• All ink cartridges are recycled.
  

Suppliers

• Our stationery supplier offsets the emissions of their delivery vehicles through Greenfleet.
  

Distribution services

• Our carton supplier and carton filler have been changed to more green options.
  
• Our returns policy and gratis policy have been reviewed.
  

The future

Oxford University Press Australia and New Zealand recognises the need to reduce our impact on the environment and state that this is an ongoing commitment.
Medium- to long-term changes continue to be a focus of the Green Committee.
The next Green Policy update is planned for end of year 2008.