Our commitment to Net Zero
We’ve announced our aim to decarbonize by 2050 at the latest.
Our Net Zero target and strategy will focus on reducing carbon emissions from all parts of our operations and supply chain, including the production of our books and journals.
In line with our commitments under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) Publishers Compact and Publishing Declares Climate Pledge, we’ve set a science-based target that supports the UN’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
Zoe Cokeliss Barsley, Director of Sustainability, explains: “As a global publisher, it’s crucial that the actions we take today continue to reduce our impact on the planet and contribute to a more sustainable future for communities worldwide. We’ve made great progress on our 2025 targets, and these have laid the foundations for the next step in our sustainability strategy that centres on a realistic and achievable Net Zero commitment.”
Most of our carbon footprint comes from printing and distribution, so to achieve Net Zero we need to focus on reducing emissions from print publications. This includes printing on demand where possible, engaging suppliers on emissions reductions and targets, and continuing to expand our digital publishing activities.
We’ve already made significant progress towards our 2025 sustainability goals, which includes halving emissions from our offices, warehouses, and business travel. These carbon savings have resulted from, for example: the use of zero-carbon electricity to power our head office in Oxford, solar panels at our Karachi facility that help to reduce the site’s reliance on diesel for back-up generators, and the electric forklift vehicles that transport stock within our warehouses.
Our Group Operations Director, Rob Dalby shared, “At OUP we’ve made great strides in reducing the environmental impact of our publications, with 90% of all the paper we use being certified sustainable. Thanks to positive engagement with our printers worldwide, we are well on the way to achieving our 100% sustainable paper target.”
“Now, we are expanding our focus on sustainable print to address the greenhouse gas emissions that arise from paper manufacture, print production, and freight. With our new Net Zero target, we build on the existing steps we have taken to reduce emissions from our own operations.”
“I would like to thank everyone at the Press for their commitment and contributions to our sustainability efforts to date, and for their ongoing support in delivering Net Zero.”
Nigel Portwood
“Throughout our 500-year history, we have continuously adapted to changes in the world around us, and taking steps to operate sustainably is no different. Committing to a Net Zero target is a significant milestone, and I am proud that OUP is taking action to protect and preserve our environment for generations to come.”
Discover our role as a responsible publisher in the 2023-24 Responsible Publishing Report, and learn more about our sustainability commitment.
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