Books from an environmental perspective

Project title

Books from an environmental perspective (2008-2009)
(Böcker ur ett miljöperspektiv)

Project description

The project addressed the environmental impacts of electronic media solutions as compared to traditional printed alternatives. Specifically, CESC project partners were interested in comparing the environmental performance of an e-book in relation to a printed book.

The research team used screening life cycle assessment (LCA) to assess potential environmental impacts throughout the life cycles of two book alternatives. A printed hardback book as well as an e-book read on an e-reading device with an e-ink screen was studied. Both, the distribution of the printed book through a conventional bookstore and through an online-shop were considered.

The production of the paper turned out to be the most important environmental impact of the printed book. Also the mode and distance of personal travel to buy a book showed to be significant. Regarding the e-book life cycle, the main environmental impact arose from the production of the e-reading device.

An overall conclusion from the study is that there was no clear-cut answer as to which type of book is preferable from an environmental perspective. To improve the e-book from an environmental perspective, e-reading devices should be used frequently over their lifetime thereby decreasing the impact per functional unit (per book read). The environmental impact per printed book read was considerably decreased if more readers used the same printed copy. However, no environmental benefit is gained if there is no substitution i.e. if printed books and e-reading devices are just consumed in addition to each other.

Project leader

Göran Finnveden
Åsa Moberg (assistant project leader)

Partners

Bonnier, Tidningsutgivarna (Swedish Media Publishers Association)

Contact

Åsa Moberg (asa.moberg@abe.kth.se)