International Book Project develops lasting relationships with partners worldwide to increase literacy, promote cultural understanding, and open doors to opportunity. We are committed to breaking down barriers so that everyone, regardless of geography or circumstance, can share in the gift of knowledge. By giving books a second life – through reuse, redistribution, and reimagined purpose – we extend the reach of learning and ensure that knowledge continues to circulate where it’s needed most.
Current Sustainable Practices
Below are the initiatives International Book Project has completed on the Green Check scorecard.
Sustainability Management and the Green Team
- Designate a Sustainability Coordinator or Green Team responsible for managing sustainability initiatives.
- Provide time for quarterly sustainability updates in upper management meetings.
Awareness, Education and Outreach
- Display sustainability information in a common area such as a break room or kitchen.
- Offer trainings or workshops to educate employees about sustainability issues, policies and procedures.
- Promote sustainability accomplishments in external marketing materials.
- Host an environmental event for public or employees.
- Attend a sustainability workshop, tour or event.
Energy Efficiency
- Assess, track, and document energy consumption.
- Have your HVAC system evaluated every 2 years by a certified service provider.
- Utilize power management features of operating system to turn off non-essential lights and equipment during non-business hours.
- Install programmable thermostats and use them to adjust temperature during unoccupied hours.
- Install occupancy sensors in bathrooms, meeting rooms, and other infrequently used areas.
- Install or upgrade to energy efficient fans.
Waste Reduction and Recycling
- Implement a basic recycling program.
- Train and require janitorial service or staff responsible for cleaning to segregate waste and recyclable materials.
- Use reusable mugs and dishware instead of disposable plates, cups, and utensils in break room.
Water Conservation
- Assess, track, and document water consumption.
Water Quality
- Establish preventative maintenance program for sanitary sewer lateral lines on your property.
Transportation Efficiency
- Adopt a telecommuting option and make it available to employees.
- Install weather-protected bike storage (indoor or outdoor).
Innovation
- Employs a “secondhand first” philosophy for furnishings.
- Tables are made with reclaimed wood.
- Does not offer bottled water or single-use plastic bags.
- Recycles books when they cannot be used for distribution.
- Provides books to Title 1 schools, prisons, homeless shelters, after-school programs, library bookmobiles, hospitals, and other non-profit organizations in Kentucky.
- Helps make reading accessible with Free Book Friday events, held quarterly.
Certified as a Green Check member since 2026
