oekom verlag
The
Oekom Verlag: Pioneers for Ecology and Sustainability
editThe oekom verlag, founded in 1989 by Jacob Radloff, is a leading German specialist publisher for ecology and sustainability based in Munich. For over 30 years, the publisher has been working to discuss central issues such as climate protection, sustainable use of natural resources, and biodiversity conservation in the public sphere and to establish them as challenging tasks for politics, business, and society.
Mission and Values
editTrue to the motto "From Knowledge to Action," the oekom verlag is committed to taking responsibility for a sustainable development of society, not only in its publishing activities but also in its role as a company. The main mission of the publisher is to implement and anchor the guiding principle of sustainability in society. This is achieved through the publication of books, journals, and brochures that address the topic from various perspectives and for different target groups – from popular non-fiction to specialized media in social-ecological research[2][3].
Key Products and Services
edit- Books and Journals: The publisher publishes about 30 to 40 scientific titles and approximately 15 popular non-fiction books annually. Notable journals include politische ökologie, Ökologisches Wirtschaften, GAIA, TATuP. Journal for Technology Assessment in Theory and Practice, and many more[2][3].
- Crowdfunding Platform: Since 2017, the oekom verlag has operated the crowdfunding platform "oekom crowd," which allows interested parties to financially support potential book projects[2][3].
- oekom science: Founded in 2019, this branch of the publishing house consolidates activities and offerings for science under the motto "Research. Publish. Transform." Here, particular support is provided to early-career researchers to publish their research results and advance their academic careers[3].
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
editThe oekom verlag is a pioneer in the publishing industry regarding sustainability. Here are some of the key initiatives and goals:
- Sustainable Production: All publications are printed in Germany, primarily with local printing companies, and with mineral oil-free inks[4].
- Internal Sustainability: With the establishment of the Sustainability Office in 2011, the commitment to ecological optimization is structured and expanded from office operations to production and distribution[3].
- Environmental and Social Awards: The publisher has been recognized for its commitment with numerous awards, including the B.A.U.M. Environmental Award, the Environmental Award of the State Capital Munich, and the Binding Prize for Nature and Environmental Protection[2].
Current Developments
editThe oekom verlag remains innovative and committed. In 2023, the publisher moved from Goetheplatz in Munich after over 25 years to Goethestraße 28, opening new opportunities and spaces for future projects. Additionally, the publisher regularly releases current works that address pressing issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and social-ecological transformation[3].
Thus, the oekom verlag is not just a publisher but an active participant and promoter of sustainable and ecological development in our society.