LBF's Big Move: A Greener Chapter for Publishing Events?

By Ciro Simone Irmici · March 13, 2026 ·Updated: March 13, 2026

The London Book Fair's announced move to a new venue and new leadership in 2027 presents a significant opportunity to embed sustainability at the heart of global publishing events.

Key Takeaways

• London Book Fair is appointing a new director.
• The fair will relocate to the Excel center in 2027.
• This move presents a critical opportunity to implement enhanced sustainability practices for a major industry event.
• The publishing industry's environmental impact can be positively influenced by the LBF's leadership in sustainability.

The London Book Fair, a cornerstone event for the global publishing industry, is on the cusp of significant change. With a new director at the helm and a planned relocation to the Excel center in 2027, this transition isn't just about logistics; it’s a critical moment to re-evaluate how major industry gatherings impact our planet and embrace a truly sustainable future.

TL;DR: Key Facts

• The London Book Fair will welcome a new director.
• The event plans to move to the Excel center in 2027.
• This strategic move and new leadership signal a significant future-focused shift for the fair.
• Discussions around these changes are a hot topic at the current 2026 London Book Fair.

What Happened

The London Book Fair (LBF), one of the world's leading publishing events, is gearing up for a transformative period. Fair officials have announced that the event will be moving from its current location to the state-of-the-art Excel center in London, with this significant transition scheduled for 2027. This news, alongside the appointment of a new director, is currently a dominant talking point among industry professionals attending the 2026 fair.

The decision to relocate and the fresh leadership indicate a concerted effort to propel the London Book Fair into a new era, addressing the evolving needs and expectations of the global book business. While the 2026 fair proceeds with its usual comprehensive program of industry leaders, experts, authors, and technologists, the underlying buzz revolves around the future trajectory of the fair itself, particularly how these changes will shape its identity and operational footprint for years to come.

Why It Matters

For readers of GreenNest Living, the London Book Fair's strategic shift offers a crucial moment for reflection and action regarding sustainable practices within the publishing world. Large-scale events like the LBF inherently carry a significant environmental footprint, from the carbon emissions generated by thousands of attendees and exhibitors traveling globally, to the energy consumption of massive venues, and the waste produced from exhibition stands, printed materials, and catering.

A change in venue, especially a move to a modern facility like Excel, provides a golden opportunity to embed sustainability principles from the ground up. This isn't just about choosing a building with better energy efficiency; it’s about rethinking every aspect of event planning: sustainable sourcing for exhibition materials, minimizing waste through circular economy principles, promoting eco-friendly transportation options, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among participants. A new director has the mandate to champion these initiatives, setting a new benchmark for how major industry events can operate responsibly.

Furthermore, the publishing industry itself is grappling with its environmental impact—from paper sourcing and printing processes to global distribution networks. The London Book Fair, as a vital hub for this industry, can serve as a powerful platform to accelerate sustainable innovation. By prioritizing and showcasing eco-conscious publishers, discussing green publishing technologies, and facilitating conversations around ethical supply chains, the LBF can inspire wider adoption of sustainable practices across the entire book ecosystem, ultimately benefiting both the planet and conscious consumers.

What You Can Do

As a reader interested in sustainable living and responsible consumption, your choices and advocacy can make a difference:

• Demand Transparency: Inquire about the sustainability policies of major events you attend, including carbon offsetting, waste management, and energy use.
• Support Green Publishers: Actively seek out and purchase books from publishers who prioritize sustainable paper, ethical printing, and environmentally friendly business practices.
• Choose Sustainable Travel: If you attend large events, opt for public transportation, carpooling, or inquire about carbon offset programs for your travel.
• Minimize Event Waste: Bring your own reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and bags to reduce single-use plastic and paper waste at any fair or exhibition.
• Advocate for Digital Alternatives: Encourage event organizers and publishers to offer digital options for catalogs, marketing materials, and even event participation when appropriate, reducing the need for extensive travel and print.
• Engage and Learn: Look for sessions or exhibitors at book fairs that focus on sustainability in publishing. Your interest signals demand for greener practices.

FAQs

Q: When is the London Book Fair moving to its new venue?

A: The London Book Fair is scheduled to move to the Excel center in 2027.

Q: Why is this move important from a sustainability perspective?

A: A new venue and new leadership offer a fresh opportunity to design and implement the fair with comprehensive sustainability practices, from energy efficiency to waste reduction and responsible sourcing.

Q: How can I, as a reader, influence the sustainability of such large events?

A: By making conscious choices (e.g., sustainable travel, reducing waste), supporting eco-friendly publishers, and advocating for greener event practices, you can signal demand for a more sustainable industry.

Sources

This article is based on reporting by Publishing Perspectives.

Original source

Publishing Perspectives