Course Sponsor Acorn Sign Graphics
An AIA Continuing Education Program Credit for this course is 1 AIA/CES Learning Unit
4109 West Clay Street Richmond, VA 23230 Phone: 800-‐770-‐4744 E-‐mail: info@acornsign.com Web: www.acornsign.com
Course Number: 02SEGD Course Title: Sustainability in Environmental Graphic Design
Forward Thinking Solutions is a Registered Provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems.
Credit earned on comple/on of the program will be reported to CES Records for AIA members. This program is registered with the AIA/CES for con/nuing educa/on. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construc/on or any method or manner of handling, using, distribu/ng, or dealing in any material or product. Ques/ons related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presenta/on.
Copyright Materials This presentation is protected by US and International copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, display and use of the presentation without written permission of the speaker is prohibited. © Forward Thinking Solutions, Inc. 2008
Course Objectives • What is Sustainable Design • Understanding LEED Rating System • Considerations for Environmental Graphic Design (EGD) • Strategies for EGD • Case Study
What is Sustainable Design
What is Sustainable Design Sustainable design seeks to reduce negative impacts on the environment, and the health and comfort of building occupants, thereby improving building performance. The basic objectives of sustainability are to reduce consumption of non-‐renewable resources, minimize waste, and create healthy, productive environments.
Sustainable Design Principals • optimize site potential • minimize non-‐renewable energy consumption • use environmentally preferable products • protect and conserve water • enhance indoor environmental quality • optimize operational and maintenance practices
Sustainable Design Principals Utilizing a sustainable design philosophy encourages decisions at each phase of the design process that will reduce negative impacts on the environment and the health of the occupants.
Sustainable Design Principals Sustainable design is an integrated, holistic approach. Such an integrated approach positively impacts all phases of a building's life-‐cycle, including design, construction and operation
Understanding LEED
Understand LEED Rating System Points are awarded for achievement in six categories: • Sustainable sites • Water efficiency • Energy and atmosphere • Materials and resources • Indoor environmental quality • Innovation and design process
LEED Projects/buildings are certified through a progressive rating system based on the total number of points awarded across all categories. Projects require significant documentation for evaluation, which can be costly.
LEED Rating is in one of four categories, from basic to innovative. • Certified • Silver • Gold • Platinum
LEED Materials and Resources -‐ Construction Waste Management (MR Credit 2) -‐ Resource Reuse (MR Credit 3) -‐ Recycled Content (MR Credit 4) -‐
-‐ Local/Regional Materials (MR Credit 5) -‐ Rapidly Renewable Materials (MR Credit 6) -‐ Certified Wood (MR Credit 7)
Nyloboard VOC free
3form Varia Ecoresin
LEED Indoor Environmental Quality -‐ Low-‐Emitting Materials (EQ Credit 4)
Innovation and Design Process -‐ Innovation in Design (ID Credit 1) -‐ LEED Accredited Professional (ID Credit 2)
EGD Considerations
EGD Considerations The needs of the environmental graphic design community and the commercial building industry are very similar in regards to sustainability.
EGD Considerations The key to an Environmentally Conscious project is an ongoing strategy unique to the longevity, maintenance, and durability needs of an EGD project.
EGD Considerations A. Don’t segregate sustainability from design. B. Specify locally sourced, sustainable materials that can be recycled. C. Integrate green communication strategies. D. Do more with less. Design for less waste. E. Design easily recycled modular components. F. Use screws instead of glues for assembly and mounting. G. Use low-‐VOC paints and energy-‐efficient lighting.
Strategies For EGD
Selection of Materials Most experts in sustainability believe that the use of green-‐ certified materials is only one small part of a sustainable strategy. The most sustainable approaches are related to general material selection, the fabrication process, and final disposition.
Selection of Materials Working with a manufacturer or fabricator that provides a means to repurpose or recycle their materials at the end of their useful life can contribute significantly to the decisions made in the material selection process.
Strategies For EGD Strategies for green EGD are built around a central theme. • Longevity, or performance over time. • Air & Environmental Quality • Resource and waste management • Energy & Lighting Efficiency • Recyclability/Modularity
Longevity Most buildings and finishes are built to last 20 to 30 years or more. Environmental Graphics, generally have a much more variable lifespan, from as brief as a few days to many years It is important to take this into consideration when making material choices for the projects that you are designing.
Longevity While there is no specific LEED policy or code on longevity, it should be considered in projects that are exposed to the elements and extreme wear and tear. Often, longevity requirements are at odds with recyclability and clean air issues, but are at the heart of environmentally sound design.
Longevity Determining how long a design object is meant to hold up over time and with constant use in its specific environment will determine the most appropriate materials and methodologies.
How Long is the Objects Useful Life Recyclability and waste management take a secondary role unless the object is meant to be changeable. Long-‐life objects need user educational programs to ensure quality management and maintenance over a long period.
How Long is the Objects Useful Life Short-‐life objects require more extensive planning for reusability and recycling, along with greater instruction on how to accomplish these goals.
Resource & Waste Management If a project is meant to have a limited lifespan, a plan needs to be in place for the salvage, reuse, or recycling of materials. This affects many considerations including selection of materials, finishes, manufacture, and assembly/disassembly.
Resource & Waste Management Resource and waste management occurs during many stages in the life cycle of built objects. Considerations include sourcing local materials; specifying materials with recycled content; designing within standard material dimensions to limit waste during manufacturing.
Resource & Waste Management Additional considerations include removing harmful chemicals in the fabrication process; reusing or recycling packing and other materials during installation; and planning for eventual end of life of the object itself. Building Reuse Materials Association
One of the best strategies is using less material or adopting a material reuse program in production.
Resource & Waste Management The fabrication process is one of the areas where sustainable methods can have the biggest impact. Clear disposability guidelines, labels for returning manufactured items for recycling, use of mechanical connection techniques rather than adhesives, and low-‐VOC paint processes are some of the methods that fabricators can implement.
Photo courtesy of Acorn Sign Graphics, Richmond VA
End of Use Life Management LEED focuses on having a salvage, recycling, and reuse plan in place when selecting materials. Fabricating elements with modular components that use mechanical fasteners instead of adhesives facilitates disassembly and recycling or reuse. Photo courtesy of Acorn Sign Graphics, Richmond VA
Energy & Lighting Efficiency LEED addresses energy efficiency, including regulations for sourcing local materials and installation, energy conservation, and energy use during manufacturing. Photo: SEPCO Solar Electric Power Company
Energy & Lighting Efficiency City of Tampa completed a downtown wayfinding project in 2009 which continues on the Riverwalk. Directional signs and map kiosks were installed using solar technology. Photo MEJE: Tampa Riverwalk
Energy & Lighting Efficiency Solar Street Sign (MSD Visual) Solar power is an ever-‐improving technology that will revolutionize municipal sign lighting in cities. This solar street sign has internal LED illumination, a thin-‐line amorphous/ crystalline solar cell module with built-‐in rechargeable battery pack, and a smart control system. This sign can hold a charge for up to 19 days, even with no sun. Not only do solar-‐powered signs use no generated electricity, they save materials by requiring no digging or rearrangement of utilities.
Air and Water Quality Impact Graphic design products traditionally have used chemicals, sealants, vinyl, and paints, all of which can have a direct impact on the environment.
Air and Water Quality Impact Today, there are solutions that are: • Manufactured from post-‐consumer recycled content • Are Green Guard Certified • Use low energy and non potable water to manufacture. • Waste water effluent 100% biodegradable. While not all materials are suitable to be manufactured in this manner, it is important to be responsible in our decision making process.
Air and Water Quality Impact Low-‐VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints and water-‐soluble products can have a positive impact on your project.
Air & Environmental Quality VOC rules are part of the federal Clean Air and Water Acts of 1990, but states vary in enforcement. For example; California, New York, and Illinois have very strict enforcement, while Utah has minimal enforcement. VOC rules are also strictly enforced by many institutions, including universities and hospitals. Standard paint uses 5.5 to 6.5 pounds VOC per gallon, while low-‐VOC paint may use 3.5 pounds per gallon. California mandates 2.8 pounds per gallon. There are also VOC-‐free paints.
Air & Environmental Quality The best EGD designers select products and processes that contain reduced levels of VOCs, which emit pollutants into the air. VOC levels can be reduced during the final sign or exhibit installation process or during the manufacturing process. Materials that require harmful chemicals during fabrication or installation should have extensive specifications in place dictating the appropriate disposal of chemicals.
Air & Environmental Quality Coraflon by PPG is an example of a no-‐VOC coating used in architectural and sign applications, such as those at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library. New powder-coating techniques and paints achieve low-VOC standards with minimal paint use.
Education & Interpretation Many LEED-‐rated projects include an interpretive exhibit communicating the green aspects of the project. EGD may be a small part of the building process, but an interpretive exhibit on the sustainable processes and materials used provides a big opportunity for environmental graphic designers.
Education & Interpretation The sustainable aspects of a project are often not immediately apparent to the average user. Providing an interpretive exhibit or educational signs and materials that outline the green aspects of the project not only serves as a record of accomplishment, it also provides an advocacy model for designers and manufacturers who want to advance specific technologies and methodologies.
Education & Interpretation One LEED Innovation Design point can be earned for providing interpretive or educational content describing how the project serves the environment.
Education & Interpretation Many building owners and clients want to exploit the attention they receive for backing a green building approach, and green educational program requirements are written into more and more RFPs.
Cost Issues In many cases, environmental graphics do not play a significant part in the overall material use in most buildings. However, EGD elements and systems are very visible to the public, providing direction, information, branding, and education.
Photo courtesy of Acorn Sign Graphics, Richmond VA
Cost Issues Most designers are not aware of the manufacturing processes involved in the development, fabrication, and shipment of signs and other EGD components.
Recyclability/Modularity Using modular products and services can lower the impact of a project on the environment and the budget. Mechanical elements that allow signs to be more easily changed and broken down into their component parts simplify recycling.
Recyclability/Modularity Project information: Cannon Wright Blount Application: Signage Industry: Corporate Location: Memphis, TN Designer: Helen Bach The Crump Firm
Case Study
Case Study – Green Building Practices Reclaimed Materials Case Study Elwood Thompsons Natural Foods Grocery Richmond, VA
Photo courtesy of Acorn Sign Graphics
Case Study – Green Building Practices Reclaimed Materials Clients philosophy was to be as sustainable as possible throughout the business—their products and their built environment. The design challenge was to make a modern store feel like a farmer’s market. Photo courtesy of Acorn Sign Graphics
Case Study – Green Building Practices Reclaimed Materials The fabricator worked with the owner/ architect to redesign all their interior and exterior signage. Notice the frame system holding the point of purchase produce signs running along the walls. Photo courtesy of Acorn Sign Graphics
Case Study – Green Building Practices Reclaimed Materials The structure is fabricated from steel rebar reclaimed from a locally sourced large construction site in Richmond. The fabricator had the rebar powder coated clear to contain the rusting and prevent rust from contaminating the produce or the hanging signage while allowing natural rust as a design element
Photo courtesy of Acorn Sign Graphics
Case Study – Green Building Practices Reclaimed Materials The system uses mechanical fastenings. The hanging clips are anodized aluminum carabineers, making it possible for the market to easily add to or reduce the number of signs. Photo courtesy of Acorn Sign Graphics
Case Study – Green Building Practices Reclaimed Materials The sign holders are custom fabricated from clear PETG (recyclable material), heat bent to form the sandwich to hold each sign insert. This gives the store complete flexibility to make their own changeable 8.5x11 (recycled) paper inserts.
Photo courtesy of Acorn Sign Graphics
Case Study – Green Building Practices
Reclaimed Materials
This last photo example is a table fabricated for the site from recycled highway signs. The net result -‐ a great design that incorporated reclaimed material, recyclable material (all parts), mechanical fasteners, durable construction and modularity. Photo courtesy of Acorn Sign Graphics
Case Study – Green Building Practices Reclaimed Materials
Photo courtesy of Acorn Sign Graphics
Case Study Virginia Association of Countries Building re-‐model which achieved LEED Gold Certification. Richmond, VA
Case Study – Green Building Practices Challenge: Create a cohesive system of signs using sustainable materials which might contribute to an Innovation in Design credit in the quest for LEED certification. Speak to both the old and the new, while being as "green" as possible. Photo courtesy of Acorn Sign Graphics
Case Study – Green Building Practices Deliverable: Design, produce and install a prominent lobby installation to orient visitors to the green features of the renovation, as well as LEED educational signs throughout the building and on the roof garden to highlight sustainable practices. Also include room identification, wayfinding and historic and LEED plaques.
Photo courtesy of Acorn Sign Graphics
Case Study – Environmental Signage In this case study, the fabricator developed a series of eco-‐friendly sign systems. The series was designed with the following principles in mind: • Modular components • Eco-‐friendly substrates • Recyclable content and components • Minimum use of adhesive and paints Photo courtesy of Acorn Sign Graphics
Case Study – Environmental Signage • Plyboo™ for the bamboo back plates • FSC certification for their sustainable moso (timber bamboo) forests • low or no urea formaldehyde (UF)-‐free manufacturing process • applicable LEED credit categories – – – –
EQ 4.4 Low emitting materials (no added urea formaldehyde) MR 6-‐Rapidly renewable MR7-‐FSC Certified Wood
Case Study – Environmental Signage • Aluminum was chosen for the mechanical fastening for the system, as it is durable, recyclable and a key to the modularity component of the system. • The anodized aluminum standoffs are custom fabricated from a locally sourced vendor. This allows a more cost effective approach, and reduces transportation cost and the carbon footprint of shipping. • While this example depicts use of certain materials and a look designed for a specific application, it is the methodology used to create this sign system that is the key to environmentally conscious design practices.
Photo courtesy of Acorn Sign Graphics
Case Study – Environmental Signage Over the lifespan of a building, there are typically multiple design changes to the building’s interior elements and signage. This sign system was designed with components that meet the typical design life cycle. NovAcryl-‐®ECR™ photopolymer panels were used to create the tactile portion of the sign, which has a lifespan of 5-‐10 years. All other components, including the mounting system, aluminum pucks/strips, and bamboo back plate, meet or exceed the 5-‐10 year life cycle.
Case Study – Environmental Signage This sign system incorporates materials that do not outgas high levels of VOC once installed in an interior. Color is applied to the tactile images with low-‐VOC heat transfer foil. No adhesives are used.
Case Study – Environmental Signage The amount of waste produced in the fabrication of the sign system and its components, including the photopolymer panel, is minimal. The effluent from the photopolymer is 100 percent biodegradable.
Summary • Low-‐impact materials: choose non-‐toxic, sustainably-‐produced or recycled materials which require little energy to process. • Energy efficiency: use manufacturing processes, methodologies and materials which require less energy.
Summary • Quality and durability: longer-‐lasting and better-‐functioning products will have to be replaced less frequently, reducing energy and cost in the complete process. • Design for reuse and recycling: Products, processes, and systems should be designed for performance in a commercial afterlife.
Challenges There are challenges associated with developing environmentally responsible sign solutions. The sign industry is one that is steeped in the use of traditional materials that are not always the most responsible materials to use on a sustainable project. For example, all bamboo is not created equal – questions to ask are where and how was it harvested?
Challenges Another challenge is reducing the use of adhesives while designing ways to combine components and then securely mount the system to the walls. For Example: Can the project be designed with modularity in mind, using magnetic mountings instead of adhesives?
Conclusion
Think Different! While there will always be challenges on any project, designing a project that is Environmentally Responsible and Sustainable sometimes offers unique “opportunities”.
Conclusion Your best path for an end product that meets everyone's goals is to work with a fabricator that has experience working hand in hand with design firms to balance client needs with materials & methodologies that will prove beneficial today and in the future.
End of AIA CES Program Course Number: 02SEGD Course Title:
Sustainability in Environmental Graphic Design
Course Sponsor Acorn Sign Graphics 4109 West Clay Street Richmond, VA 23230 Phone: 800-‐770-‐4744 E-‐mail: info@acornsign.com Web: www.acornsign.com
This concludes The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems Program