The Green Resource Guide

SEGD Workshop: Material, Process, and Green Design

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:45:00 +0000

Material, Process, and Green Design
Themes: Documentation & and the Design Process, Sustainability, Materials
September 15, 2011
5:00 - 8:30pm
Prophet
160 5th Ave., Fifth Floor
New York, NY 10010
Click here to register.

The SEGD Documentation and the Design Process Practice Area is sponsored by Design Communications Ltd. with Creo Industrial Arts and Principle Group.

The workshop is sponsored by iZone, Jones Sign, and SignComp.

In today's environment, it is often difficult to know what materials and processes truly are sustainable and which are nothing more than an empty sales pitch. Even when we have a clear creative vision for a green project, what are the key points in the development process that we can focus on to ensure that vision isn't lost in translation?

This workshop will take a global look at environmental graphic designers' responsibilities toward sustainability, and provide perspective from experts in the fields—people who are making a change.

This course will:

Identify strategic communication tools to help your clients understand the tangible advantages of going green
Examine how to streamline your creative development and documentation process to integrate your sustainable vision into a final product
Help you learn how to apply a green checklist to your material and method selection process
Hear about the sustainable aspects of commonly specified substrates and fabrication techniques, while discovering greener alternatives
Explore new possibilities for environmental graphic design through materials samples provided by Material ConneXion

Image Microsystems Wins Green Product Showcase Award at ISA 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Tue, 03 May 2011 17:07:00 +0000

Image Microsystems Wins Green Product Showcase Award

Patent pending MicroStrate™ sign substrate is a versatile material made completely of recycled e-waste plastic. Image Microsystems' proprietary manufacturing process combines "dirty" plastic found in spent printer cartridges and computer or printer housings and converts it into resilient, cost-effective, earth-friendly products. Recent tests conducted by Texas Tech University show that MicroStrate™ sign substrate is as durable as aluminum, but is much greener, contributing only ¼ the carbon footprint.

Dirty plastic is considered valueless in the recycling supply chain and as a result frequently ends up in landfills. Now, purchasers of signage and markers made from MicroStrate™ can save money on a product as tough -- but not as theft-prone as aluminum -- while simultaneously feeling good about contributing to carbon footprint and e-waste reduction. As a result of these benefits, MicroStrate™ signage has recently been installed on roadways in several municipalities and on large corporate campuses.

As Earth Day approaches, dig into companies’ green claims

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:33:00 +0000

As Earth Day approaches, dig into companies’ green claims

Interactive Touchscreen Solutions, Inc.’s Navigo® System Featured in Buildings Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 04:14:00 +0000

Interactive Touchscreen Solutions, Inc.’s Navigo® System Featured in Buildings Magazine

PrintingNews.com - Article - Mutoh Releases Eco-Friendly MP Ink

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 15:12:00 +0000

PrintingNews.com - Article - Mutoh Releases Eco-Friendly MP Ink

UL Environment Acquires GREENGUARD Environmental Institute | News | Healthcare Design

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 10:45:00 +0000

UL Environment Acquires GREENGUARD Environmental Institute | News | Healthcare Design

Greenguard Press Release

Renewing our Green Commitment

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:23:00 +0000

Here is a fun video from Ken Mergentime, Sign and Digital Graphics Magazine. As business picks back up in 2011 we all need to continue being environmentally conscious in our businesses.

Sustainability Committee

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:45:00 +0000

The ISA Sustainability Committee which was a Subcommittee until late 2010 is set to achieve a variety of goals this year. 2010 was a an important year for the committee establishing itself as a legitimate committee set to tackle various sustainability issues and become a resource for the sign industry.

The committee is made up of a diverse group of industry professionals from various backgrounds. The complete list of members is below. Also listed below is an inside look at a few of the committees goals.

I. ISA 2011 Strategic Plan pertaining to the Sustainability Committee

The safety, quality and acceptance of industry products, services, and performance will

improve as a result of ISA sponsored research and influence in industry standards and guidelines.

Objective 1: Expand outreach efforts to standard setting and regulatory groups, and develop cooperative training initiatives that address signage and visual communication standards.

Objective 2: Improve outreach efforts to affiliated industries/associations to gather

technical and training knowledge.

Objective 3: Increase ISA research capabilities in support of industry positions.

Objective 4: Improve ISA’s and industry’s understanding and documentation of best

practices in the signage and visual communications industry.

II. 2011 Program Initiatives

Sustainability Committee Mission Statement: Position ISA as a leader in sustainability in the sign industry, reflecting support of people, planet, and profits as a whole.

Program Initiative I: Develop industry positions and sponsor research to respond to sustainability challenges and government regulation.

- SC Strategic Program Initiative: Research, report, respond, and train on environmental regulatory issues at the local, state and federal level.

Program Initiative II: Encourage and communicate the positive environmental choices available to the on-premise sign industry.

- SC Strategic Program Initiative: Create content to appear regularly in trade publications and online media and social networks.

- SC Strategic Program Initiative: Enhance and develop the Green Product Showcase.

Program Initiative III: Position ISA as the resource for sustainability in the sign industry.

- SC Strategic Program Initiative: Continue review of existing literature and standards to better understand sustainability issues pertaining to ISA members.

- SC Strategic Program Initiative: Increase ISA research capabilities in support of industry positions.

- SC Strategic Program Initiative: Create additional, online resource for sign industry re: sustainability issues and definitions.

Program Inititative IV: Establish cooperative partnerships with relevant industry organizations

- SC Strategic Program Initiative: Partner/join/sponsor appropriate organizations to strengthen resources available to our stakeholders on sustainability issues as they affect the sign industry.

- SC Strategic Program Initiative: Develop a cooperative Sustainability Summit with participation of relevant organizations and stakeholders.

The 4th relates to building actual resources and case studies. This initiative is an opportunity for other companies to participate and share information about different things being done today regarding sustainability. Anyone who has something to share should contact Sapna Budev.

Environmental Committee Members

Teresa M. Young, Chair, Sign Biz, Inc. – Chair
Sapna Budev – ISA Staff Director
Grady Brown , ASI corporate
Beth Gillespie, Acorn Signs & Graphics
Anne-Marie Girard, Akzo Nobel
Melanee Jech, Icon Identity Solution
Carol Keljo, Security Signs
Jason Melby, Daktronics
Kerry Moore, CAO Group
Harry Niese, Midwest Neon Supply
Mike Santos, Nova Polymers

How To Be A Green Sign Company

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 21:34:00 +0000

In the January issue of Sign Builder Illustrated there is a Green Supplement that has several articles related to green issues including one that I wrote called "How To Be A Green Sign Company."

As we move into 2011 there is still a lot of uncertainty around what companies need to do to be more environmentally conscious. This article along with the other articles in this issue give insight into what other companies are doing which hopefully inspires you to do the same.

After reading my article a college had the following comments which I thought I'd share - "When you look at green the easiest way to accomplish large goals is to be minimalistic about your approach- If you re-evaluate your product line and ask Do I need this or how can I condense this product - that is where the win – win comes from - Saving money and reducing resources."

Code Council Offers Complimentary Download of New IGCC Version 2.0

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 03:00:00 +0000

The International Code Council has launched Version 2.0 of the International Green Construction Code for use as a jurisdictional tool to regulate green construction, and as a document for comment leading into the 2011 Code Development and Final Action hearings. You may access IGCC PV 2.0, including excerpts of the code’s Water Provisions as free downloads, on the Code Council’s website at www.iccsafe.org/igccv2. Public Version 2.0 reflects the work of the IGCC Public Hearings Committee, which conducted a review of 1,500 comments and nearly 120 hours of testimony during eight days of public hearings during August 2009 in Chicago.

The IGCC applies to new and existing, traditional and high-performance commercial buildings. It includes ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1 as an alternative compliance requirement. Coordinated with the ICC family of codes, the IGCC is designed to go beyond traditional code requirements for those communities who are aggressively pursuing a sustainable goal.

DOWNLOAD

Maintaining the Green Learning Curve by Beth Gillispie

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 02:03:00 +0000

Anyone invested in sustainable design and products, especially in the fields of architecture and design as well as signage, knows that new ideas, products, and applications are emerging every day. The challenge is to maintain our “green learning curve” in the midst of our busy lives. It helps to network with like minded colleagues who are also passionate about sustainability, and it helps to stay connected with vendors, associations, and publications with a focus on green building.

I have found that one of the easiest ways to get a daily dose of inspiration and keep my learning curve strong is to use the internet to do the research for me. You can stay current with just a few minutes every day (easier than an exercise routine!) by setting up a free GoogleAlerts account. Type in your key words, and each day Google will send you articles available on the web with those key words. For example, I have set up “green friendly signage” and “environmentally friendly signs” as some of my topics. Those of you who follow sports teams or other specific topics know that this is similar to having your own personal news delivered to your email each day. The items are not always relevant, but there are often some jewels amidst the cyberspace asteroids, and for the few minutes it takes to scan the results you just might see an application that not only lifts your learning curve, but also your ability to innovate and provide more sustainable solutions yourself.

Beth Gillispie

CEO

Acorn Sign Graphics

How to Recycle Tricky Materials: Our Guide to Recycling - Nature and Community - MOTHER EARTH NEWS

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:07:00 +0000

How to Recycle Tricky Materials: Our Guide to Recycling - Nature and Community - MOTHER EARTH NEWS

JOIN the ISA Sustainability Subgroup on LinkedIn

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 01:34:00 +0000

The ISA Sustainability Committee (formerly ISA Environmental Subcommittee) has created a group on LinkedIn that will follow the work of the committee and discuss industry related events and topics.

The Sustainability Committee has aggrressive plans for 2011 and would like to hear from as many people as possible on all issues relating to sustainability and signage. The more people who get involved the better the committee can serve the industry at large.

CLICK HERE to join and make sure to tell a friend!

Zero Net Energy

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:26:00 +0000

Below is an interesting video that is posted in the Video Library on Architectural Record's website. The video is about a zero net energy house - nothing to do with signage or EGD but still interesting.

Sustainability Survey: EGD Getting Greener, but Challenges Remain

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 22:48:00 +0000

In September, the SEGD conducted a members survey regarding the incorporation of sustainable practices in projects. Over 86% of respondents said they are trying to incorporate sustainable practices in their work with a range of approaches, from direct-to-substrate printing to maximizing the use of local materials, using materials with high recycled content levels, and designing modular elements when possible.

The survey yielded great results and insight. Universities, Museums and Healthcare ranked as the top three market segments for sustainable project.

The survey results are posted on SEGD’s Green Resource Guide site.

Sustainable Design Studio Open House in Richmond

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:01:00 +0000

Yesterday I attended an open house at Acorn Sign Graphics for their new design studio which is located across the street from their fabricating facility in Richmond, VA. The studio incorporates a variety of green and sustainable strategies and show cases the many green solutions Acorn provides.

Acorn has been a leader in green and sustainable design by not only designing green signage but also in the way they run their business and treat their employees. The design studio shows how companies can incorporate green in their every day businesses.

Below is a short video that highlights many of the green features of the studio. My favorite is the conference room door which uses all recycled or re-used component.

A New Life for Plastics

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:07:00 +0000

GreenBiz.com is hosting another interesting webinar on plastics and bioplastics. Below is a brief summary. CLICK here to register.

A New Life for Plastics: End-of-life Solutions in the Age of Greener Materials

October 5, 2010, 8:30 AM PDT / 11:30 AM EDT

Plastics in the waste stream have long been a concern, and companies have been finding new ways to address this challenge. After all, why must a polymer that has the potential to last thousands of years in the environment be used in single-use packaging applications? Many companies are now turning to biopolymers instead of traditional petrochemical-based plastics to address waste management challenges and create localized energy.

Biobased plastics can degrade in two ways: in oxygen-laden environments, and in environments that lack oxygen. Certain biopolymers have been shown to have characteristics that allow them to degrade in an industrial composting setting.

This free, one-hour webcast will shine a light on how global biotechnology and chemical firms are driving innovation to help find a solution to plastics in the waste stream. Join us as we explore recent trends in the plastics industry, including:

Use and inclusion of biopolymers
Innovative technologies linking plastics to energy generation
End-of-life considerations from the design phase
Standards development

You will learn:

the benefits of using biopolymers over traditional plastics
the differences among commonly-used biopolymers and their end-of-life solutions
challenges faced by the plastic manufacturing, waste management and packaging industries
how degradation of biopolymers can help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels

Leading the way with Greener Signage: ASI

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:14:00 +0000

GreenBuilg.com Article
Leading the way with Greener Signage: ASI

Posted September 23, 2010 8:10 AM by Alex Wilson
Related Categories: Alex's Cool Product of the Week

ASI offers interior signs made from renewable and recycled materials and exterior signs with PV lighting. Photo: ASI. Click on image to enlarge

Clear signage can help us find our way, it can inform us, and--in a green building--it can highlight environmental features. That signage can also, itself, make a statement about the environment.

ASI is one of the industry innovators sign fabrication, and nowhere is that innovation more apparent than in its green product lines. The company offers three distinct lines of environmentally friendly signs: the ASI Solar Series, InTac Eco, and Terra.

The ASI Solar Series is designed for exterior applications where self-contained internal illumination is desired. Integral photovoltaic (PV) modules and self-contained lead-acid batteries power these signs with no need for trenching or wiring. Aluminum housings, LED lighting, interchangeable face panels, acrylic lettering, and zero operating costs are among the features. The company claims that full nighttime illumination will be provided for up to eight days without sunlight.

ASI Solar exterior signs use LED lighting and integral PV modules and battery storage. Photo: ASI. Click on image to enlarge

InTac Eco is a line of interior signs that combine Greenguard-certified materials, low-VOC paints, and a large color palette to choose from. These signs are made from renewable biopolymer, wood, or paper. Eco Plant is a compostable, bio-based plastic (biopolymer) derived from non-food agricultural crops; it is available in thicknesses of 1/32" and 1/16" (0.79 and 1.6 mm), has a maximum service temperature of 104°F (40°C), comes in a matte-white finish and can be painted or receive digitally printed graphics. Eco Wood is a wood-fiber material that is available in 1/4" (6.4 mm) thickness and 12 standard colors, but cannot be painted or receive digitally printed graphics; it carries Greenguard Children & Schools certification. Eco Paper is a paper-wood composite that is available in nine colors and thicknesses of 1/8" and 1/4" (3.2 and 6.4 mm); it carries Greenguard Children & Schools and FSC certifications and can receive digitally printed graphics.

ASI InTac Eco interior signs are made from a renewable bioplastic. Photo: ASI. Click on image to enlarge

Terra signs, also for interior use, are made from 3form ecoresin™, a 40% pre-consumer-recycled co-polyester material that can be specified with embedded sustainably harvested plant materials. Available ADA-Ready® with tactile letters or Braille in thicknesses of 1/16", 1/8", 1/4", and 3/8" (1.6, 3.2, 6.4, and 9.5 mm), Terra signs carry SCS certification for recycled content and Greenguard Indoor Air Quality certification. Select Terra patterns use Fair Trade materials sourced by 3form from Third World countries in which farmers are paid a fair wage for their crops or Full Circle materials developed in collaboration with skilled artisans in Third World countries. 15 "standard" colors and patterns are available for the base material, with 18 colors for tactile lettering as well as custom options. Terra's Fair Trade materials include Tiger Thatch, Bear Grass and Bear Grass Lite; Full Circle materials include Banana Fiber and Fossil Leaf.

With all of these sign options, a variety of standard styles and sizes are available, along with custom options.

ASI Terra interior signs use 3form ecoresin, which is a 40% recycled polyester with embedded plant materials. Photo: ASI. Click on image to enlarge

ASI maintains environmentally responsible manufacturing practices throughout their operations, including use of recycled materials whenever possible, minimizing waste, responsibly managing water, and reducing use of chemicals in production. Founded in 1965, ASI is represented in 40 U.S. cities and has global partners in 35 countries. "Green" is heavily featured on the company website.

In highlighting the green features of your buildings--as well as other signage needs--why not use signs that embody those green features?

For more information:

ASI
Dallas, Texas
800-274-7732 (patches through to local affiliate)
www.asisignage.com

See more on this product in the GreenSpec Guide

Alex Wilson is the executive editor of Environmental Building News and founder of BuildingGreen, LLC. In addition to this product-of-the week blog, he writes the weekly Energy Solutions blog. To keep up with his latest articles and musings, you can sign up for his Twitter feeds. .

Upcoming Events

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:57:00 +0000

There are a couple green/sustainable events coming up that I thought I'd share.

SEGD Teleconference
LEED and your EGD Strategy
Teleconference Course
Theme: LEED and Sustainability
September 24, 2010
1:00pm EST

Click HERE for more info and to register.

A New Vision for Sustainability
P&G Webcast with GreenBiz.com
September 27 at 11 AM EDT

Click HERE for more info and to register.

The International Sign Association presents the webinar:
Compliance Training for the EPA’s Surface Coating Rule
Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Last Chance - click HERE for more info and to register.

Sustainable Zinc

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 02:39:00 +0000

Architectural Record has an interesting article called Zinc: The Sustainable Choice among Architectural Metals.

Planet Earth Digital Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 01:53:00 +0000

ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability is a nonprofit membership association of local governments committed to climate protection, clean energy, and sustainability. It has more than 600 members in the U.S. and 1,200 worldwide.

Its new digital magazine, Planet Earth, is a great read for those who want to keep up with cutting-edge sustainability policies being implemented by local governments. --P.M.K.

Solar Powered Signs - SBI Article

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:03:00 +0000

Sign Builder Illustrated published an article in the September issue called Solar-powered Sign Greens Times Square. Ricoh Americas has created the first solar powered billboard in Times Square. CLICK HERE to read more....

Sustainability

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:00:00 +0000

The word sustainable or sustainability has now become one of the biggest misunderstood and mis-used words related to environmental issues. Sustainability is defined on http://sustainabilitydictionary.com/ as "Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Wikipedia defines Sustainability as the "capacity to endure".

Are we really doing this in our industry and have we really adopted processes and procedures and started building products that are sustainable? Have we evolved to the point were the projects we design and build have a zero landfill contribution or are we at least working towards this goal and more?

Bill McDonough said years ago "We still have people talking about 'sustainability'! Nothing is more boring. Are you proud if your marriage is 'sustainable'?"

There are many good people working hard to push environmental initiatives forward in our industry. It becomes very easy to be complacent and say, "we're sustainable" when most of the time saying we're green is a stretch.

Glossary of “Green” Terms

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 20:14:00 +0000

Below is a link to a glossary of green terms found on ISA's website - signs.org. I would be interested in any other glossary that is out there.

Glossary of "Green" Terms

Growing Plastic

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Santos) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:20:00 +0000

Bioplastic (plastics made from renewable biomass resources) have been around for awhile now and are being used for all kinds of applications, including signage. Metabolix is one of the companies that has created different types of bioplastic and has recently found a way to grow bioplacstic in saw grass.

Below is a great video from BioDigest that talks about bioplastic and how they are grwoing it in sawgrass at the end of the video.