We are embracing sustainability in our applications because we appreciate the value it brings. The intention of OTB’s sustainable way of working is to "eliminate negative environmental impact completely through skillful, sensitive design".
Manifestations of sustainable design require:
- no non-renewable resources
- impact the environment minimally
- and relate people with the natural environment
Beyond the "elimination of negative environmental impact", sustainable design could create projects that are meaningful innovations that can shift behaviour. A dynamic balance between economy and society, to generate long-term relationships between user and object or service and finally respectful and be mindful of the environmental and social differences.
Sustainable marketing is the application of sustainability principles to all our marketing activities. It considers the environmental impacts of our strategies, graphic design and end products (such as packaging, printed materials, publications, etc.) throughout a life cycle that includes: raw material; transformation; manufacturing; transportation; use; and disposal.
Graphic designers engaged in sustainable practice use techniques, processes, and materials that will help reduce the detrimental environmental, social, and economic impact of their designs.
When subjecting a design to a sustainability audit, we might consider:
- reducing the amount of materials required for production
- using paper and materials made with recycled, post-consumer waste
- printing with low-VOC (volatile organic products) inks
- what production methods require the least amount of transport
- which vendors use renewable energy
- if the product can fulfill more than one purpose
- if the end-product is biodegradable or recyclable
- if the end-product can be replaced by a digital, rather than printed, format
- just-in-time production to reduce number of units produced and warehoused
- which vendors sell products certified by third party NGOs
We also have guiding principles:
- Placing environmental and social sustainability at the core of practices and professional responsibilities
- Developing and continually improving practices, procedures, products, services, and standards for sustainable design
- Educating clients, and the general public about the importance of sustainable design
- Working to change policies, regulations, and standards in government and business so that sustainable design will become the fully supported standard
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