Sustainability is the ability for something to be carried out or maintained at a sustainable level. In this case, we’re talking about designing and going about your everyday business while having as little of an environmental impact as possible. Sustainability has been a hot topic for the past several years, and rightly so! It’s time everyone becomes more aware of their own environmental impact and how simple changes to your daily routine or work process can have a massive effect.
In-Office
There are a few, easy things that you can do in your office to ensure you’re operating sustainably. Here are some examples: 
- Swap your bulbs! Energy-efficient light bulbs are easy to find and install, so why not?
- Save water where possible – turning off taps and being careful with water consumption
- Toss on sweaters or open windows – only use heaters and fans when you actually need them
- Get some plants! Aesthetic and air quality, a win-win.
- Recycle, recycle and RECYCLE! It only takes a few seconds to make sure you’re putting everything into its correct bin
Designing, but Digital
It’s time to go digital, well at least where you can. The world is moving this way anyway, so why not start adapting now – good for you and the environment. This can mean shifting your marketing to digital platforms. For example, instead of paper mailing lists, why not consider moving to email campaigns? They’re a great way to tailor your content easily while being able to track the campaign’s success. Social media campaigns are another great way of marketing your business without having a negative impact on the environment. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn are becoming increasingly popular for promotional activity and customer interaction.
We get it, you can’t escape some waste
We know that it’s a lot easier said than done to be completely waste-free, but don’t worry, there are a few things you can do. When you have to use paper, try and make sure it’s coming from a good source (FSC certified paper). There are loads of companies out there that are part of the global reforestation movement meaning that when you buy their paper or use their printing services, they replace the trees used. When it comes to physical signage, make sure you are using recyclable materials. That way, when it becomes time for a change, you’re not just tossing it all into a landfill. There are also companies that specialise in recycling these materials, and you may just get some money in return for it. If you are planning on exhibiting events, you might consider investing in a stand or structure that you can re-use for each event, just swapping out the necessary graphics. That way you can have it branded to match your company while also saving money in the long term. You may also want to consider implementing charitable donations into your business plan. Not only is this a great way to lend a helping hand and set targets, but it also shows your customers that you aren’t only thinking of the money. For example, you dedicate a campaign in which X amount of profits or sales go towards a charity or cause of your choice. It’s important to remember that while, as a business, you can’t singlehandedly change the world, you can have a big impact if you want to. You don’t have to change everything you’re doing straight away, even if you only take on board a few of the things covered in this article, it’s still a step in the right direction. If you have any questions about sustainability in design or wayfinding, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d be happy to have a chat.