"... promoting the value
of design towards a sustainable future."
The New SRD - Society for Responsible Design :: change design for the better by advancing
sustainably responsible design practices ::
PO Box 326 Church Point NSW 2105 Sydney - Australia
email the SRD office : srd@green.net.au
: or the SRD convenor : gppg@iinet.net.au
... CLICK the SRD Logos for a SITE TOUR .
Design is a process of creation and problem solving that goes
far beyond final styling or graphics. As such, great opportunity exists to intervene
or change current process and end products to add greater value in many criteria
and enhance the concept of sustainability. . The SRD combines the efforts of society and industry
through environmentally and socially responsible design practices to make products
and services significantly better. There is much room for improvement that will
ultimately provide major long term benefits for all. YOUR support and input
is invited. .
Designers as well as comsumers, today face the challenge
of considering the lifelong impact of the buildings, products and processes they
use and those they bring into being. Responsibility extends well beyond the time
a product is used. Designers have to view the entire history of a product from
materials extraction, through manufacture, transportation, sales, use, and post-use.
They need to consider the materials used, are they recycled, can they be recycled,
will they decompose, be reused, are they toxic in manufacture, use or afterlife?
Is the product useful, does it fulfil a real need, is it robust and durable, easy
to repair, use the least amount of materials for the most performance? Does it
generate pollution, is it energy efficient, is the least amount of packaging used
to transport and display the product? Is the styling going to date too quickly,
can the product be upgraded easily as technology improves, at the end of a useful
life can components be salvaged for use in newer version? Consumers are also becoming
more environmentally aware of the real cost of current wasteful and toxic production
and are demanding greener solutions. . Sustainable Responsible Design is a new direction
that requires complete revision of thought and of action. The many questions raised
however will only stimulate the number and sophistication of long term solutions
through innovative design and problem solving processes.
Those not involved directly with design still have
a huge opportunity for input. Starting with demanding better products and services
to actually making a difference in and around their own home, office or locality.
Knowledge of the issues is the first step. . The Society for Responsible Design is an independant,
not-for-profit, volunteer run organisation who aims to provide some of the answers
to those many questions. NB; this site is being redesigned this year. We evolved
into an umbrella organisation now known as The New SRD. This includes Engage Design
(the original SRD, this site) and Change
Design, (the original EcoDesign Foundation
EDF) and our combined efforts with several ChangeX.
WE are currently redesigning our web presence. SEND
website feedback and input for your design stream to: designoz[at] iinet.net.au
::
GROW THE SRD ! - We want your support, now. All who agree to our aims and objectives
may join, worldwide. Help us to continue our valuable work and education for Sustainability.
JOIN SRD :: go membership page
Very successful at GREX 1-3 JUNE 2007 Sydney, Australia .
The aim of the SRD is to work towards a sustainable future through environmentally
and socially responsible design practices
Our combined objectives are:
To promote and disseminate information on responsible
design among all designers, manufacturers and end users. .
To advise of education through capable educators
for students and all willing to relearn about sustainable responsible design. .
To foster a market for environmentally responsible
products and services. .
To work towards sustainability by assisting industry to accept
and implement environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing and marketing
practices. .
To establish an information resource and provide
a forum for the exchange of information on responsible design. .
To promote the evaluation of the social, environmental
and economic impact of design particularly in Australia. .
To liaise with and advise government agencies,
professional associations, environmental groups, community groups and industry
associations. .
To establish a skills bank which will make available to the larger community,
the services and expertise of members for advice
and practical assistance. .
The SRD is active in all design disciplines
including ;
Apparel, Architecture, Art, Building, Engineering, Exhibition, Furniture, Graphic,
Industrial, Interior,
Landscape, Packaging, Permaculture, Pest Management, Planning, Product, Textiles
... and yes we're even encouraging Fashion to "go green"
SRD Initiatives
SRD PROJECTS :: The Society for Responsible Designhas evolved into an umbrella organisation for Sustainable
Responsible Design. We simply call it The New SRD. .
:: This incorporates Engage Design (the original SRD, this site) and
:: Change Design , (
the original EDF) , see also Change
Design weblog :: ChangeX06 and ChangeX07
SRD Exhibitions, Talks and Tours ... including ChangeX
An informative series of talks and excursions, where presenters discuss and display
their real world experiences in bringing innovative sustainable and social design
projects to market.
Topics have encompassed a wide range of design sectors from graphics, landscaping,
textiles, commercial interiors and residential buildings to sites of re-manufacture
facilities, alternative lifestyles in practice and the topics of water, child
playgrounds, advances for the disabled, indigenous issues and the latest in student
projects. See News & Events
the REAP and GREENER PRINT Procurement guides A first for Australasia. Created for Designers and specifiers
down under, a Free guide on Eco paper and print ideas.
Combining recommendations from the paper industry with input by professionals
and supporting organisations. A developing resource that will help you to "see
the paper for the trees" : the REAP
guide
and now the Greener Print Procurement
guide
EcoInfoBank
A database of all the information on green design products
and services we have gathered over the past fifteen years.
Both computer and hardcopy based. This project has much scope for expansion
and discussions are in progress to achieve this.
EcoSpecifier -
http://www.ecospecifier.org
A guide to sourcing environmentally preferable materials, complete in printed
form and on the web (reduced info. version)
Originally produced in conjunction with RMIT. Principal sponsor: EcoRecycle
Victoria.
Website A resource that's also in development and expansion mode.
Your participation, input and feedback is invited.
See item inNews & Events"THE SRD SITE ...".
EcoDwell A pictorial journal with tips for us all. A webpage ecodwell.htmldescribing the process of incorporating appropriate sustainable
concepts into a complete terrace renovation. Project is now complete and a report
is due.
E-News ... on sustainable responsible design, local and international.
Information and articles with the latest developments plus summaries of SRD
public talks and Tours. Backcopies of our Loose Leaves newsletter are also available.
SkillsBank A register of SRD members; designers and related
businesses, in the many different fields of design that the SRD represents.
Currently only in hard copy, it lists their spheres of expertise and knowledge and is used for the many referrals
received through the SRD office.
MADE Accountable Exhibition & Catalogue In it's time, Australia's largest public exhibition of
Materials from Art and Design for the Environment, held at a recycled wharf
building in September 1995. The catalogue of over 50 exhibitors at M.A.D.E.
Descriptions of products, contact details and photographs and introductory design
essays. Remains the first list of responsible Australian design.
Out and About The SRD promotes responsible design through public
events like Commonwealth Bank Home Show, World Environment Days and Grex / EcoBuild
Home show, amongst others.
The EcoDesign Guidelines (Green Ink, Loose Threads,
Inner Harmony) are by no means a definitive
list, rather a discussion starter. Please contribute your own thoughts and suggestions
via email.
. -
GREEN INK - GREEN VISION -
Responsible Graphic Designers :
SRD Home . or .
click the SRD logo
for a full site tour!
. Here are many ideas to consider that can reduce your
environmental impact and achieve better practice. Try : the
REAP guide for Eco paper info. and ideas.
and now also see the Greener Print
Procurement guide. We welcome input from all related Visual fields to increase
the body and value of ideas for all to benefit: .
.
Strive to create the greatest visual impact with the
least environmental impact Achieving clients needs while limiting potential ecological
damage .
Encourage their clients to consider the environmental
impact of their production Educated clients are more willing to undertake
ecologically sound projects .
Consider the use of tree free paper stock such as sugar
cane waste, straw, seaweed, algae and hemp Alternative renewable paper sources can reduce
need for wood pulp from old growth forests .
Consider the use of Recycled paper stock with a high
Post Consumer Fibre (PCF) recycled content Clean mill waste has always been recycled so it is
better to keep consumer paper out of landfill .
Consider the use of recycled paper stock that has not
been de-inked De-inking is a energy expensive process which
still results in toxic waste ink .
Consider the use of unbleached or non chlorine bleached
paper stock Bleached paper requires the use of toxins which
are harmful to marine and water based life .
Consider the use of vegetable based printing inks such
as soy inks Vegetable based inks are renewable and emit
less toxic Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) .
Avoid the use of ink colours which contain high levels
of heavy metals such as copper, chrome, etc. Many bright colours contain heavy metals which
leach into ground water when landfilled .
Avoid overuse of gloss paper stock, because more exists
than can be de-inked and recycled
In some areas there is a glut of gloss paper because satin or matt paper is
used less .
Avoid overuse of plastic films, foil stampings, metallic
colours and synthetic adhesives Some synthetics have a life of 200-500 years
after they have been disposed of in landfills .
Avoid over use of perfect bound or spiral bound spines
as they are difficult to recycle The glues and metals in such binding impede
cost effective recycling .
Avoid 'bleeds' that are then trimmed and must be
de-inked before recycling Ink extended beyond trim marks requires more intensive
recycling than ink within trim marks .
Consider the smallest paper size suitable for each job,
ie A5 instead of A4
Less paper used means less energy expended and should also be cheaper for
client .
Use paper sizes and number of pages that best fit standard
sheet stocks without wasteful trimming
Printers can advise on best use of sheet stock for less paper wastage and
more price savings .
Use the least amount of ink colours for the job, ie
2 colour output instead of 4 colour
The greater the number of inks the more cleaning fluids required for the presses
= greater cost .
Avoid using too much ink in their designs
More ink means more difficult de-inking or greater toxic residue leaching
into groundwater .
Consider using filmless and plateless digital printing
technology for small run jobs
Modern printing technology can reduce amount of plastics, metals and inks
used for printing .
Use computer equipment which has energy saver features
Energy saver equipment shuts down when not is use saving burden on non-renewable
fossil fuels .
Use the back side of other sheets to proof their work
from inkjet printers
Increases by double the life span of office paper. Be careful with lasers
as toner can adhere to the drum. .
Avoid overpackaging, ie postcard for mailing instead
of envelope and letter
Follows credo of REDUCE, avoids unnecessary paper waste and expense .
Use the recycled logo or other devices to promote the
recycled nature of their production Customers and Users need to have the opportunity to
know they are purchasing recycled goods .
Promote design responsibility by printing PCW content,
ink and bleaching type on their work Customers & Users educated by one product will
look for the same credentials in other other products .
Specify that the windows on business envelopes be of
recyclable cellulosic content Cellulose based windows can be recycled as paper or
easily composted, plastic cannot .
Keep informed of the latest environmental developments
in inks, papers and printing processes
New technologies and rediscoveries of old techniques for green design are
occurring constantly
(To implement all the above ideas may be impossible -
yet every suggestion adopted will make a difference.)
the REAP guide v 1.5 and the Greener Print Procurement guide :
Easy-to-follow web site with plenty of substance. Separate pages detail the
issues for ink, paper and recycling. Combined with links to other related
sites show that these designers are true to their craft.
SRD Home . or .
click the SRD logo
for a full site tour!
. Here are many ideas to consider that can reduce your
environmental impact and achieve better practice.
We welcome input from all related Apparel fields to increase the body and value
of ideas for all to benefit: .
Aim to make long lasting clothing - The more durable a garment the greater the
timespan before replacement is needed, less resources are used .
Strive to design clothing with classic lines - Fashion styles are transient fads which require
constant redundancy, classic styling equals a long life .
Consider the use of recycled materials with a high Post
Consumer Waste (PCW) recycled content - PET drink bottles recycled into polyester
yarns, charity shop discards shredded to make new yarn, rubber tyres into
shoe soles .
Consider the use of natural renewable materials - Fibres like Cotton, Wool and Silk are renewable
unlike virgin synthetics which are a by-product of non renewable fossil fuel
extraction .
Consider the use of unbleached materials - Bleaching requires the use of toxins which
are harmful to marine and water based life .
Consider the use of chemical free natural materials - Cotton, for example, is often processed using
toxic formaldehyde to reduce shrinkage and wrinkling .
Consider the use of undyed materials - Many dyes leach heavy metals into groundwater
and waterways during production, home washing and landfill disposal .
Consider the use of naturally coloured materials - Green and Brown cotton can grown without dyeing,
Wool can be naturally black, grey, brown, fawn and ecru. .
Consider wherever possible using organic materials - Organic fibres are grown without the heavy
use of potentially toxic synthetic insecticides, herbicides and fertiliser .
Consider the use of natural renewable components - Buttons and Jewellery can be made from Tagua
nuts from the Amazon rainforest. Plantation wood buttons as well. .
Consider the use of recycled and/or recyclable components - Recycled PET cords, labels, webbings and
100% polyester recyclable zippers. Also recycled glass as buttons & toggles .
Investigate alternative fibre sources - Hemp can be grown organically and has the
strength of polyester, Tencel is plantation pulp extruded through a recycled
solvent process.
Maximise fabric yields and minimise fabric wastage by
carefully checking layplans & garment Design - Extravagant pattern shapes can lead to a
high amount of unwanted material which is then thrown away .
Consider laying up with cardboard patterns instead of
using computer generated layplan paper Computer Aid - Manufacture needs new throwaway paper plans
every time a new cut is done, cardboard can be used over & over .
Design functional garments - Pockets that can actually be used and are
not for affect, ornamental components avoided , sized for comfort not vanity,
etc. .
Use synthetic dyes which are colourfast or completely
biodegradable if natural based dyes - Coloured dyes can leach out during fabric/garment
dyeing and washing contaminating waterways .
If using synthetic materials consider using homogeneous
(all the same) materials - For example some garments are 100% polyester,
including labels, trims and thread so they can be recycled without contaminants .
If using natural materials consider using all naturals
- It should be possible to compost 100% natural
garments, especially unbleached, organic materials, after their long useful
life .
Ask their material suppliers to provide a comprehensive
background on the fabrics and trim - Exhibiting interest in the technical and
environmental history of a suppliers materials keeps them aware of their products
shortcomings .
Provide concise information on material content and
care/laundering on permanent garment labelling - Educated customers will value their garments and
treat them with respect which will lead to longer useful garment life. .
Avoid use of materials or construction detailing that
requires special laundering - Dry-cleaning, for example, is an expensive
process which uses toxic solvents, such as hydrocarbons which are linked to
ozone depletion .
Educate both retail and end use customers on the environmental
benefits of their designs - Customers once educated will demand, or at
least expect, the same high environmental standards from other garment designers .
Investigate methods of reducing materials waste in the
production process - Short roll ends can be sold to staff, clean
cutting scraps given to Reverse Garbage for school projects, natural fabric
scraps composted .
Keep informed of the latest environmental developments
in materials, components and manufacture - New technologies and rediscoveries of old techniques
for green design are occurring constantly
(To implement all the above ideas may be impossible -
yet every suggestion adopted will make a difference.)
Enterprise promoting the commercial use of Amazonian rainforest
products to keep indigenous tribes actively employed without destroying their
forests. Promotes the use of ivory like Tagua nuts for jewellery and buttons
and Treetap Vegetal, a natural latex rubber replacement from vinyl or leather.
Home page for the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.
It promotes resilient family farms, rural communities and ecosystems around
the world through research and education, science and technology, and advocacy.
A search feature provides many articles on cotton, etc.
An international group of designers working in fibres, fabrics,
finishes and products who are concerned about the environmental impact of the
traditional textile industry
A nonprofit organisation established to promote the beneficial
uses of hemp products worldwide. The IHA has sponsored programmes in Russia,
China, Hungary and the Netherlands. The programmes centre around the themes
of germplasm collection and conservation, hemp fibre identification, hemp product
quality control.
US based outdoor clothing company (with Australian stores)
who have helped pioneer mainstream apparel from recycled PET drink bottles and
from organic cotton. Great website with lots of information of environmental
aspects of their products.
SRD Home . or .
click the SRD logo
for a full site tour!
. Here are many ideas to consider that can reduce your
environmental impact and achieve better practice.
We welcome input from all related Design fields to increase the body and value
of ideas for all to benefit: .
Use all materials sparingly, particularly non-renewable
resources Old growth timbers, metals and precious stone are finite
resources, for which better alternatives exist. .
Select materials from renewable resources or recycled
sources Recycled materials are now more available, as
are renewable materials like straw based particle boards. .
Consider the offgassing properties of some materials Formaldehydes in boards/textiles, benzene and
toluene in paints can increase indoor air pollution. .
Use products and furnishings which have considered
their life cycle impact Look at Picto and Aeon office chairs can be
disassembled for recycling, keeping them out of landfill. .
Strive for a 'look' which isn't only a fashion statement Appropriate design will ensure that materials and products
will have long years of use. .
Use energy efficient appliances and fittings to save
burning those fossil fuels Compact fluoros and halogen lights use minimal energy
while curtains and draft stoppers retain heat .
Use materials which will aid in passive solar design Floor tiles and concrete slabs, for example,
in sunny winter rooms absorb and reradiate heat at night. .
Use natural ventilation Spaces can be cooled down in summer and rooms
ventilated against indoor air pollution .
Make sure the specification addresses all the eco qualities
you are wanting in your design For example specifying timbers certified by
the Forest Stewardship Council clearly shows your intent .
Design an eco deconstruction spec. when renovating or
relocating so that materials are not wasted Often no-one knows what to do with site materials,
such a spec means they taken offsite responsibly .
Start a library of eco-products and materials in your
office library for others to use as well Clients are often inspired after handling samples
of eco-products. Help educate peers by example .
Keep themselves up to date on eco-design issues Use the accompanying resource list plus the
SRD Talk and newsletters to keep up with latest issues .
Select products and materials which create a healthy
indoor environment Avoid wall to wall carpets by using hard surfaces
with floor rugs which can be easily cleaned and aired .
Select water efficient products to save this precious
commodity Specify low flow or automatic cut-off taps and
fittings, insulated tanks and pipes, quick boil urns, etc. .
Promote the benefits of energy and water conservation
to clients While upfront costs may be higher, longer term
use actually saves clients big money .
Consider increasing the amount of natural light into
spaces to reduce need for artificial lighting Correct placement of windows, internal partitions
and colours of walls/surfaces improve lighting .
Specify timbers which they have ensured come from a
long term renewable source Timbers recognised by the Forestry Stewardship
Council (FSC) are certified as sustainably harvested .
Select 'pure blend' textiles, which are most suitable
for the job they have to perform 100% blends make for ease of recycling, better
still select a material which has already been recycled .
Select fabrics which have come from a more sustainable
source For example, DesignTex have a line made from
organic ramie/wool dyed with non toxic dyes .
Avoid the use of chemically treated fabrics Moth and stain proofing treatments can impact
on both environmental and personal health .
Consider installation of energy saving devices Such as movement and light sensors for artificial
lighting in offices and home to reduce energy use .
Specify low Volatile Organic Compound emission paints Plant or mineral based products emit less VOCs, which
can contribute to Sick Building Syndrome .
Use materials for presentation boards which can either
be used again or recycled Avoid styrene boards which can be difficult
to recycle and conserve samples for further reuse .
Prepare working drawings on A4 & A3 paper or
digital CAD files on disks for easy copying Not every consultant or contractor needs all
the details on an large wasteful A1 sheet
(To implement all the above ideas may be impossible -
yet every suggestion adopted will make a difference.)
An obvious website for interior designers for all interests
which also has information related to the environment and health issues. Check
out the Fall issues 1997 of their Perspective newsletter titled - Technology/
ecology. This issue has articles from renowned eco designers such as Kirsten
Childs from Croxton Collaborative Architects including lots of worthwhile reading.
Well worth a look.
An excellent general website which has useful information
for the interior designer including subjects such as indoor air quality and
the environmental impact of buildings.
A terrific regular newsletter also available by subscription
for hard copies with full details of all articles. Includes some useful information
for interior designers. Some articles from back copies available on website.
A new searchable CD-ROM of all back issues also available.http://www.envirolink.org/aboutsite/ - Envirolink
A general environmental website with useful information
on nearly anything you'd want to know about conserving the environment. See
the Sustainable Business Network link for useful information and articles about
products and materials.
A searchable database of over 1,400 products and resources
for green buildings. Run by IRIS Communication. Ph: 0011 1 (541) 484 9353 Fax:
0011 1 (541) 484 1645 E-mail: iris@oikos.com
Interior Concerns Environmental Resources, PO Box 2386, Mill
Valley, 94942, USA pH: 0011 1 (415) 389 8049 Fax: 0011 1 (415) 388 8322 E-mail:
intcon@nbn.com Interior Concerns Resource Guide, over 230 pages of tools, information,
products, materials, case studies and listings for sustainable and healthy building
and design. Interior Concerns Newsletter, bimonthly information on the same.
(USD$35 plus postage.)
Disclaimer: The Society for Responsible Design and its
committee and associated organisations excludes any warranty implied or otherwise
for the information on our entire web site and connected links. Research and care
has been taken in compiling this information and it is presented on the basis
that each individual and organisation will make their own tests and conclusions
as to the suitability of adopting or using any process or product or service mentioned.
Any opinions expressed may not be those of the committee.
"Never believe that a few caring people
can't change the world –
For indeed that's all who ever have." Margaret Mead
SRD CHANGEX07. 
