Digital design projects are visual communication pieces that include work in fields such as web design, digital imaging, application design, and 3-D modeling. Digital design projects are created to be viewed online, downloaded for a mobile device, distributed via email, viewed in public by a digital screen, on a DVD, and/or otherwise hosted online.

Is Digital Greener than Print?

The answer to this question is convoluted. Sometimes it is best to use a digital outcome, while on other occasions, printing may be better. Considerations for choosing the right outcome depend on distribution area, file sizes, materials used, vendors, etc. Server farms that host our online creations and data, can use up to 100 billion KwH of energy nationally (Energy, Efficiency, & Technology).

The computers and other electronics utilized in the digital world also become an environmental and human health hazard at the end of their lifecycles. However, it is important to point out that this same problem exists in the print design world. We use large and small-scale printers, laptops, scanners, digital cameras, etc. that also end up in the landfill and exported for dangerous disassembly overseas. It’s important when deciding between digital versus print to look at the entire system in which your piece will live and die. Technology and new discoveries are evolving every day, and these standards will update accordingly.

The premiere level of sustainable certification.

Energy & Equipment

• Hosting and/or distribution vendors servers powered by 100% renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.)

• Studio creating project powered by 100% renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.)

• Utilizes Energy Star rated (or internationally equivalent) equipment

Studio:

• Has a publicly accessible environmental policy
• Has a written equipment/electronics recycling plan in operation

Process + Content

• The project must not impede basic human rights, or be designed to negatively impact the biological environment.
• Project message contributes to the greater good (educational, social responsibility or environmental message)
• Web-based projects have print-friendly options when applicable
• There is no printed component to the project
• Must meet accessibility guidelines as set forth by the W3C where applicable. Cross-browser and platform compatibility, accessibility (i.e. Alt text for images, transcripts for podcasts, and keyboard input) etc. are examples of W3C criteria.

This tier is moving towards the ideal in terms of material, use and manufacture.

Energy & Equipment

• Hosting and/or distribution vendors servers powered directly by a minimum of 30% renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.) or a minimum of 50% green-e certified carbon offsets

• Studio creating project powered directly by a minimum of 30% renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.) or a minimum of 50% green-e certified carbon offsets

• Studio utilizes Energy Star rated (or internationally equivalent) equipment

Studio:

• Has a publicly accessible environmental policy
• Has a written equipment/electronics recycling plan in operation

Process + Content

• The project must not impede basic human rights, or be designed to negatively impact the biological environment

• Web-based projects have print-friendly options when applicable

• There is no printed component to the project

• Must meet accessibility guidelines as set forth by the W3C where applicable. Cross-browser and platform compatibility, accessibility (i.e. Alt text for images, transcripts for podcasts, and keyboard input) etc. are examples of W3C criteria.

This is an introductory level certification beginning on the path towards future greener projects.

Energy & Equipment

• Hosting and/or distribution vendors servers powered by a minimum of 25% green-e certified carbon offsets

• Studio creating project powered by a minimum of 25% green-e certified carbon offsets

• Studio utilizes Energy Star rated (or internationally equivalent) equipment

Studio:

• Has a publicly accessible environmental policy
• Has a written equipment/electronics recycling plan in operation

Process + Content

• The project must not impede basic human rights, or be designed to negatively impact the biological environment

• Web-based projects have print-friendly options when applicable

• Must meet accessibility guidelines as set forth by the W3C where applicable. Cross-browser and platform compatibility, accessibility (i.e. Alt text for images, transcripts for podcasts, and keyboard input) etc. are examples of W3C criteria.