1 Socially equitable SuStainable deSiGn economically viable environmentally beniGn
“Sustainable graphic design is
the application of sustainability
principles to graphic design.
It considers the environmental impacts of graphic design 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.”
overview
Benefits to PNCA
Benefits to Students
Colleges with Sustainability Curriculum
Case Study: MCAD
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Benefits to PNCA
1 Program would appeal to a wide range of students, from
beginners to working professionals.
2 Can be marketed to design firms and professionals who
would like their employees to become more knowledgeable about sustainable practices. They could either take a spe-cific course/courses that focus on sustainability or receive the certificate.
3 Totally unique program that focuses on Graphic Design
(most other schools offer either a few courses, have
on-campus groups and events, or a certificate in multiple areas of design) would be at the forefront of sustainability education in Graphic Design, as no other school in the country currently offers an on campus graphic-design specific sustainability certification.
what IS SuStaInabIlIty?
“...development that meets
the needs of the present
without compromising the
ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.”
- brundtland report 1987Benefits to Students
1 Can offer new entrants into the job market a unique
marketable skill set, preparing them for an ever-globalizing, ever-greening marketplace.
2 Can offer students new skills unavailable anywhere else
as a certificate program.
3 Would give students an opportunity to obtain a unique
certificate degree that could open doors that a general GD certificate may not.
“there is a demand for
employees and leaders who
know what sustainability is
and understand its complexity,
understand how to approach
problems and solutions,
and know how to work with
and draw from different
disciplines.”
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Colleges with Sustainability Curriculum
colleGe diScipline credit offered campuS/online
General architecture buSineSS deSiGn Graphic deSiGn bS ba mS ma phd certificate creditclaSS on campuS online
arizona State university School of Sustainability
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portland State university
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uc davis
Green building and Sustainable design certificate program
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university of texas School of architecture
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uc berkeley extension
year long program in sustainable design
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ecoSa Institute
Semester programs/workshops
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pratt Institute
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university of oregon / continuing education
Sustainability leadership program
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rocky Mountain college of art and design
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Minneapolis college of art and design (Mcad)
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bainbridge Graduate Institute
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Case Study: MCAD
A total of 18 credits are required: 13 credits of required courses; and 5 credits of electives and other topics.
A varied selection of one- and three-credit online courses is offered each semester, including the summer. Successful completion (a grade of C or above) of 18 credits is required for completion of the online certificate. All coursework for the certificate must be completed in three years from the date of application for the certificate program.
Topics are one-credit courses featuring current, hot topics in sus-tainable design led by experts and leaders in their fields. Timely and domain-specific, these courses may also be taken as standalone refresher courses for industry and government professionals who are not working toward a certificate.
Electives are three-credit courses that provide in-depth and sus-tained investigation into focused topic areas. Students are able to establish teams and share expertise with other students coming from
R E q u I R E D C o u R S ES :
— Elements of Sustainability: A Foundation (recommended first course) — Sustainability or Else
— Framing the Big Picture: Systems Thinking and Life Cycle Analysis — Innovation, Sustainability and Design
— Making the Business Case or Green Design Tools (LCA)
To P I CS A N D E L EC T I v ES F o C uS I NG o N G R A P h I C D ES I G N, PAC k AG I NG D ES I G N A N D P R o DuC T D ES I G N
— Packaging Design and Market Greening
— Graphic Design for the 21st Century: As If Life Matters — Product Design: Natural Inspiration
— Moving Beyond Recycling: International Strategies for Product Policy — Packaging quick Fix
— Everyday Choices: opportunities in the Stuff of Life — Design: Green-Eco Design and Green Marketing
— Paper, Inks and Printing: The Essential Tool kit for Designers and Print Buyers — Emerging Trends in Green Product Design and Policy
— Steps to Personal Sustainability
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What would the transition
to a Sustainable focus in
courses look like?
Focus on cradle to cradle thinking as an extra level to class discussions and projects:
1 Do we need it? Can we live without it? 2 Is the project designed to minimize waste?
3 Can it be smaller, lighter or made from fewer materials? 4 Is it designed to be durable or multi-functional?
5 Does it use renewable resources? 6 Is reuse practical and encouraged?
7 Are the product and packaging refillable, recyclable or repairable? 8 Is it made with post-consumer recycled or reclaimed materials
and how much?
9 Are the materials available in a less toxic form? Can it be made with less toxic materials?
10 Is it available from a socially and environmentally responsible company?
11 Is it made locally?
Large focus and range of interactive courses
Interactive design is the future of the design industry. By nature, it is highly sustainable. In Portland and across the country, job opportunities are increasingly unavailable to those who do not have refined interactive design experience.
