7.9.2014

How to turn outdoor signage into sustainable, green signs

Green signs can be such a stereotype. Throw in terms such as LEED certified, sustainable, and the U.S Green Building Council, and the computer monitors might rattle from all the buzzwords.

Once the trendiness of the terms wears off, the intention of green signs is simply astonishing. Effective, efficient, reusable and sustainable, green signs provides businesses the opportunity to be save a few more pennies in their pocket, reduce their carbon footprint, and show their customers that they do more than looking to turn a quick buck.

So how does one turn their sign into a Green Sign? Let’s start with defining the terms.

Definition of Green Sign

The U.S. Green Building Council doesn’t have a specific definition for the term green signs. As far as we know, signs themselves can not earn a certification. What the USBGC does do with respect to signs is offer a list of materials which assist in having your location certified. Those materials include average LED intensity (ALI), antimicrobial treatment, and solar reflectance.

Let’s look a little deeper at some of the elements.

LED intensity - LED illumination

Those who read this blog regularly would note that we’re big fans of LED-Illuminated outdoor signage. And for good reason: it’s the accepted lighting in LEED certified signing. It keeps the carbon footprint and the light pollution to a minimum, even against wood signs with spotlights.

If you have LCD lighted signage at present, consider the switch. It’s a great step towards converting to green signage.

Acrylic Paints

Utilizing acrylic base polyurethane applied with an high volume low pressure (HVLP) paint sprayer provides a solid coat while reducing over-spray and atmospheric waste.

Solar Reflectance (SR)

Using materials and paints that help a sign stay cool in the soon is another standard for LEED certification. If your signage needs repainting or resurfacing, utilizing paints and materials that receive USGBC-rated SRI (solar reflectance index) is another step towards reducing your outdoor signage’s carbon footprint.

Either all-at-once or a little at a time

One can replace their outdoor signage or one can do repairs and upgrades utilizing LEED / USGBC-rated materials. For our own signage, recycled it. This was cheaper and, yet, still effective.

In the end, the proper path to take to convert your outdoor signage into green signage depends on your starting point. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us today. We’ll help set your on the path in as few steps as possible. Your carbon footprint will thank you for it.