Green Exhibits: Moving towards Sustainability

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1 Fall 2010 "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs." -World Commission on Environment and Sustainability As designers and producers of the built environment, we have a responsiblity to address the issue of sustainability in a way that is practical and achieveable in incremental steps. Sustainability is not about getting it all perfect right away. It's about working toward changing the way we do business with respect for the population we serve. Green design and building practices are fast becoming the standard to which new projects are being judged. Within the context of trade show exhibits, the lifecycle of the product needs to be considered as much as the resources used in material procurement, crating, shipping, and handling of the properties. The criteria by which we have developed our green exhibit products takes into account lifecycle issues along with economic constraints in the current market environment. The unique characteristics of temporary exhibit structures help to focus our strategy towards areas of improvement that can have the most impact on the environment and lessen energy consumption. Due to these unique conditions, the basis for decisions concerning materials and processes choice are based on many recommended practices but do not adhere to any one standard. In general our current green exhibit package emphasizes the following guidelines. Practice the 3 R s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle ) 1. Re-use existing exhibit properties if suitable, this is the most direct way to reduce consumption of resources. Refurbish and update existing trade show displays instead of replacing them. New surfaces, color and graphics can add significant life to an existing exhibit property. 2. Alternatives to building- we offer rental trade show exhibits to reuse and reduce material consumption. 3.Recycle or donate old exhibits and properly reallocate waste when possible, so it avoids the landfill. 4. Use products from salvaged, rapidly renewable or post-consumer recycled content, or agricultural waste materials. Purchasing recycled products reduces demand for virgin resources, saves energy, and develops stronger markets. 5. Use wood made with sustainably harvested, FSC Certified material Use screws and mechanical fasteners instead of glues. 7. Use low VOC or water based paints and adhesives. 8. Use Recycled synthetic carpeting with low VOC s, as well as alternative materials such as cork, bamboo and linoleum for flooring. 9. Avoids vinyl based signage products. 10. Print on 100% post-consumer paper and at least 50% post-consumer rigid substrates using non-petroleum based inks.

2 DIMENSIONAL DYNAMICS Lighting: LED Low Voltage lamps Structure: 77% recylced Aluminum also Recyclable Infill & Graphic Substrates : PET Sheet, Green core rigid backer, High recycled content fabrics Countertops: Bamboo,Paperstone, Biocomposite, Laminate over FSC plywood Cabinet materials: FSC Wood, Plyboo sheet, Sorghum Board Carpet: PET fiber, Linoleum, recycled rubber, natural jute or sisal Padding: Safestep Commercial pad When new properties are called for- we recommend using structural systems which allow for maximum adaptability to spaces of many sizes and support multiple types of materials for defining a space, the lighting and graphic presentation methods. Structural Materials: MODUL Aluminum Structural Extrusions Modular with many reconfiguration options Lightweight- High strength to weight ratio 77% recycled material- 100% recyclable Manufactured within 500 miles of Bay Area Dismantles easy for efficient shipping Requires high heat to produce has highest level of embodied energy offset somewhat by reduced shipping weight and utility Harsh Extraction methods

3 Key Features of our green trade show exhibit options : FSC- ( Forest Stewardship Council) Certified wood- Certifies plywood, veneers and framing members that have been sustainably grown and harvested. Tension Fabric Structures: These super light fabric covered aluminum frames fill space at a fraction of the weight as well as allow for virtually any 3-d form imaginable. The largest ingredient is skilled labor. The structures are all shipped disassembled, so freight costs (and carbon emitted) are a fraction of comparable hard structures. See above for pros and cons of aluminum. Natural Fibers-Unfortunately, most of the fabrics used are synthetic, and nearly all of the material comes from oil. Cotton and other natural materials are not stable with humidity changes, and they stain easily. There is progress with natural material use. Demand is growing, and will likely spur more reliable offerings in this area. Substrates for infill material and Counters: 3- Form ( PET Sheet) VARIA: Polyethylene sheet made from a minimum of 40% Post industrial recycled material. SCS Certified. Many color, texture and even embedded material choices. GREENCore A Biodegradable and printable substrate. Made from natural ingredients, including FSC (applied) wood, flax and linseed, and ferrous oxide (iron). 100 Percent TM * 100% post-consumer recycled HDPE * Entirely recyclable * One panel uses over 1000 recycled milk or detergent bottles * Chemical and UV resistant * Ideal for horizontal work surfaces, restroom partitions * Can be reclaimed at end-of-life.

4 Sheet Material and Countertops: Bamboo plywood ( Plyboo) is a 100% rapidly renewable material, using adhesives that are both strong and emission free. There are many colors and grain patterns to consider. Carbon emissions in shipping this from Asia is a consideration when choosing. Dakota Burl composite is a unique bio-based material, which exhibits the beauty and elegance of traditional burled woods. The material is created from an agricultural fiber, sunflower hulls, making this a beautiful environmental option to hardwood. PaperStone PaperStone is a composite material that is made from up to 100% post-consumer recycled paper. The color of the finished panel is determined by the recycled paper content, the recycled paper type (e.g. old cardboard containers versus mixed office waste), the phenolic resin and the pigments and dyes that are used. There is a natural tendency of phenolic resins to darken and 'yellow' over time, there is no guarantee that color will match precisely batch-to-batch. Thicknesses from 3/4 1 1/4 Laminates Tension Fabric and Structures Glues Plastic laminate are made of several layers of Kraft paper bonded together with plastic resins under heat and very high pressure. The topmost layer of resin-impregnated paper is colored or patterned. This gives the laminate sheet its particular appearance. Modern plastic laminates now come in a wide variety of designs, colors, textures, sheens and grades. This is applied to FSC plywood with contact cement. We use water based, low VOC contact cement for laminates and Elmers for framing members. Wilsonart is a Greenguard Certifed laminate supplier ( Low VOC) LIGHTING- Small MR-16 sized LED sources are now available at reasonable prices. Their brightness is not as intense as a standard halogen lamp but their energy consumption is considerably lower and life span longer. Color balance is also limited with current LED lamps.

5 LIGHTING continued- Larger LED stem lights sources are available which are 15 times more energy efficient and last 10 times longer than incandescant lamps, without the heat and maintenance. Their brightness is very comprable to standard halogen lamp, and the color balance is better by most peoples perceptions. Graphic Substrates: Paradise Fabric A premium fabric with a unique texture that visually communicates an upscale presence. Graphics produced on Paradise truly take on a life of their own. Paradise is the "greenest" fabric we know of, constructed of 100% recycled post consumer materials! * 100% recycled content * From 100% post consumer products * Durable fabric with beautiful finish * Deep image saturation from water based inks Bio Banner: is based on the latest technology using highly pure PVC resin. When exposed to landfill conditions Tension Fabric such Structures as darkness, high heat, moisture and lack of oxygen, microbes ingest this special coating - breaking down the BioBanner material into a non-toxic sodium powder. The material completely disintegrates within 3-5 years oz BioBanner is readily available in seamless widths up to 8 wide. -Contains no toxic materials -Tear resistant and can withstand all types of weather conditions -Can last years indoors and outdoors, depending on weather conditions -Compatible with specialty solvent printers -Flame resistant [NFPA 701, CA Fire Marshall

6 Graphic Substrates continued: Microknit & Celtic Recycled Fabric Another fabric favorite has been Microknit. A fantastic option for banner stands and other uses, Microknit recycled provides all the same characteristics and attributes of Microknit. Constructed of 55% recycled material,it s the only option we are aware of that meets our image quality and longevity requirements and can be used in a retractable bannerstand. * 55% recycled content * Flat graphic / no curls * The green banner stand fabric option * Great retractable option Rigid Mounting Substrates for Graphics RECO sheet -SINTRA - PVC Replacement- made from 100% post industrial ecycled plastic content. This flexible substrate is aailable in various thicknesses, color limited to black A replacement for Fom-cor mounting which contain chlorine Tension Fabric Structures ECO Board -Recycled Cardstock- A replacement for Fom-cor graphics which contain chlorine Greencore is the green solution when hard panel graphics are required. Available single or double sided., in both 1/8 and 1/4 thicknesses.the eco friendly substitute for any substrate, Greencore matches up perfectly with recycled fabrics on extrusion displays. Image quality is equal to or better than Sintra or other options. Greencore is biodegradable, and constructed of durable FSC certified wood. * The green substrate alternative * FSC certified wood * Printable biodegradable substrate

7 Graphics Solution Graphics: Supporting Banner Stands: Banner Stands (also called roll ups) are a generic breed of devices which support printed graphics on a wide variety of green substrates in various sizes along with optional lighting and double sided features. Portablity, consistency, affordability and flexibility describe the desireable features for many event and promotional signage needs. Available in Laminated print, Microknit & Celtic Recycled Fabric Unit Sizes : 23.5 w x h 33.5 w x h w x h w x h Colors: Silver or Black Available in Single or Double Sided Light Available: 50 watt Halogen

8 TEXTILES Panel fabric, Carpet and Floor Coverings Terratex- Panel Fabric Terratex is made from 100% recycled polyester (post-consumer plastic soda pop bottles). Unlike fabrics that use virgin polyester, Terratex works to conserve petroleum resources. Flooring options: Shaw Carpet; Closed loop cycle /cradle to cradle Anso nylon roll carpet. everstrand Carpet: everstrand carpet fiber, made using PET (polyethylene terephthalate) that is extruded from recycled plastic bottles, contain 100 percent post-consumer recycled content. On average, 30 plastic bottles are recycled to make one square yard of Mohawk everstrand carpet. Tension Fabric Structures INTERFACE carpet tiles Offering a minimum of 35 to 57% recycled content,interfaceflor has a product to meet any environmental requirement. Offering a reclamation program when worn or retired. BIO Flor Flooring tiles made from recycled carpet fibers ( up to 74% recyclced content) and corn resins, which produces a high quality lightweight and biodegradeable flooring option. Natural Materials such as Jute and Sisal are available in roll form. These are rapidly renewable choices. FORBO- Linoleum products Linoleum is produced from renewable materials: linseed oil, rosins, wood flour, jute and ecologically responsible pigments. The harvesting of these raw materials consumes relatively little energy.

9 Flooring options: ECOSURFACES- 100% Recycled rubber flooring- Rubber flooring combines high-quality 100% recycled SBR tire rubber and colorful EPDM flecks to give the flooring a dramatic blacklight effect. ECOnights rubber flooring supports the ASTM Sustainability Assessment. Available in roll and tile forms. Safe Step Commercial Carpet Pad - 1/4 or 7/16 thk - Best In-Door Air Quality / Lowest Total VOC Emissions of any carpet pad No Pinta Bromide No B.H.T. Best Quality / Performance BEST PRACTICES Logistics Efficiency Crating options: One of the most eco-conscious efforts can be made in the packaging and shipping of exhibit materials. Pad wrapping is a viable option to crating with large pieces, as is open palletizing. Tension Fabric Structures This reduces consumption of wood resources and can reduce considerably the overall weight of an exhibit inventory. At the same time this reduces CO2 emissions as well as extra drayage costs from the show. With palletizing you get the advantage of the lowest drayage cost, the crated rate. Pad wrapping costs a bit more in the handling but is offset by the reduced weight. Routing: Busy show schedules can take advantage of extended tour periods by planning depot and storage locations along the way. Instead of returning the exhibit back to the point of origin, often the properties may be sent to advanced warehouse or use our close relationship with the van line s warehouse network all across the country. We can arrange to have the properties stored, usually within 50 miles of the upcoming show city, until we can deliver to either the advanced warehouse or direct to the show facility. Carbon Offsets The truly committed exhibitor may elect to buy carbon offsets. Carbonfund.org will help determine the actual tonnage of carbon used in shipping various weights via tractor trailor. You can then purchase the equivalent carbon offsets to neutralize the transportation footprint. One piece of advice: avoid airfreighting cargo whenever possible, as it is the most polluting method of transport.

10 About us For the past seventeen years Dimensional Dynamics has helped large companies as well as entrepreneurial start ups achieve their marketing objectives. The benefits for our clients is a business partnership approach that meets their strategic goals with creative, flexible, design driven display and messaging solutions. Whether it involves simple corporate signage, extensive redesign of interior fixtures or a complete overhaul of the approach to face to face marketing, our primary concern is to understand the relevance of the project to our client's long range goals and make a connection to their core values within the company. Integrated Design Creating Memorable Environments Integrated environments are designed with accessible messaging as the focal point to enable the continuity and style that enhances context while allowing flexibility to adapt to varied audiences. Applications include: * Tradeshow Exhibits & Museums * Product launch, corporate events * Interior Fixtures/ Kiosks * Custom Signage & Informational Graphics * Portable displays * Mobile Marketing Tension Fabric Structures In House Sustainability Our own in house efforts to address sustainability issues are as follows: Electronic filing, invoicing, communications- printing of records and billing as a last resort Recycling in the office as well as separating wood & metal for recycling in the shop We support high recycled content products and reuse of existing when ever possible Using Water based adhesives and finishes With over 20 years of custom exhibit design and production experience, Aaron Zorndorf, heads the San Francisco based office of Dimensional Dynamics. His design capabilities encompass early stage preliminary sketches thru detail construction documents. Aaron has guided a wide array of projects through to completion, managing customer and vendor relationships while maintaining budgets, without sacrificing key features of the design concept. After working in Scandinavia for over 3 years in multi disciplinary design consultancies specializing in interiors, seating and product design, he relocated to the Bay area in Working in the fields of museum design, corporate interiors, and trade show environments led to the formation, in1994, of Dimensional Dynamics to better serve customers with a broad range of innovative display solutions and services. Most recently he received LEED Accreditation in Interiors C + ID and is a Member of the U.S. Green Buildng Council, as well as the Green Chamber of Commerce.