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Every Earth Day, we reflect on how we as individuals and organizations can work toward creating a better, more sustainable planet. But sustainability is not just a trend or an annual awareness campaign; it’s a commitment that shapes lifestyles, business practices, and design principles. For Hollman, sustainability has been at the heart of our operations since 1976, making them a key example of how businesses can integrate eco-friendly practices while creating innovative products.

Sustainable design plays a vital role in shaping spaces that support both people and the planet. By prioritizing eco-friendly practices, architects, designers, and clients can contribute to building a greener, more sustainable future. Whether it’s a workspace, fitness center, or civic building, sustainable design delivers lasting benefits for both individuals and the environment.

What is Sustainable Design?

Sustainable design refers to creating, building, or enhancing products, buildings, and systems to reduce their environmental impact. It goes beyond just choosing recyclable materials; it encompasses the entire lifecycle of a product or structure. From sourcing to production to disposal, every step aims to minimize waste, conserve resources, and lower carbon footprints.

Hollman operationalizes sustainable design by:

• Using recycled materials in 10%-20% of their building materials.
• Ensuring 50% of wood-based materials align with the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) standards.
• Leveraging low-emission adhesives, sealants, paints, and coatings to reduce indoor air pollution.

Why Sustainability Matters in Architecture and Design

Architects and designers have a unique opportunity to lead the way in sustainability. Buildings account for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, yet innovative design can significantly reduce their environmental impact.

Here’s why making sustainability a priority matters:

• Environmental Impact: The choice of materials, chemicals, and energy solutions can drastically reduce a project’s carbon footprint, conserving crucial natural resources.
• Economic Savings: Sustainable solutions like energy-efficient equipment and durable materials offer long-term cost benefits by lowering energy usage and reducing maintenance needs.
• Health of Occupants: Low-emission products ensure improved indoor air quality, fostering a healthier work or recreational environment.
• Regulatory Benefits: Certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) help buildings meet compliance and attract eco-conscious tenants and customers.

How Hollman Deliver Sustainable Solutions

Sustainability works best when supported by consistent action. Hollman, for instance, leads by example through several impactful initiatives to green their operations and product designs:

1. Certified Green Practices: Hollman’s FSC certification ensures responsible forestry management, meeting the gold standard for sustainable wood materials. Additionally, their Green Business Bureau’s Gold status signals significant progress in achieving environmental benchmarks.

2. Prioritizing LEED Points: By offering materials like low-emission adhesives or recycled content, 80% of Hollman projects contribute to LEED points. This allows buildings to meet eco-conscious design standards and encourages green construction practices.

3. Minimizing Waste During Production: Hollman actively tracks waste by tonnage and continually improves plant equipment to reduce unutilized materials. This focus on resource optimization prevents unnecessary resource depletion and landfill pollution.

4. Energy Conservation: Hollman’s ongoing monitoring of energy use reflects their commitment to reducing energy consumption while pursuing process enhancements for long-term efficiency.

The result? High-quality, earth-friendly solutions for locker systems, furniture, and architectural upgrades across fitness centers, workplaces, schools, and more.

Steps Architects and Designers Can Take Toward Sustainability

If you’re an architect or designer wondering how to integrate sustainability into your projects, here are clear steps you can follow:

1. Design with Renewable or Recycled Materials: Use eco-certified materials like FSC-certified wood, recycled metal, or rapidly renewable resources like bamboo. Recycled materials not only conserve energy but also prevent waste from piling up in landfills.

2. Focus on Energy Efficiency: Design with energy conservation in mind. Incorporate features such as energy-efficient lighting, smart HVAC systems, and proper insulation to lower the energy demand of the finished structure.

3. Prioritize Low-Emission and Non-Toxic Options: Choosing low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) adhesives, paints, and coatings can improve air quality inside buildings, ensuring healthier spaces for occupants.

4. Optimize Natural Light: By taking advantage of natural light sources and passive cooling, you can reduce dependency on artificial lighting or air conditioning, lowering operational energy use.

5. Support Local and Ethical Sourcing: Whenever possible, source materials from local suppliers to minimize transportation emissions. Choose suppliers who adhere to responsible practices aligned with sustainability goals.

6. Utilize Technology and Data: Track the sustainability metrics of your materials and processes. Collaborate with manufacturers like Hollman, who provide detailed data to back up their sustainability claims.

Make Sustainability Your Legacy

Sustainability shapes the future we leave for generations to come. Architects, designers, and businesses have the power to drive change by adopting sustainable practices.

This Earth Day, think about your next step toward sustainability. For inspiration, explore Hollman’s eco-friendly product lines and certifications focused on sustainable production. Together, we can create a greener future.

Learn more at Hollman.com