In order to develop creative sustainable and socially responsible design solutions for our clients, we need to live by our own words.
Internally, the studio does everything it can to minimize its footprint and help communicate messages that bring about positive change with its clients and projects. Rachel Martin Design [RMD] operates out of the first floor of a LEED-ND [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development] and Energy Star-rated home that is the first of its kind in the Southeast and one of only four in the U.S. The studio also purchases local NC renewable energy that is produced from wind, solar and biomass sources. The studio’s sound and thermal insulation is provided by using eco-friendly cellulose made from recycled newspaper that requires less energy to produce than fiberglass. The non-VOC paints and coatings in the space reduce the amount of pollutants improving indoor air quality and the large sliding glass doors allow it to operate without the lights on majority of the time. Even the furniture and workspace elements are reclaimed or purchased from ecologically responsible companies. The studio is also digital, reducing print outs by sharing files electronically and distributes invoices via email. Whatever the studio prints in-house, does so on both sides and all of it’s paper, glass, plastic, aluminum and ink toner cartridges are recycled.
Externally, the studio strives to reduce the environmental impact of its work and educates clients about sustainable solutions and alternatives. All of the studio’s print jobs are done with either 100% post-consumer waste [PCW], chlorine free, recycled, FSC Certified or hybrid paper, using vegetable-based inks. RMD tries to estimate quantities as accurately as possible to avoid overproducing and prints locally or near a client's location to minimize carbon emissions. The studio has a social and environmental conscience and is passionate in it’s beliefs. Rachel Martin Design is dedicated to ethical business practices, supporting the community, shopping local and being responsible stewards of our environment. Our philosophy is to conserve, recycle and design for reuse.
Examples of some of our sustainable design work can be found online at Re-nourish, where RMD is listed among the top sustainable studios in the world and Design Love Fest, GOOD Magazine, Mint and Not Made In China to name a few.