Leading the way with Greener Signage: ASI

ASI offers interior signs made from renewable and recycled materials and exterior signs with PV lighting. Photo: ASI. Click on image to enlarge

Clear signage can help us find our way, it can inform us, and--in a green building--it can highlight environmental features. That signage can also, itself, make a statement about the environment.

ASI is one of the industry innovators sign fabrication, and nowhere is that innovation more apparent than in its green product lines. The company offers three distinct lines of environmentally friendly signs: the ASI Solar Series, InTac Eco, and Terra.

The ASI Solar Seriesis designed for exterior applications where self-contained internal illumination is desired. Integral photovoltaic (PV) modules and self-contained lead-acid batteries power these signs with no need for trenching or wiring. Aluminum housings, LED lighting, interchangeable face panels, acrylic lettering, and zero operating costs are among the features. The company claims that full nighttime illumination will be provided for up to eight days without sunlight.

ASI Solar exterior signs use LED lighting and integral PV modules and battery storage. Photo: ASI. Click on image to enlarge

InTac Eco is a line of interior signs that combine Greenguard-certified materials, low-VOC paints, and a large color palette to choose from. These signs are made from renewable biopolymer, wood, or paper. Eco Plant is a compostable, bio-based plastic (biopolymer) derived from non-food agricultural crops; it is available in thicknesses of 1/32" and 1/16" (0.79 and 1.6 mm), has a maximum service temperature of 104°F (40°C), comes in a matte-white finish and can be painted or receive digitally printed graphics. Eco Wood is a wood-fiber material that is available in 1/4" (6.4 mm) thickness and 12 standard colors, but cannot be painted or receive digitally printed graphics; it carries Greenguard Children & Schools certification. Eco Paper is a paper-wood composite that is available in nine colors and thicknesses of 1/8" and 1/4" (3.2 and 6.4 mm); it carries Greenguard Children & Schools and FSCcertifications and can receive digitally printed graphics.

ASI InTac Eco interior signs are made from a renewable bioplastic. Photo: ASI. Click on image to enlarge

Terra signs, also for interior use, are made from 3form ecoresin?, a 40% pre-consumer-recycled co-polyester material that can be specified with embedded sustainably harvested plant materials. Available ADA-Ready® with tactile letters or Braille in thicknesses of 1/16", 1/8", 1/4", and 3/8" (1.6, 3.2, 6.4, and 9.5 mm), Terra signs carry SCS certification for recycled content and Greenguard Indoor Air Quality certification. Select Terra patterns use Fair Trade materials sourced by 3form from Third World countries in which farmers are paid a fair wage for their crops or Full Circle materials developed in collaboration with skilled artisans in Third World countries. 15 "standard" colors and patterns are available for the base material, with 18 colors for tactile lettering as well as custom options. Terra's Fair Trade materials include Tiger Thatch, Bear Grass and Bear Grass Lite; Full Circle materials include Banana Fiber and Fossil Leaf.

With all of these sign options, a variety of standard styles and sizes are available, along with custom options.

ASI Terra interior signs use 3form ecoresin, which is a 40% recycled polyester with embedded plant materials. Photo: ASI. Click on image to enlarge

ASI maintains environmentally responsible manufacturing practices throughout their operations, including use of recycled materials whenever possible, minimizing waste, responsibly managing water, and reducing use of chemicals in production. Founded in 1965, ASI is represented in 40 U.S. cities and has global partners in 35 countries. "Green" is heavily featured on the company website.

In highlighting the green features of your buildings--as well as other signage needs--why not use signs that embody those green features?

For more information:

ASI

Dallas, Texas

800-274-7732 (patches through to local affiliate)

www.asisignage.com

See more on this product in the GreenSpec Guide

Alex Wilson is the executive editor of Environmental Building News and founder of BuildingGreen, LLC. In addition to this product-of-the week blog, he writes the weekly Energy Solutions blog. To keep up with his latest articles and musings, you can sign up for his Twitter feeds. .