Last month, I attended SIGNWORLD 2018 in Las Vegas for the 4th time, joining 300 attendees- owners like me, employees, graphic designers and production managers.

I always look forward to this show and come away pumped up with new ideas.

This year, there was a lot of buzz about the ‘greening’ of visual communication. New advancements and applications are being developed that are not only environmentally-friendly, but also ‘human’ friendly- which is particularly important in the healthcare field.

Probably the best workshop on this topic was hosted by 3M, featuring new products that are making medical facilities healthier and friendlier places to visit and work.

This trend is moving on two fronts: First, scientific advancements in sign fabrication products are eliminating harmful gas emissions, so with an improved outgassing process, the entire atmosphere inside hospitals, clinics and medical centers is better for the environment, visitors and patients.

Second, healthcare practitioners are working to create healthy, feel good environments in places where people usually either don’t want to be, or find it stressful. The application of bold, friendly, vibrant graphics on windows, elevator doors, walls, floors and around corners is changing the user experience by creating warmer environments in waiting rooms, onsite daycare centers and even cafeterias. They also make safety reminders, employee reminders and traction alerts more visible.

So beyond aesthetics, what makes this signage green? Products such as 3M’s Envision line, as it turns out. Now on the radar for institutional healthcare facility use, Envision meets the strict qualifications for UL GREENGUARD GOLD certification. UL GREENGUARD GOLD status signifies the product expends low emissions in indoor environments by meeting stringent requirements for chemicals emissions, and they are third-party tested every year.

Heading to the hospital? Wayfinding signs and directories will still help you find the department you’re looking for, but they may also be signs that healthcare facilities are becoming not just friendlier- but healthier- places.

What does it take to Go Green? Visit www.insigniadesigns.net to find out how!