Architecture Models with an Environmental Focus

Our models have roughly 3% material waste per run

This keeps costs low for our clients and helps lessen our environmental impact.

We use renewable energy credits to help offset the energy use by our machines and from shipping.

US Green Building Council's LEED Certification

The Department of Energy estimates that roughly 38% of all greenhouse gas emissions tie directly back to energy consumption by buildings. So, what can a small architecture modeling company do to help mitigate climate change?

We thought about this and realized we can help architecture firms communicate sustainable designs better. So, any models or renderings we build that are going to be used with a project going for LEED approval is eligible to receive a 10% discount off the total price.

Are you a LEED accredited professional? You are eligible for the same discount on any of our services as well.

We believe architects have as much power as auto engineers to mitigate climate change. But they have to get city councils and design review boards to buy into their vision. This is where we want to help out. By discounting these communication tools, it's our small way of trying to give forward-thinking designers the tools to help sell a sustainable future.

How we’re working at sustainability...

1. Our process starts with a basic white powder that is almost a food grade material. (But we don't recommend that you eat it.)

2. Fresh models need support. All the extra powder not being used allows the delicate features to be propped up while it is being built.

3. Next, we blow off the extra powder with an airbrush, vacuum it, filter it, and sift it back into the machine to be used again.

4. Our office electrical use is offset through the purchase of green tags from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, which uses wind and solar to put power back on the grid.

5. For shipping we reuse boxes, biodegradeable peanuts, and purchase a green tag for every model built to offset the carbon used for shipping and production. The modeling industry's first carbon-neutral models!

6. Each box contains a small card explaining the above information and how to purchase green tags online.

Goal: We hope all this information sparks a conversation when the box is opened.

Why we use ZCorp. 3D Printers

Technology is available that can build ABS plastic models using a laser. These models are quite expensive for all but the most exclusive architecture firms and even then reserved for international design competitions.

And such models can also leave a shop with a borderline EPA Superfund site as a result of the chemicals needed to remove the support structures. ZCorp's technology lets us minimize our production waste and recycle raw materials.

Our take on Green

While we’re not perfect, we are trying to take steps to minimize our impact. We do our best to limit our office waste.

We've partnered with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation to help us out with our carbon offsets by letting them put power back on the grid with renewable options like solar and wind.

Our shop is lit by lights from a remodeling project that would otherwise be in the landfill. CFL bulbs help us cut our energy usage.

We’re constantly asking our vendors to supply us with the least invasive products possible. Small steps can equal big results.

Have a thought or suggestion on how we could be doing something better? Be sure to touch base with Sweet Onion Creations headquarters.