Many of our exhibits and exhibitions’ core messaging for visitors is focussed around sustainability so it is only logical that we lead by example.

We are continually improving, increasing the use of sustainable materials and processes and using where ever possible sustainable, recyclable and reusable materials as well as recycling and reducing waste.

We also require our suppliers to work to high environmental standards and encourage the introduction and development of new materials and practices which help improve the efficiency and sustainability of our businesses.

Unusual Projects approaches new projects with sustainability at the front of our minds. The bespoke nature of our projects requires tailored end-to-end analysis - this includes the materials specified; where they will be obtained and how they are manufactured; how an exhibition is constructed; how it will be used and disposed of and the type of energy used in the exhibition. Other key considerations for our team include:

Dematerialisation

This means using as few material resources as possible. For exmples, we carefully examine how many pieces we can get from sheet material with as little waste as possible.

We also minimise resource consumption by re-using and adapting existing exhibits and base units rather than disposing them to start afresh.

Embodied Energy Material Choice

Every material has a value of embodied energy, which equates to the amount of energy used in its production. For example it takes 100 times more energy to produce a tonne of aluminium than it does a tonne of sawn timber. Aluminium, therefore, is considered to have a relatively high value of embodied energy. These are the materials that should be used in sustainable practice where possible.

Whole Life Energy Use

This has to be considered in the manufacture of the exhibition as well as during its operation. Energy is consumed in the extraction and conversion of raw materials used in exhibition construction. It is used in transporting materials between suppliers and manufacturers and in delivering finished exhibits. During operation and maintenance the inclusion of lighting, electrical appliances, compressed air, and powered interactive elements all have energy use implications.

Transport

The unnecessary use of transport places excessive demands on fossil fuel resources. The burning of petrol and diesel also increases carbon emissions and other toxic pollutants. Transport considerations can also be crucial to good sustainable design decisions. For example, specifying a material that meets a wide range of sustainability criteria but has to be transported from the other side of the world may be worse than choosing a non-renewable alternative with higher environmental impact but sourced locally. This can also be repeat visits to site so we test, test and test again at the workshop to minimise exhibit failures on site and we try to reduce our installations to as few transported visits as possible.

Design for Disassembly

Products can be designed so that their individual components are easily retrieved at the end of their life; this can be instrumental in facilitating recycling and reuse of materials. Designing for the reuse of materials is one way of reducing the amount of material destined for landfill.

Reducing Waste Pollution

Reducing the waste generated also minimises the pollutants released into the environment from landfill sites, incineration and dumping at sea. Another aspect of achieving good waste management is to specify materials that are inert or biodegradable. For example, paints and varnishes that are water-based or derived from plant-based solvents biodegrade on disposal.