Journal
Redesigning the Image of an Eco-Friendly Network
by Jen Pennington
Rhizome Design is unveiling their redesign of the Network for Business Innovation and Sustainability (NBIS) web site (www.nbis.org). More than a simple update of the site graphics, the redesign reflects NBIS’ commitment to helping businesses go beyond the adoption of green practices (being “less bad”), to a deeper strategic focus on sustainable business practices that yield environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Gone are the traditional muted earth tones usually associated with environmentally friendly product. The new NBIS site features vibrant green and blue tones that evoke new spring leaves and nutrient-rich sunlit seas. Not coincidentally, green is also the color of money. NBIS has proven their focus on sustainable business practices improve profits.
The NBIS member community is committed to collaboration. Appropriately, the new site reflects the group’s passion for community building. It features more robust profiles of member businesses, a rich array of promotional opportunities, and enhanced event listings.
The idea of sustainability is also woven into the site’s implementation. Frequently updated sections are driven by a simple database, making the site is easy to maintain. This feature is critical to Mary Rose, Co-Director of NBIS: “Sustainability is no longer an option—it’s an imperative. We rely on the site to help build community, share best practices, and highlight the successes of our member companies. The new site enables us to meet these goals simply and effectively. The redesign has re-energized us.”
The new site also incorporates compelling photographs culled from Rhizome Images, a new independent stock photography resource for environmentally themed images. For every image licensed through Rhizome Images, the company donates trees to an American Forests ReLeaf fund. American Forests is the nation’s oldest, nonprofit citizens’ conservation organization. “Some cultures believe that photographs steal the soul… We don’t believe in taking from the earth without giving something back,” notes Jen Pennington, Principal, Rhizome Images.
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