Since its inception, Substance151 has made a commitment to be environmentally and socially responsible and help foster a new sustainable design model through its design practice, education and example. Sustainability is not simply a section on our website – it’s a part of our corporate DNA.

We view each project through a “green lens” and engage in a dialogue about sustainable alternatives with each and every client. We present strategic alternatives and demonstrate economic benefits of more sustainable solutions.

Through each project we educate our clients and our team on how to become more environmentally and socially responsible. We seek to understand the environmental impact of our firm, our client’s firms and of each project we undertake.

We work to advance the understanding of environmental and social issues among the general public and other designers through speaking engagements, writing, and panel discussions. Our green design case studies are used by AIGA's (our professional association) Center for Sustainable Design, re-nourish.com and by a number of colleges across the country to educate and inspire both our peers and future generations.

We follow green office practices – for example, 50% of our electricity comes from the Clean Currents’ Renewable Energy Program (wind power) and 50% is offset through WindCurrent's renewable energy program (RECs); continuous efforts are made to use eco-friendly materials and energy savings practices throughout daily operations; we offset our website usage and use electronic communication and filing instead of paper; all recyclables are collected and stored for curbside pickup from the city of Baltimore.

We partner with vendors and suppliers who share our philosophy of environmental and social responsibility and whose products are sustainable.

We contribute company time and expertise by serving on the boards and committees of the organizations that improve our lives and benefit our communities: Chesapeake Sustainable Business Alliance, Baltimore Bioneers, Buy Local Baltimore, U.S. Green Building Council Maryland, NAWBO BRC. We offer a discounted fee to sustainable and non-profit organizations. We engage in pro-bono projects for sustainable non-profits who cannot afford to pay for quality marketing and branding services.