Our own education began in 1994, when Designtex embarked on the development of Climatex Lifecycle upholstery, the first biological nutrient textile, with McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry and Swiss textile mill Rohner. That introduction to the interdisciplinary approach of “design chemistry” was as much a lesson in humility as it was a revelation in product development. Today MBDC’s protocol is manifested in a certification called Cradle to Cradle (C2C). Designtex is well-versed in Cradle to Cradle as well as other certifications that demonstrate a product’s environmental claims.

Designtex has also been an active member in the development of an ANSI-certified standard for sustainable textiles. The standard, NSF 336: Sustainaibility Assessment for Commercial Furnishings Fabric, can be seen here.

CEUs / LUs

We offer several continuing education units (or learning units), including Global Warming and Carbon Footprint Reduction, The Hidden Value of Certifications, and Sustainable Fibers for Interiors. All are accredited for IIDA/ASID, AIA and/or GBCI credits and may count towards HSW requirements. Customers should contact their local Designtex representative to inquire about CEU delivery. 

Global Warming and Carbon Footprint Reduction: This course will examine the impact of climate change on human and environmental health, and will demonstrate how sustainable practices can be leveraged to mitigate global warming. Attendees will learn the scopes and boundaries for defining a carbon footprint. Business efforts to mitigate climate change will be discussed, such as onsite reductions in energy use and offsite investments in renewable energy. The difference between RECs and carbon offsets is demonstrated, as well as the criteria for validating such offset projects. Different types of offset projects will be discussed. GBCI, AIA, IIDA [HS]. 

The Hidden Value of Certifications: With the proliferation of environmental certifications becoming available, this course will focus on demystifying three certifications: FSC, Fair Trade, and Rugmark: highlighting the purpose of each and illustrating how they benefit society at large as well as helping the attendees have a better understanding on what the certifications they use to guide product selection on projects means to their customers. AIA, IIDA. 

Sustainable Fibers for Interiors: This course examines the many fiber types available for interiors applications, and the sustainable aspects of those fibers. Attendees will become familiar with the Product Lifecycle approach to sustainability, and the possible impacts of fibers/fabric products on human and environmental health. The raw material sources of fibers will be discussed as well as processing and installation/use of these products. Fabric end-of-life disposal and/or reutilization will also be covered. Tools for vetting fabric and fiber products will be reviewed. GBCI, AIA, IIDA.