Suffolk County Council

The Suffolk Climate Change Partnership (SCCP), which includes six local authorities in Suffolk, reached out to us to develop a new brand identity for the Suffolk Community Energy Network. This network serves as a central hub for local community groups focused on tackling climate change through innovative energy initiatives..

Aims and Objectives

1. Promote Collaboration: Create a sense of unity among regional groups and stakeholders.
2. Increase Awareness: Enhance the visibility of sustainable energy initiatives in Suffolk.
3. Support Community: Encourage community-driven efforts towards sustainability.

Purpose

To achieve sustainable, renewable, and secure energy for Suffolk residents, utilising local resources while ensuring inclusivity and community involvement.

Environmental-inspired design

In our opinion, Environmental design isn’t just about using organic shapes or the colour green; it’s about creating a visual language that embodies positive energy, hope, and a forward-thinking vision. It’s a rallying call for a better, more sustainable future. 

Our Approach

The design industry, like all sectors, has a crucial role in mitigating climate change. As designers, we are committed to integrating carbon-conscious design principles into our brand work, ensuring sustainability is at the core of everything we create. 

• Creating brand work based on sustainable principles involves adopting eco-friendly practices at every stage of the design process, from concept development to production and distribution.
• Our approach Sustainable Materials: Use recycled, recyclable, or biodegradable materials for all print media and physical products. 
• Energy Efficiency: Optimising digital assets and selecting renewable energy-powered hosting services.
• Waste Reduction: Implementing design strategies that minimise waste and promote longevity. 
• Eco-Friendly Production: Choosing printing techniques and suppliers that prioritise sustainability. 
• Transparent Communication: Conveying our commitment to sustainability to clients and stakeholders.

Strategy and Discovery Phase

This discovery phase aimed to establish a comprehensive understanding of the groups involved, and the role of the hub, and to analyse similar initiatives in other counties. This phase was crucial for informing the brand identity and ensuring it resonates with stakeholders and meets strategic goals.

Brandmark

The brandmark draws inspiration from the sun in the Suffolk crest, symbolising energy and life. By strategically modifying the sun’s design into a flower shape, the logo encapsulates themes of growth, collaboration, and renewable energy.

Execution

• Shape: The circular design, based on the sun and a flower, represents unity and energy, evoking a sense of positivity and optimism. Each circular element has relevance, with the Suffolk sun, community, energy and each local authority represented.
• Colour Palette: The chosen colours are bright and optimistic, designed to evoke feelings of warmth and community. The palette reinforces the themes of Suffolk, renewable energy and sustainability.
• Typography: A geometric, round typeface complements the icon, reinforcing the circular, inclusive theme. The typography is clear, modern, and approachable, mirroring the network’s focus on community and collaboration.

Iconography

Icons are designed within a circular frame, maintaining a consistent line quality that creates a sense of belonging and cohesion. Each icon represents different aspects of the energy network, such as solar power, wind energy, and community gatherings. The style is simple yet effective. These icons are versatile and used in print, digital media, and merchandise. They can also be adapted to tell stories, furthering engagement with the community.

Pattern

The brand mark icon can be repeated to form a dynamic and vibrant pattern. This pattern is used across various brand materials, creating a visually cohesive identity that is instantly recognisable. The pattern reinforces the brand’s themes of collaboration and energy, while also adding a lively, celebratory element to the identity.

Strapline: EMPOWERING SUFFOLK

The strapline “Empowering Suffolk” captures the essence of the brand’s mission—to give strength and capability to Suffolk’s communities through sustainable energy initiatives. It underscores the transformative power of local collaboration in achieving environmental goals.

Outcome

The brand identity for Suffolk Community Energy Network successfully unites the region’s energy groups under a cohesive visual identity that is both sustainable and impactful. The design reflects the network’s commitment to renewable energy and community collaboration, while also ensuring that sustainability is at the heart of every element.