When ER2 Image Group was approached to collaborate on a project for the Academy for Global Citizenship (AGC), we knew we were stepping into something truly groundbreaking. Located on the southwest side of Chicago, AGC is the first-of-its-kind—a six-acre, fully sustainable public charter school designed to redefine how we educate future generations.
This wasn’t just about designing a school; it was about building an environment that would inspire students for decades to come. With a commitment to net-zero energy, water, and electricity, AGC aimed to meet the rigorous standards of the Living Building Challenge—one of the most advanced sustainability certifications in the world.
For ER2, this project was an opportunity to create something lasting, something meaningful. We weren’t just designing graphics or signage; we were shaping the experience of learning itself.
Adding Value Through Sustainable Innovation
Every project starts with one key question: How can we add value?
For AGC, the answer lay in a deep commitment to sustainability and storytelling through design. Nothing less than 100% sustainable materials could be used throughout the campus. That meant every wall covering, every sign, every interactive element had to meet strict environmental criteria.
But that wasn’t the only challenge—these designs had to inspire. The goal was to create an immersive experience where students wouldn’t just learn about the environment—they’d be surrounded by it.
Our team worked closely with global design firm Gensler to engineer solutions that brought this vision to life. From custom wayfinding systems to large-scale environmental graphics, every design choice reinforced AGC’s mission.
Among our sustainable innovations:
- Wallcoverings made from 35% post-consumer product
- Signage and wayfinding crafted from natural maple hardwoods
- A donor wall built entirely from recyclable materials
- Custom magnetic panels in each classroom for interactive learning
Each classroom, or “village,” was themed after a different biome, representing the interconnectedness of our planet. Walking through the halls meant transitioning from tundra to wetlands, prairies to rainforests, with rich, immersive artwork guiding the way.
“We do a lot of work with workplace and environmental graphics,” said ER2’s Jason Dillas, “but this was different. This was early childhood education. It was critical that we created a space that would inspire these kids every single day.”
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Excellence
From the start, AGC’s vision presented unique challenges:
🔹 The right materials: Every product had to be recyclable, durable, and visually striking. This required extensive research and testing to meet the Living Building Challenge requirements.
🔹 Large-scale artwork: With such vast spaces to cover, our team had to think big—designing high-level, engaging visuals that would capture the imagination of students and staff alike.
🔹 Engineering for the future: This wasn’t just about creating a beautiful space. It was about ensuring that our work stood the test of time while maintaining the school’s sustainability commitments.
One of the project’s most stunning elements is the Heart—a breathtaking two-story staircase wrapped in a forest mural, bringing nature directly into the core of the building.
“The impact of this project is massive,” said Dillas. “To take a school with gray walls and transform it into this vibrant, immersive world—one that will inspire thousands of students for years to come—is an incredible feeling.”
A Lasting Legacy in Sustainable Design
For ER2 Image Group, this project represents the future of environmental graphics. It’s more than just a school—it’s a model for what education can be when sustainability, design, and innovation come together.
“Watching these kids walk through the halls, seeing their eyes light up as they discover the tundra, the rainforest, the wetlands—it’s proof that what we do matters,” said Dillas. “This school will shape young minds for generations. And to know that our work is part of that legacy? That’s something truly special.”
AGC is our most ambitious sustainable project to date, but it certainly won’t be our last. As more schools, universities, and organizations commit to greener, more innovative built environments, we’re ready to take on the challenge.
Do you have an upcoming project that demands a higher level of sustainable design? Let’s bring your vision to life.
