Purple’s Karry Larkin earns LEED Green Associate credential for sustainable design
Purple Design Director Karry Larkin
Purple, an integrated retail marketing, design and communications agency, has announced that its Design Director Karry Larkin has earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate credential.
Larkin's accreditation places her among an elite group of design professionals that are trained to help projects save energy, use fewer resources, reduce pollution and contribute to healthier environments for their users and the community.
The LEED Green Associate program is administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GCBI), the premier organization recognizing excellence in green business industry performance and practice globally. The scheme’s rigorous testing standards ensure that trained professionals remain up to date with industry knowledge and can demonstrate continued excellence in sustainable design, construction and operation.
“As the alarming impact of humanity on the planet becomes more evident, we as designers have an essential role to play in building a cleaner, greener future for those that come after us," said Larkin. "I am proud to be part of a group that is leading from the front, and I’m eager to use my knowledge from the LEED Green Associate program to inspire Purple’s creative team, clients and contractors to make sustainability a key consideration in retail design projects across the globe.”
Larkin's new capabilities empower Purple in implementing new sustainable strategies and promoting energy-efficient practices across global marketing channels. The agency now counsels its clients, partners and contractors, offering sustainable design recommendations to develop, produce and install high-quality retail merchandising and experiences, or consult on improving existing designs in order to reduce the overall environmental impact of brand storytelling.
Purple has worked extensively with CVH Spirits, known until recently as Distell International, on a number of sustainable design projects deeply rooted in the spirit group’s values. The latest example involved developing the new Amarula retail toolkit for the Global Travel Retail channel. Larkin's expertise played a key role in augmenting the brand positioning through an end-to-end sustainability strategy covering sourcing of eco-conscious materials and design. Purple’s solutions helped to reduce the environmental impact often associated with travel retail animations. One of the key highlights included a striking elephant sculpture made entirely out of recycled plywood that is constructed without the use of glue, which was featured recently at an engaging installation at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Terminal T1A in Nairobi, Kenya, designed by Purple.
“We are delighted that Karry has received the LEED Green Associate credential from Green Business Certification Inc," said Purple Managing Partner, Olivier Grometto. "Karry’s passion and commitment is exemplified by this industry-leading accreditation that positions her as a genuine authority in green design and will assist Purple in helping its clients meet their own sustainability targets. This certification is a testament to Purple’s ambitious five-year goals and inspires us to continue our journey towards a Purple World and a greener future."
Lina Lim, Global Marketing Manager GTR at Penfolds, added, “Treasury Wine Estates has made ongoing commitments to sustainability that touch every aspect of the business, including the way we package and activate our products. Given our responsibilities, as well as the increasing importance of sustainability to global shoppers, we’re excited to have a design partner in Purple that is so clearly invested in the future of green design.”
In 2022, Purple was awarded a Bronze Sustainability Rating, placing it in the top 50% of sustainable businesses according to the world's most trusted business sustainability ratings company, EcoVadis. Looking ahead, the global agency group is working towards ISO 14001 and B Corp certification, and is further investing in its team to acquire the LEED AP Interior Design + Construction certification, which will equip its designers with the expertise to design, construct and improve interiors – creating a healthier and more eco-friendly environment.
