Energy-Saving Business Comics for Urban Sustainability
Client: Sustain‑D (Toulouse, France)
Project: Illustrated Comic Strips for Energy Awareness and Eco-Behavior
As part of a national initiative to promote energy efficiency and environmental awareness in urban housing, I was commissioned by Sustain‑D, a Toulouse-based organization specializing in maîtrise d’œuvre sociale au service de la transition énergétique (social project management for energy transition).
Download Case Study (PDF)
http://marsdenillustration.com/PDF/casestudy-SustainD-marsden.pdf
Their mission: to empower tenants and residents to become active participants in reducing energy consumption—particularly in the context of rénovation urbaine (urban renewal) and projets de type BBC (low-energy building programs / bâtiments basse consommation).
In partnership with Marie Fedou, Head of Sustain‑D’s Pôle Habitat, I created a visual communication system through a series of text-free, universally accessible comic strips designed for public information campaigns and energy-awareness programs in housing projects across France.
Project Scope and Creative Direction
- Format: Two-panel comics presenting (1) an inefficient behavior and (2) the energy-efficient alternative.
- Visual Language: Bandes dessinées muettes (wordless comics), accessible across cultures and literacy levels.
- Character Design:
- Foxy – a curious, relatable fox navigating energy use at home.
- Major Domo – his robot companion offering clever, efficient solutions.
- Collaboration: I translated thematic briefs provided by Marie Fedou into scenarios, then handled all visual storytelling, layout, and final artwork production.
Key Outcomes
- Comic series used in logements sociaux (social housing) across Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
- Supports local sensibilisation des habitants (citizen outreach and education) campaigns.
- Facilitates behavior change through engaging, scenario-based communication.
Topics Illustrated in the Series
- Smart heating and cooling (volets, thermostats)
- Outdoor vs. indoor laundry drying
- Daylight optimization and energy-conscious lighting
- Water-saving behavior (showers vs. baths)
- Energy-efficient cooking (covered pots, smart stovetops)
- Vacation mode and energy standby reduction
- Managing electricity use with power strips and device shutdown
Visual Language and Strategy
My approach was to keep the tone optimistic and relatable. Through appealing character design and simple, expressive visuals, the series reframes energy-saving not as a burden, but as an opportunity. Humor and charm are used to make the subject accessible, with a consistent visual rhythm and narrative flow.
The absence of written text supports transcultural communication within diverse housing populations, including non-francophones and publics en situation d’illettrisme.
Client Profile: Sustain‑D
Sustain‑D is a Toulouse-based pôle Habitat and independent agency active in maîtrise d’œuvre sociale, focusing on tenant participation, behavior change, and ecological transition in housing. They support public institutions and municipalities with tailored social project management aligned with sustainability goals.
Learn more: https://sustain-d.jimdofree.com
PDF Case Study & Visual Preview
Download the full case study, including samples, character design sheets, and strategic insights:
Key Tools & Workflow
- Adobe Illustrator – character design and vector illustrations
- Storyboarding & scenario sketching
- Grid-based layouts for consistent modular reuse
- PDF and print formatting for A4 handouts
- Accessibility-first visual communication strategy
Work With Me
If you are developing a public communication campaign or looking for engaging, easy-to-understand visuals for sustainability, energy efficiency, or citizen engagement—get in touch. I bring extensive experience creating visual narratives that inform, inspire, and resonate across languages and cultural contexts.