The authors share their experience in designing, prototyping, and empirically characterizing RF Switch-based Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS). The proposed RIS design incorporates arrays of patch antennas, delay lines, and programmable radiofrequency (RF) switches to enable passive 3D beamforming without active RF components. This design introduces two main innovations: a modular structure that allows for scalability for sustainable deployments, and support for 3-bit phase shifters, which enables high-spatial resolution codebooks. The design was realized using PCB technology and affordable electronic components, and the prototype was rigorously validated in a controlled environment. The paper also makes a comprehensive characterization of the RIS publicly available through a large dataset to promote further empirical-driven research. Finally, it includes a cost analysis of the design, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in the future of wireless technologies.