Sustainable Design  

How might I obtain materials listed that are not owned by the Library?

You can obtain most titles by creating an account through the interlibrary loan (ILL) link on the Library's home page.

Is there a charge for interlibrary loan services?

Most ILL books are free of charge.  Some journal or other photocopy documents may require a processing fee.

Interlibrary Loan

This guide is an aid in the research of products and processes toward the objective of sustainable design.  Resources highlight the interdependence of social, environmental, and economic responsibility, often referred to as the "triple bottom line" or "three pillar" model of sustainability and distinct from the concept of green design with focus primarily or exclusively on environmental impact. 

Social responsibility is used to refer to social equity, health consequences, policies and labor practices of corporations, and the effects of products, processes, and materials on people and their communities.  Individuals, communities, and their environments are affected through resource acquisition; manufacture, production, and distribution; installation, use, and maintenance; and end use or disposal life cycle of materials.

 Additional references may be found at http://www3.fitnyc.edu/sustainabilityatfit/.

It is not the intention of this resource to promote or endorse any one designer or source of information.

FIT has a number of initiatives to promote sustainability both on and off campus.  More information on some of these initiatives may be found at   

• Tech-FIT -  Advancing Design-Related Technological Education: A Three-Way Partnership. This NSF-ATE project, led by Karen Pearson (PI) and Elaine Maldonado (Co-PI), has been designed to better prepare FIT graduates to meet new industry demands for the design, development, and manufacture of green and sustainable products. Find out more about how the project is focused on motivating students at the college, 85% of whom are female, to persist in the study of science and to improve their skills.

•  Look for FIT’s Annual FIT Sustainability Conference TBA

Freecycle Art Supplies Old art supplies, foam core, fabric, paper, mat boards, wallpaper, markers, pencils, etc., can be brought to Room A739 of the Department of Student Life to share with the FIT community. Contact Professor J. Philip Milio for more information.

 • Sustainability at FIT  SustainabilityatFIT was established by Arthur Kopelman, PhD in conjunction with the FIT Sustainability Group, a forerunner of the current Faculty Senate Ad-Hoc Sustainability Committe, to inculcate the concepts of sustainability into all aspects of what we do at FIT.  Those interested can join a listserve by going to the website and clicking on the link at the bottom of the page.   

 • FIT Sustainability Council  The Sustainability Council was established by the Office of the President to develop and foster sustainability initiatives throughout the FIT community.  Grazyna Pilatowicz and Robert Vassalotti, Co-Chairs.

 • FIT Faculty Senate Ad-Hoc Sustainability Committee   The mission of the FIT Faculty Senate Ad-Hoc Sustainability Committee is to help guide the evolutionary steps needed in making FIT a model   of sustainability.  We will encourage and facilitate the collaborative efforts of the FIT community to generate knowledge, acquire skills, develop values, and initiate practices that contribute to a sustainable, high quality of life on campus, and beyond.  Arthur Kopelman, Chair.

•Sustainable Design Club at FIT Looking for students interested in participating on ideas and suggestions about projects, discussions or speakers.  Coordinated by Rachel Jones rachel_jones@fitnyc.edu, Marlene Middlemiss & Georgia Kalivas georgia_kalivas@fitnyc.edu are co-faculty advisors 

• UNWANTED MAIL: Identify the mail you wish to stop receiving and contact Patrick Watson Patrick_Watson@fitnyc.edu 7-4764 at the Mail Center for more information.

MaryAnn Sorensen Allacci,PhD, Interior Design Department

Arno Kastner, Assistant Professor-Librarian & Sustainable Design Faculty Liaison

Lana Bittman, Assistant Professor-Head of Electronic and Serials Resources, Gladys Marcus Library

Special thanks to Helen Lane, Head of Research & Instruction Services for her guidance in constructing the guide.

The creation and development of this guide is supported by FIT Faculty Development Grant program and funding by the FIT President's Sustainability Council.