Research Guides: Design for "X": Sustainability

Statement of purpose

Sustainability in engineering and design

In addtion to the technical literature, as an engineer you will be responsibile for many areas and have to consider the effects of your actions on the environment, the economy, safety, sustaninabilty, general social welfare, political and public policy, and of course ethics.

Problem statement

This guide will provide you the tools necessary to complete your project -- the tabs above will link you to library and internet sources.

TED Talks

Alex Steffen on sustainability

Resource Links

ASCE program for sustainable infrastructure
Infrastructure includes constructed facilities and associated natural features that shelter and support human activities, such as buildings of all types,
Battling Energy Waste in Hot, Rich Cities
NYT article on sustainable building practices
Berkshire encyclopedia of sustainability
The 10-volume Berkshire Encyclopedia of Sustainability provides authoritative coverage of the growing body of knowledge about ways to restore the planet. Focused on solutions, this interdisciplinary publication draws from the natural, physical, and social sciences.
China Rethinks Nuclear Power
Link to the article:

Nation; 5/9/2011, Vol. 292 Issue 19, p20-22
D4S
Design for Sustainability publications
Defining Sustainability, Defining the Future
If sustainability implies a linking of problems of consumption and poverty with pollution, resource degradation, and conflict, the solutions also require novel linkages
Developing a framework for sustainability management in engineering SMEs
Sustainability issues in manufacturing and production are growing exponentially. Initially referring to environmental considerations, sustainability now also encompasses social, ethical and economical responsibilities.
Hidden Histories: the Story of Sustainable Design
Many of us today are so far removed from the things we consume we don't know where they come from or who made or designed them. The concept of hidden histories requires us to think about the things we buy and ask questions like "How much energy was used to make this?" and "Where was it produced?"
Saint Louis University's Center for Sustainability
Building on the Jesuit tradition of leadership and service, Saint Louis University's Center for Sustainability uses interdisciplinary research, education, and development to advance sustainable approaches to the world's social, economic and environmental challenges.
Sustainability at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Sustainability at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Why Not the Sun? Advantages of and Problems with Solar Energy
This Discovery Guide is about about "active" uses of solar as a direct means of replacing energy currently generated mainly by fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas.