Sustainable thinking

Abstract

Whether you have a building project or not, sustainable thinking fosters partnerships, improves social equity and economic vitality, enhances environmental quality, increases revenue and conveys value. This paper will present a compelling argument on how to design with nature, stay green after the building is finished and the move-in is complete. The article will elaborate on a platform for embedding an eco-ethic deep into day-today operations. In addition the article will explain the tools that libraries need to pursue a sustainable future in uncertain times. Besides these practical aspects of staying sustainable after the building is complete, the authors will discuss the macro level thinking that is needed in the library organization and the crucial role architecture plays in creating positive chain reactions in the sustainable continuum. This macro thinking requires the understanding of the consequences of sustainable actions and non-actions with regard to social responsibility of integrity and ethical actions. These responsibilities can be viewed as a "social compact"-defined as an implicit agreement amongst members of society to act in ways that protect the personal well-beeing of all persons. As such, the authors will explore the relationship between behaviour, equity and money in the decision making process used to become and stay sustainable in the library. Finally, all of these aspects will be related to the body, mind and spirit of the library patron. Ganz gleich, ob Sie ein Bauprojekt planen oder nicht-nachhaltiges Denken fördert Partnerschaften, verbessert soziale Gleichheit und ökonomische Dynamik, erhöht die Umweltqualität, steigert den Umsatz und vermittelt Werte. Dieser Beitrag zeigt, was ökologisches Design ist und wie man nach Fertigstellung eines Gebäudes und dem Einzug nachhaltig "grün" bleibt. Der Artikel behandelt das Einbetten einer Umweltethik in die alltäglichen Abläufe sowie Methoden zur Wahrung der Nachhaltigkeit für die Zukunft. Abgesehen von diesen praktischen Aspekten ökologischer Nachhaltigkeit nach einer Gebäudefertigstellung diskutieren die Autoren die entscheidende Rolle, die die Architektur für das Herstellen positiver Kettenreaktionen spielt. Dieses "Makro-Denken" erfordert ein Verständnis für die Konsequenzen nachhaltigen Handelns und Nicht-Handelns unter Berücksichtigung der gesellschaftlichen Übereinkunft von sozialem Verantwortungsbewusstsein und ethisch-moralischem Handeln. Die Autoren untersuchen die Beziehung zwischen Verhalten, Werten und Geldmitteln im Entscheidungsprozess, was für das Erreichen und Erhalten von Nachhaltigkeit erforderlich ist. Letztendlich betreffen alle diese Aspekte Körper, Geist und Seele des Bibliotheksnutzers.

Libraries as promoters of environmental sustainability: Collections, tools and events

“…Another approach to enhancing environmental conditions is the facilitation of green transit to the library site and by library employees. For example, the provision of electric vehicles and bicycle parking spaces, as well as good access to public transport can enhance a green transit (Aldrich et al, 2013). Some studies focus on special sustainability practices within libraries like Green Printing and copying (Singh and Mishra, 2019).…”

“…A 'daily green culture', e.g. by reducing waste and paper consumption, can reduce the libraries' ecological footprint (Aldrich et al, 2013). Werner (2013) has published a checklist for libraries to make it easier for them to promote sustainability.…”

Libraries as Sustainability Leaders: ALA's Special Task Force

“…TBL is often depicted as a "three-legged stool" of which the balance must be heeded in order for an organization to be sustainable. 6 [ Figure 1.…”

“…8 As part of the social fabric, libraries can facilitate such collaboration by playing the roles Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, one of the authors of this article, refers to as catalyst, connector, and convener. 9 For example, libraries can start a conversation about sustainability, connect with entities that recognize the significance of sustainability, and gather representatives to strategize for action. In other words, libraries can assume a leadership role if they step up and apply systems thinking to proactively coordinate what is required for the holistic collaboration.…”

“…Examples of this work can already be observed through such programs as the "Plant a Seed" initiative at the Rochester Public Library in Minnesota. 9 Volunteers divided "50,000 bulk-purchased seeds into 6,000 individual packets, representing more than 40 varieties of vegetables, fruits and herbs." 19 The goal of the project is to give food back to the community with the hope that some gardeners will save seeds for the library to create a circle of giving and receiving.…”