Italian communications agency Brandit and the School and Art Institute of Chicago have launched Elogico, an initiative that will explore and promote sustainable design approaches.

The initiative will produce exhibitions, events and roundtable discussions focused on addressing environmental and sustainable design. Its first event in Chicago earlier this month brought together architects and designers from around the world to discuss design in construction and products.

The first event took place during the NeoCon World’s Trade Fair in Chicago. A second event is planned in late 2008 during the International Biennial of Architecture in Venice.

According to the group, the initiative was created to examine cases where sustainability is ingrained in a company's operations and study how it can be applaied to cycles of creation, production, consumption and disposal.

Several Italian firms are participating in the project, including lighting companies Artemide and Metalspot, and furnishings designer Morelato.