In 2000, Rob co-founded with Chris Pastore, the Engineering and Design Institute @ Philadelphia University, an interdisciplinary research center focusing on green materials, sustainable design and community outreach. Funded by a grant from the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority, the center develops new green materials, serves as a resource for firms seeking to design green buildings and provides community outreach initiatives such as the Sustainable Design Resource Library. In 2006, The Institute, in partnership with The Green Building Alliance formed the Pennsylvania Green Growth Partnership, a multi-university and non-profit consortium focused on green building technologies, materials and design. In 2004, Professor Fleming and Chris Pastore received the Pennsylvania Resource Council's "Leadership in Green Building Award." And in 2007 a Philadelphia Sustainability Award  from the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.  In 2008, the Institute received Delaware Valley Green Building Council's, "Leadership in Green Building Award."

Rob is currently working on a book: Design Education for a Sustainable Future to be published by Routledge/earthscan in early 2013.