Sustainability Ratings for Engineering Projects
As a key part of its mission to advance sustainable practices, the American Society of Civil Engineers has been working jointly with the American Council of Engineering Companies and the American Public Works Association on a new and exciting program -- a new infrastructure rating system that will verify civil engineering projects as sustainable. The rating system is based on the approach known as the "Triple Bottom Line" – economic, environmental and social impacts. The rating system will provide a uniform means of assessing sustainability benefits for practitioners, owners and regulators. Administering the new rating system will be the new Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, formed by ASCE, ACEC, and APWA. The rating will follow a two-pronged approach:
- Pathway Contribution: “Doing the right thing” with the community as the common denominator
- Performance Contribution: “Doing things right” or engineering high-performing projects
The rating system will be scalable to accommodate projects of all sizes and complexities, adaptable for specific needs and circumstances, and offer performance-based outcomes rather than being prescriptive.
No other U.S. programs currently fulfill the need for a rating system focused on civil infrastructure, although this system will be similar to other “green” ratings systems. Many complementary programs will be developed to support the rating system, including education and training, individual certification on its use and application submissions, certification of firms to apply the rating, project awards, plus manuals, guidance and research, all directly specific to the system.
Download a summary of the rating system.
About the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure
The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure's mission is to provide sustainability products and services that will transform infrastructure design, construction, and operation by taking into account the Triple Bottom Line. ISI is a joint-venture, 501(c)(3) non-profit, with ASCE, ACEC and APWA as founding members, and will house all programs and products specific to the new rating system.
View a list of the founding board of directors.
For more information, contact Carol Bowers, ASCE vice president, Sustainable Infrastructure Systems Development, at cbowers@asce.org or call 703-295-6352.