Sustainable Infrastructure Rating System Launches
The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) has just launched version 2.0 of its core product, the sustainable infrastructure rating system Envision™. The system will evaluate, grade and give recognition to infrastructure projects that provide progress for and contributions to a sustainable future. Its purpose is to foster a necessary and dramatic improvement in the performance and resiliency of physical infrastructure across the full dimensions of sustainability: economic, social and environmental.
In today’s environment in which infrastructure must perform, it has become increasingly challenging as demands for energy and water resources climb. The professionals who design and build these projects face a tall order in the years ahead: satisfying ever-growing demand, while at the same time responsibly addressing the potential effects caused by climate change and the increasing demand for resources, through integrating sustainable techniques in infrastructure design and construction. The works that best meet those challenges – and can serve as an example to others – can qualify for verification under Envision™, the first rating system to gauge infrastructure sustainability.
Envision™ takes a new tack by establishing a holistic framework for evaluating and rating infrastructure projects against the needs and values of the community; ensuring that the true sustainability of tomorrow’s infrastructure is addressed by considering the entire life cycle of projects at a systems level. In addition, this infrastructure rating system raises the bar on sustainability performance by recognizing efforts that replenish and restore natural resources and ecosystems, and evaluating infrastructure throughout its full life, with ratings for design and planning, construction, operations, and decommissioning. To do this, the initial release of Envision™ this month will address the design and planning phase with subsequent phase ratings to follow.
Envision™ is the product of a strategic alliance among several organizations, including the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, a nonprofit organization co-founded by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Public Works Association, and the American Council of Engineering Companies; and Harvard University's Zofnass Program for Sustainable Infrastructure.
ISI is forming committees to assist the ISI Board of Directors and staff in developing programming for the organization. If you are interested in serving, review the committee information and submit an application (both PDFs). ISI will provide further details on committee member responsibilities and roles, but the majority of work is expected to be accomplished by conference call. Contact William J. Bertera, ISI executive director, at Bertera@sustainableinfrastructure.org if you have any additional questions.
Additional Resources
• ISI website
• Sustainability Rating System