This past February, a new organization tasked with developing and administering a sustainability rating system for North American utilities infrastructure—the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI), held its first board meeting. ISI was founded by the American Council of Engineering Companies, the American Public Works Association and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
According to ISI’s press release, their rating system is founded on the “triple bottom line” of sustainability, which includes environmental, economic and social considerations. It is designed to identify the benefits of sustainable practice for owners, regulators and practitioners. It represents the only comprehensive assessment system aimed at improving a project’s social and environmental performance, while also accounting for economic benefits of long-term value for the community.
The rating system formally launches this summer as a web-based product with an option for third-party verification. It will apply to a range of infrastructure projects, from roads and bridges to energy and water systems. Its robust, objective, and transparent methods will promote sustainable solutions and encourage knowledge sharing, innovation and collaboration in the design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure.
“This is a groundbreaking effort that will give federal, state, and local government agencies a new way to plan and carry out infrastructure projects that achieve broader and longer-term benefits for the American people,” said ACEC Chairman and ISI Board member Jerry Stump. “Right now government agencies lack a comprehensive measuring tool that will assess major infrastructure projects in terms of sustainability and other societal needs – the new ISI rating system will fill this need.”
“The public works professional of the future must be equipped with the knowledge and skills in creating the livable communities of the 21st century, said APWA President George R. Crombie, MPA. “APWA’s collaboration with ASCE and ACEC in the sustainability rating system provides a pathway forward in developing an accord between the manmade and natural environment. The goals are to create principles and measuring tools to assist the public works profession in designing projects that are in harmony with the environment, and improve the quality of life of those served. The challenge before us is not what we can build, but can we build in a sustainable manner meeting the goals of the triple bottom line.”
“Civil engineers are committed to sustainable practice, so as an organization, ASCE has committed to leading the way forward,” said Kathy J. Caldwell, P.E., ASCE president. “Being one of the founding members of ISI is a key part of that commitment, and we are excited to add it to our sustainability initiatives. This new partnership will allow us to create a product the marketplace is demanding, and help us to create an atmosphere of acceptance for sustainable infrastructure solutions.”
The rating system will be performance-based and adaptable based on project size and complexity, allowing state and federal agencies to use it for the very largest projects, while allowing local governments to use it for smaller projects. The system will also include an option for self-assessment as well as third-party certification.
The new organization’s nine-member board of directors will include representatives from all three founding organizations. ISI membership will be open to individuals, organizations and agencies, as well as developing certification and continuing education programs for rating system users.
By K.B. Elliott
K. B. Elliott is a freelance writer for UtilitesJobs.com. Working positions on both the corporate consumer and provider side of utilities in the Detroit area for over 30 years gives him a unique perspective on these 24/7 businesses. To read more of his blogs, please go to UtilitiesJobsblog.com, and be sure to check out the postings for jobs in nearly any industry at Nexxt
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