envisionTM

A Rating System forSustainable Infrastructure

Tim Psomas Chairman of the Board, ISI

Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure

OutlineGoals for the Rating SystemBackgroundDetails of the Rating SystemBecoming a Sustainability

Professional Project RecognitionParticipating in ISIQ & A

BackgroundFounding partners support sustainability as a key

belief: APWA – Center for Sustainability ASCE – Committee for Sustainability ACEC – Green Scorecard

Each explored a rating system for non-habitable structures

Came to agree that a shared effort would succeed: Leveraging a broader membership Creating a standard model for infrastructure

Creating the envisionTM SystemInventoried the market (900+ rating systems)

Consultants experienced with FIDIC and CEEQUAL developed basic framework

Founder Partners developed goals, core concepts, gap identification, refinement of approaches, products

Collaborated with federal agencies

Creating . . . (cont’d)4+ Month Public Comment period thru

November 18:Many responses and suggestions

Concluded agreement with Harvard’s Zofnass Program for Sustainable Infrastructure:Merged rating tools

Organized education, accreditation and project recognition programs

Launched revised system January 16, 2012

Goals for envisionTM

Become recognized as The Model for Sustainable Achievement based on user acceptance and application; accommodate sector-specific approaches

Guide practitioners, owners & stakeholders in the framing of infrastructure solutions and performance goals

Sustainability must be affordable

Public nature of infrastructure projects requires support of policy makers, communities and stakeholders – guide behavioral improvements in project conceptualizing while confirming technical competence

Keep it simple, practical, adaptable and usable

Features of envisionTM

Applies to planning, design, construction & operation

Establishes metrics for evaluating sustainability

Creates methodology to balance project features to enhance sustainable performance

Creates record of sustainability decisionsProject Recognition based on overall project

achievement

Owner BenefitsDemonstrates concern for the

environment

Promotes a common language for considering levels of sustainability

Applies to all non-habitable infrastructure:Can be used to assess projects, programs

or whole communities

3rd Party not-for-profit rating system

Multi-faceted; not single issue solution

Framework of envisionTM

5 Sections, 60 Criteria: Reflect triple bottom

line attributes & performance

Narrative guidance manual

A scoring moduleA scoring summaryReport

envisionTM Scoring Allocation

Quality of Life22%

Leadership15%Resource

Allocation22%

Natural World25%

Climate and Risk15%

809 total points

Input Portal

Project Sections and CriteriaQL1.1

Community Quality of life

QL1.2 Stimulate Sustainable Growth

QL1.3 Local Skills

QL2.1 Public Health and Safety

QL2.2 Noise and Vibration

QL2.3 Light Pollution

QL2.4 Mobility and Access

QL2.5 Alternative Transportation Modes

QL2.6 Site Accessibility

QL3.1 Historic and Cultural

QL3.2 Views, Local Character

QL3.3 Public Space

QL0.0 Innovation

LD1.1 Effective Leadership

LD1.2 Sustainability Management System

LD1.3 Collaboration

LD1.4 Stakeholder Involvement

LD2.1 By-Product Synergy

LD2.2 Integration

LD3.1 Long Term Monitoring and Maintenance

LD3.2Regulatory/ Policy Conflicts

LD3.3 Extend Useful Life

LD0.0 Innovation

RA1.1 Embodied Energy

RA1.2 Procurement

RA1.3 Recycling

RA1.4 Regional Materials

RA1.5 Divert Waste

RA1.6 Reduce Material Export

RA1.7 Deconstruction

RA2.1 Reduce Energy Consumption

RA2.2 Renewable Energy

RA2.3 Monitor Energy Systems

RA3.1 Water Availability

RA3.2 Water Consumption

RA3.3 Monitor Water Systems

RA0.0 Innovation

NW1.1 Prime Habitat

NW1.2 Wetlands Surface Water

NW1.3 Prime Farmland

NW1.4 Geologic Hazards

NW1.5 Floodplains

NW1.6 Steep Slopes

NW1.7 Greenfields

NW2.1 Storm water

NW2.2 Pesticides

NW2.3 Water Contamination

NW3.1 Biodiversity

NW3.2 Invasive Species

NW3.3 Disturbed Soils

NW3.4 Maintain Water Functions

NW0.0 Innovation

CR1.1Greenhouse Gas Emissions

CR1.2 Air Pollutants

CR2.1 Climate Threat

CR2.2 Traps and Vulnerabilities

CR2.3 Long-term Adaptability

CR2.4 Short-term Hazards

CR2.5 Heat Islands

CR0.0 Innovation

Guidance Manual

Scoring Module

envisionTM Project AssessmentConducted by ISI accredited

professional(s)Web based scoring:

Links to details / guidanceOpen field for documenting design decisionsCapacity for many projects simultaneouslyProject files remain accessible for updating

ISI AccreditationISI-SP ~ Sustainability Professional:

ISI certified practitioner Trained & accredited to use EnvisionTM rating

systemAddresses triple bottom line sustainability

dimensions: For design, construction and operation of

infrastructure projects

ISI PV ~ Provisional credential holder

Benefits of Being an ISI PVDemonstrate competence in using ISI

Sustainability SystemRequired for a project to qualify for ISI recognitionProvide guidance to project team to enhance

project sustainabilityUse designation in resume and business cardQualified to submit projects for ISI recognitionNecessary step to becoming ISI-SP credentialed:

Must use Envision TM system on a project between Jan 1, 2012 and Dec 31, 2013

Becoming an ISI PVApply:

Applications available online Feb 6, 2012

Complete education classes: Download after March 5, 2012

Pass the ISI PV test:Available online after April 1, 2012

Becoming an ISI PVISI PV ISI

MemberNon

member

Gov’t Employees

Application & Training Fee

$350 $450 $150

Exam Fee $200 $200 $0

Project Recognition ISI will recognize projects that demonstrate

enhanced sustainability. Projects must:Engage an ISI PV to consult and prepare the

envisionTM project rating system

Complete a documented application

ISI will engage 3rd party Verifiers to review the application and conclude a score

Project Applications will be accepted after April 1, 2012

Participating in ISICharter Members:

Early investors in ISI; committee leadership, discounts

Sustaining Members:Early annual funders; committee involvement,

discounts

Public Sector Members (Owners):Free membership; committee involvement,

discounts

Further information

Website: www.sustainableinfrastructure.org

Tim Psomas, Chairman, ISI: tpsomas@psomas.com

William J. Bertera, Exec Director, ISI: bertera@sustainableinfrastructure.org