New Infrastructure Sustainability Measuring System

Newswise — A new, independent non-profit organization tasked with developing and administering a sustainability rating system for North American infrastructure—the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI)—will hold its first board meeting later this week on February 8 and 9. The organization was founded by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the American Public Works Association (APWA) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

The ISI rating system is founded on the “triple bottom line” concept of sustainability, which includes environmental, economic and social considerations, and it is designed to identify the benefits of sustainable practice for owners, regulators and practitioners. It represents the only comprehensive assessment system that strives to improve a project’s social and environmental performance, while also accounting for economic benefits and creating a better long-term value for the community.

The rating system will be formally launched in the summer of 2011 as a voluntary, web-based product. However, unlike other tools, the ISI system will include an option for third-party verification, and will be applicable to a wide range of infrastructure projects, from roads and bridges to energy and water systems. Its robust, objective and transparent methods will also promote community and policy acceptance of 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 development of a sustainability rating system provides a pathway forward in developing an accord between the manmade and natural environment. The goals of this initiative are to create the principles and measuring tools that will 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.”