Sustainability Works

In a previous post, I told you about a project APWA's Center for Sustainability has been participating in with several of our partners, including The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) , the National Association of Counties (NACo), the National League of Cities (NLC), and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).  Shortly before the end of the year we  announce the release of a new livability resource, Livability Literature Review: A Synthesis of Current Practice. This new comprehensive report describes how livability is understood, provides examples of livable communities in practice, and adds clarity to several concepts.

In order to build and improve upon the work of the partnership, we are still seeking case studies that showcase how you are creating more livable communities.  We have put together a simple survey monkey form for you to use to submit your stories today.  These case studies will showcase the important work in which your community is engaged and help future communities create more livable communities. Click HERE to share your case study.

Are you looking for a way to demonstrate the sustainability of the projects you are working on?

A growing number of executives at leading global infrastructure consulting and engineering firms believe that the key to sustainability, which includes balancing the need for economic development with the imperative to use resources prudently, goes well beyond buildings and must include surrounding infrastructure – power, transportation, building campuses, telecommunications, waste and water and wastewater, and all elements must be integrated. A growing number of these profession­als also believe that it is necessary to develop a sustainability rating system for infra­structure, modeled on LEED and based on agreed-upon, and in many cases, quantifi­able metrics.  Such a system would provide a consensus-based measure of how localities are doing in bringing sustainability to their communities, as well as provide a clear yard­stick for achievement by infrastructure de­velopers, who increasingly need to justify their capital investments to stakeholders on the basis clear criteria.   The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) and the Envision sustainable infrastructure rating system was developed just for this purpose.

The Environmental Business Journal November 10, 2012 article details how ISI has developed and is expanding on the Envision sustainable infrastructure rating system, which does just that. To read all about it, use the link (http://ebionline.org/excerpts/1543-zofnass-project-combines-with-isi-to-generate-metrics-for-sustainable-infrastructure) to access the full article and visit their website.  Provided courtesy of Environmental Business Journal. Click here to learn more about the Consulting & Engineering 2013 edition of Environmental Business Journal and to review all EBJ back issues, go to http://www.ebionline.org/ebj-issues.

Everyday when I open my inbox I find a new report or set of best practices relating to sustainability.  Here's one that from AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials')  Center  Environmental Excellence that documents how state transportation departments, municipal planning organizations, and transit providers are putting into practice proven techniques that are speeding up project delivery and cutting costs while protecting and even improving environmental resources.

Leaner and Greener: Sustainability at Work in Transportation issued by AASHTO, in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration, showcases some of the many ways transportation agencies are simultaneously cutting costs, helping the environment, and strengthening communities.

Guest post by Jeralee Anderson, Executive Director, Greenroads Foundation.

As part of their growing membership and education programs, Greenroads Foundation developed a professional credential to complement its Project Rating Program and to advance sustainability education for the transportation industry. The Greenroads Team launched its first examination, called the STP Alpha Exam, for transportation professionals in mid-September. They recently announced the list of the first 25 Sustainable Transportation Professionals (STP) who have completed the exam successfully. You can see a list of them here. The first group of STPs represents 8 states and 5 countries!

The Greenroads STP is currently analogous to LEED’s entry level professional credential, the LEED Green Associate. In light of the previous post about the USGBC’s LEED Rating System and its Accredited Professional program, it is worth mentioning that while the Greenroads’ STP is structured similarly, there are several important differences.

• Like LEED, Greenroads STPs can earn points on Greenroads Projects through a Custom Credit and it is voluntary to do so. The STP Credential is not required to participate on a Greenroads Project or submit documents to Greenroads on behalf of the Project. The STP does need to be actively engaged in a Project’s Certification, but also does not need to represent a specific organization, owner, or contractor in order to earn a point.
• A team of STPs can earn points for Projects, as a way to encourage integrated teams of design and construction professionals. This is a direct response to several public comments Greenroads developers received referencing the issue of “sustainable project management” for transportation projects.
• There are currently no minimum education requirements to get an STP, so there is also no initial application process to become an STP Candidate. The intended audience for the exam is anyone who works with transportation projects, with an emphasis on roadways.
• A STP is an individual has demonstrated his or her knowledge of basic principles of sustainable transportation design and construction practices, as well as a general knowledge of the Greenroads Rating System and how the Project Rating Program works. However, detailed knowledge of credits and requirements in Greenroads is not needed to pass the exam.
• The STP Exam is an educational benefit of active membership in the Greenroads organization. The Exam is free to individual members, and anyone who is involved in or interested in sustainable transportation is encouraged to join as a member.

In the future, Greenroads also plans to build out the STP program with higher levels of specialization in the Rating System over time. The next level exam is planned for launch in early- to mid- 2013.

How to Learn More and Get Involved

• Visit the Greenroads website (www.greenroads.org). Here you can learn more about the Greenroads Rating System, register for the STP Exam or check out unique learning opportunities.
• Start studying. More information on the STP Alpha Exam, including details on what to study, can be found in the 18-page Candidate Handbook.
• Get prepared. Greenroads is offering 90 minute Exam Prep webinars regularly on Tuesdays starting in January 2013, with the first two scheduled December 4 and 11, just before the winter holidays.
• Connect online. Other learning opportunities and events are announced regularly on the Greenroads Facebook page and @Greenroads on Twitter.

By the way, APWA is an important educational partner and member organization of Greenroads. Julia Anastasio currently serves on Greenroads Foundation’s Board of Directors with other representatives of the transportation industry.