Category

Archive

ISI Announces Partnership with Green Building Council in Colombia

27-March-2024

(Spanish translation follows)

 

ISI Announces Partnership with CCCS to Grow Envision Use in Colombia

Washington, D.C. and Bogotá – The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Consejo Colombiano de Construcción Sostenible (CCCS, the Colombia Green Building Council) to bring the Envision framework and rating system to Colombia. This collaboration aims to encourage professionals working in Colombia’s A/E/C industry to use Envision to plan, design, and deliver sustainable and resilient infrastructure projects that support the long-term health and well-being of their communities.

“The Colombia Green Building Council represents Colombia’s top talent in sustainable design and construction, and we’re so excited to partner with them to focus that expertise on the country’s infrastructure projects,” says Anthony Kane, ISI President & CEO. “This is an ideal partnership with amazing potential to build on the region’s existing momentum for sustainable development.”

Since 2008, CCCS has been leading the transformation toward sustainable environments in Colombia. Supported by a network of over 170 active members throughout the country, their specialized team has consolidated important international alliances, trained thousands of specialists, executed hundreds of comprehensive sustainability projects, and led public policy efforts. This work has effectively established CCCS as a technical reference and leader in Colombia for sustainable development.

CCCS has significantly influenced the use of the LEED framework throughout Colombia over the last 15 years, solidifying it as one of the top international markets for LEED projects. Building on this already impressive capacity for guiding green construction, CCCS is now looking to expand its influence into infrastructure projects. Through partnering with ISI, CCCS is excited to introduce Envision as the first tool to guide sustainable infrastructure development in Colombia and aims to further integrate sustainability as a fundamental element of urban planning and design in the region. With Colombia’s growing emphasis on transportation projects (especially roadways), CCCS is encouraged by the great potential for positive impact in this sector through the application of Envision.

“The main objective of a strategic partnership between the Colombia Green Building Council and ISI is to foster sustainable and resilient infrastructure in Colombia,” remarked Angelica Ospina, Executive Director of CCCS. “Together, we are committed to establishing Envision as a leading tool for reaching our organization’s impact goals, and to helping our government and A/E/C partners develop robust, long-term business models for resiliency in our country.”

ISI was founded in 2010 by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the American Public Works Association (APWA), and the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) to support the development of a guide for sustainable infrastructure. In collaboration with the then Zofnass Program for Sustainable Infrastructure at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, ISI integrated the best of industry experience with cutting-edge academic research to produce the Envision framework and rating system. Envision now serves as a common guidance tool for infrastructure owners, engineers, designers, architects, planners, contractors, operators, and other stakeholders in the early planning and design stages of infrastructure development. To date, more than 9,000 individuals around the globe have earned the Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) credential, and more than 160 projects have been verified by the Envision framework.

CCCS will highlight this new collaboration with ISI at their annual event, XV Edición de Construverde 2024, hosted in Bogotá from June 20–21. At this conference, CCCS will introduce their members to the Envision framework, while providing opportunities for further education and networking focused on sustainable development. The event will close with a specialized Envision training workshop on June 22 to help launch the ENV SP community in Colombia, and several other Envision webinars will be offered later in the year to support additional Envision credentialing and verification. ISI and CCCS are thrilled to embark on this alliance to ensure more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous communities in Colombia and worldwide.

To learn more about CCCS, please visit https://www.cccs.org.co/

 

ISI anuncia asociación con CCCS para aumentar el uso de Envision en Colombia

Washington, D.C. y Bogotá – El Instituto de Infraestructura Sostenible (“ISI”, por sus siglas en inglés) se complace en anunciar una nueva asociación con el Consejo Colombiano de Construcción Sostenible (CCCS, también conocido como el Colombian Green Building Council) para introducir el marco y el sistema de calificación Envision en Colombia. Esta colaboración tiene como objetivo alentar a los profesionales que trabajan en la industria A/E/C de Colombia a utilizar el marco Envision para planificar, diseñar y construir proyectos de infraestructura sostenibles y resilientes que respalden la salud y el bienestar a largo plazo de sus comunidades.

“El CCCS representa el mejor talento de Colombia en diseño y construcción sostenible, y estamos muy emocionados de asociarnos con ellos para enfocar esas habilidades en los proyectos de infraestructura del país”, dice Anthony Kane, presidente y director ejecutivo del ISI. “Esta es una asociación ideal con un potencial increíble para aprovechar el impulso existente en la región para el desarrollo sostenible”.

Desde 2008, el CCCS lidera la transformación hacia entornos sostenibles en Colombia. Respaldados por una red de más de 170 miembros activos en todo el país, su equipo especializado ha consolidado importantes alianzas internacionales, capacitado a miles de especialistas, ejecutado cientos de proyectos integrales de sostenibilidad y liderado esfuerzos de política pública. Este trabajo ha establecido efectivamente al CCCS como un referente técnico y líder en Colombia para el desarrollo sostenible.

El CCCS ha influenciado significativamente en el uso del sistema de certificación LEED en toda Colombia durante los últimos 15 años, consolidándolo como uno de los principales mercados internacionales para proyectos LEED. Aprovechando esta ya impresionante capacidad para guiar la construcción sostenible, el CCCS ahora busca expandir su influencia en proyectos de infraestructura. A través de su asociación con el ISI, el CCCS se complace en introducir a Envision como la primera herramienta para guiar el desarrollo de infraestructura sostenible en Colombia y apunta a integrar aún más la sostenibilidad como un elemento fundamental de la planificación y el diseño urbano en la región. Con el creciente énfasis de Colombia en proyectos de transporte (especialmente carreteras), el CCCS se siente alentado por el gran potencial de impacto positivo en este sector a través de la aplicación del marco Envision.

“El principal objetivo de una asociación estratégica entre el Colombia Green Building Council y el ISI es fomentar la infraestructura sostenible y resiliente en Colombia”, comentó Angélica Ospina, Directora Ejecutiva de el CCCS. “Juntos, estamos comprometidos a establecer Envision como una herramienta líder para alcanzar los objetivos de impacto de nuestra organización y para ayudar a nuestro gobierno y  socios A/E/C a desarrollar modelos de negocio robustos y de largo plazo para la resiliencia en nuestro país”.

El ISI fue fundado en 2010 por la Sociedad Estadounidense de Ingenieros Civiles (“ASCE”, por sus siglas en inglés), la Asociación Estadounidense de Obras Públicas (“APWA”, por sus siglas en inglés) y el Consejo Estadounidense de Empresas de Ingeniería (“ACEC”, por sus siglas en inglés) para apoyar el desarrollo de una guía para infraestructura sostenible. En colaboración con el entonces Programa Zofnass para Infraestructura Sostenible de la Escuela de Graduada de Diseño de la Universidad de Harvard, el ISI integró lo mejor de la experiencia de la industria con investigaciones académicas de vanguardia para producir el marco y el sistema de calificación Envision. Envision ahora sirve como una herramienta de orientación común para propietarios de infraestructura, ingenieros, diseñadores, arquitectos, planificadores, contratistas, operadores y otras partes interesadas en las primeras etapas de planificación y diseño de infraestructuras. Hasta la fecha, más de 9000 personas en todo el mundo han obtenido la credencial Experto en Sostenibilidad Envision (“ENV SP” por sus siglas en inglés, que se refieren a “Envision Sustainability Professional”) y más de 160 proyectos han sido verificados con el marco Envision.

El CCCS destacará esta nueva colaboración con ISI en su evento anual, XV Edición de Construverde 2024, que se celebrará en Bogotá del 20 al 21 de junio. En esta conferencia, el CCCS presentará a sus miembros el marco Envision, al mismo tiempo que brindará oportunidades para la educación avanzada y la creación de redes profesionales centradas en el desarrollo sostenible. El evento concluirá con un taller de formación especializada en Envision el 22 de junio para ayudar a impulsar la creación de la comunidad ENV SP en Colombia, y más adelante en el año, se ofrecerán diversos seminarios en línea para respaldar el proceso de formación y verificación en el uso de Envision. El ISI y el CCCS inician esta alianza con gran entusiasmo para garantizar comunidades más sostenibles, resilientes y prósperas en Colombia y en todo el mundo.

Para conocer más sobre el CCCS, por favor visite https://www.cccs.org.co/

Terminal Island Wye Track Realignment Project Awarded Envision Verified

21-March-2024

Aerial view, Port of Long Beach. Credit POLB.


Providing rail network resiliency and redundancy at the Port of Long Beach, this transformative project is a win for rail system efficacy, enhanced infrastructure integration, and the environment.

March 21, 2024 — The Terminal Island Wye Track Realignment Project has been awarded an Envision Verified Award from ISI in recognition of significant sustainability achievements. The Port of Long Beach plans to dramatically increase the amount of cargo moved by on­dock rail with this project, a move towards sustainability four-times more fuel-efficient than truck transport. The project will reduce train idling and allow the staging of up to 12,000 foot-long trains. That will potentially offset 2.2 million truck trips between project completion in 2024 and the year 2035.

Quote:

“In this, our ‘Year of Rail,’ the Port of Long Beach is honored to receive the Envision Verified Award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure for our Terminal Island Wye Rail Project. This crucial project – currently under construction – is designed to enhance the efficiency of cargo flow through the San Pedro Bay ports complex,” said Mario Cordero, Port of Long Beach CEO. “This is one more example of the Port’s dedication to strengthening its competitiveness though sustainable development.”

Visit the Project Profile

ISI Announces Call for Student Posters for the 2024 ISI Annual Conference

20-March-2024

ISI is pleased to invite student poster presentation abstracts for the 2024 ISI Annual Conference Student Poster Presentation. The conference will be hosted virtually on November 6-7, 2024.

View the details in our flyer: https://sustainableinfrastructure.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Call-for-Student-Posters.pdf

Complete the form: https://sustainableinfrastructure.org/studentposters/

North Rock Solar Project Awarded Envision Platinum for Sustainable Infrastructure

19-March-2024

The North Rock Solar Project has been awarded Envision Platinum for sustainable infrastructure. An estimated 50-megawatt (MW) solar energy generation project located on 426 acres in Rock County, Wisconsin, this outstanding Alliant Energy – Burns & McDonnell project earned high levels of achievements across all five of Envision’s sustainability categories.

The project exemplifies the use of clean energy technologies to offset energy generation  by fossil fuels, contributes toward improved ambient air quality, increases the quality of surrounding ecologically sensitive areas and demonstrates high levels of leadership and collaboration for sustainability.

North Rock consists of a 50 megawatt (MW) solar array, substation, and an approximately 1.5 mile-long gen-tie line on approximately 426 acres. It will generate enough clean, low-cost energy to power around 13,000 homes annually and serve as a significant source of new local tax revenue for the Town of Fulton and Rock County in Wisconsin. The project, supported by EPC contractor Burns & McDonnell, is part of a portfolio of Alliant Energy solar projects in Wisconsin that will move the state closer to realizing its clean energy goals. Previously, Bear Creek Solar and Wood County Solar earned Platinum Awards.

Quote:

“Congratulations to infrastructure owner, Alliant Energy, and the entire North Rock Solar Project team on this Envision award. This is a terrific project that makes strong contributions to environmental sustainability, develops a valuable new source of clean and renewable energy, and adds significant community quality of life benefits.”
— Kristi Wamstad, ISI’s Verification Director

Visit the Project Profile

ISI is Seeking an Operations Associate

14-March-2024

The ISI team is expanding. Read on for details about our new Operations Associate role.
Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

 

Click here for details to apply!

Summary:

The Operations Associate will possess a background in business operations, with exceptional organizational skills. The successful candidate will be meticulous, service-oriented, and comfortable in managing and maintaining a wide range of office management systems and procedures. Reporting to the Director of Membership, the Operations Associate will be a vital member of the ISI team, working with staff to fulfill key administrative functions in support of the organization’s operational needs and objectives. This is an ideal role for individuals with extensive experience in business operations and general administration, especially those who acquired their experience in a small-organization environment (virtual or hybrid setting).

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Operations Associate provides an extensive knowledge of office management systems and procedures. This dynamic role will provide exceptional administrative support in three primary areas:

Human Resources:

The successful candidate will execute business strategies for humanizing impersonal systems, provide support to employee engagement and development, and help manage ISI’s business compliance efforts. The Operations Associate will:

  • Perform administrative tasks to ensure business compliance standards are met to strengthen the organization and reduce liability risk.
  • Maintains records, documentation, and files that may be complex or confidential, such as employee files.
  • Assist with recruitment and onboarding support of new hires.
  • Assist with employment, financial, and benefit audits.
  • Organize and distribute information such as employee handbooks, benefit enrollment materials and updates, and retirement planning resources for staff consumption.
  • Liaise with external providers related to the above, including to request information or initiate support tickets, if needed.

ISI’s internal intranet website and software usage:

The upcoming internal website will provide a network for ISI staff.  The Intranet site will be useful for communications, collaboration, and information sharing.

  • Maintain postings and information on ISI’s upcoming internal website.
  • Organize the tracking and deployment of software such as Adobe, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Salesforce.
  • Liaise with external providers as needed, including to request information or initiate support tickets, if needed.

Administrative support for ISI operations:

Operations coordinates internal and external business engagement and manages all financial needs.

  • The Operations Associate will work one-on-one with ISI’s President to provide administrative support. This includes calendaring meetings, completing expense reports, and special projects.
  • Act as a liaison and provide support to the Board of Directors and the Envision Review Board. Arrange and handle all logistics for Board meetings and events: schedule meetings; draft agendas; develop, compile, and distribute presentation materials.
  • Serve as a backup support to ISI’s Senior Operations Associate with accounts receivables and payables.

Required Skills:

  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Extensive knowledge of office management systems and procedures.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, SharePoint and Adobe.
  • Ability to maintain confidential information.
  • Experience working with non-profit organizations and the A/E/C community is highly desirable.

Required Education and Experience:

  • A bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or information technology is required.
  • Three years of consistent business operations or related experience.
  • Experience working with non-profit organizations and the A/E/C community is highly desirable.

Salary and Benefits:

  • Benefits: health, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401k retirement plan with up to 5% match.
  • Vacation: Four (4) weeks; all federal holidays per the United States Office of Personnel Management; five (5) personal days per year
  • Salary: $50,000 – $55,000 Annually

Application process and deadline:

If you are interested in this opportunity, visit the post on Indeed to apply. Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2024.

****

The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other factor protected by applicable U.S. federal, state, and local laws.

Envision Sustainability Framework Arrives in Peru

6-March-2024

Cristina Contreras delivered a successful Envision training workshop in Peru in February 2024. There were 32 participants, including representatives from the Ministerio de Economía y Finanzas del Perú (MEF), Ministerio del Ambiente – Perú (MINAM), Ceplan – Centro Nacional de Planeamiento Estratégico, ProInversión Perú, Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones (MTC), Asociación para el Fomento de la Infraestructura Nacional – AFIN, Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID), The Wildlife Conservation Society; The Nature Conservancy (TNC); and GRADE Grupo de Análisis para el Desarrollo (GRADE).

The workshop, which represents the first-ever Envision training for key decision-makers in Peru, was made possible by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and ISI.

Cristina Contreras, a long-time Envision trainer and sustainable infrastructure champion, is the Founder and Executive Director of Sinfranova LLC: LinkedIn bio.

 

APWA Reporter Magazine Spotlights Envision

6-March-2024

APWA Reporter Magazine’s March 2024 issue carried an article spotlighting Envision®, titled “Enhancing sustainability in the waste sector: A look at four Envision-rated projects.”

Among the projects highlighted in this article:

  • The Omaha RiverFront Revitalization (Envision Platinum, 2021)
  • 27th Avenue Compost Facility in Phoenix (Envision Silver, 2017)
  • Holland Energy Park in Holland, Michigan (Envision Platinum award, 2016)
  • Surrey Biofuel Facility in British Columbia (Envision Platinum, 2018)

Access the article here.