Celebrating World Nature Conservation Day Through Verified Energy Projects

World Nature Conservation Day, observed each year on July 28, underscores the critical connection between a healthy environment and a healthy society. As population growth and climate change intensify pressure on natural systems, the need for sustainable, resilient infrastructure has never been greater. Communities have a responsibility to manage resources wisely while addressing environmental and social justice concerns. 

The Envision Sustainable Infrastructure Framework, developed by the Institute of Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI), is a comprehensive tool that helps professionals plan, design, and deliver more sustainable projects of all types and sizes. Envision is a decision-making tool that is used by infrastructure owners, engineers, designers, architects, planners, contractors, and other stakeholders to evaluate projects across a broad range of sustainability indicators, or “credits,” that address environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability to encourage systemic change.  

While infrastructure and environmental protection can seem at odds—especially in energy development—many Envision-verified energy projects prove they can go hand-in-hand. These projects don’t just generate cleaner energy; they also enhance ecosystems and create community benefits like restored habitats and recreational spaces. 

West Riverside Energy Center 

Alliant Energy’s West Riverside Energy Center, located near Beloit, Wisconsin, earned Envision Platinum verification in 2020. This $660 million combined-cycle natural gas facility produces 730 megawatts of electricity—enough to power over 550,000 homes—and plays a key role in Alliant Energy’s transition to cleaner energy. 

The project integrates advanced technologies and community-focused features. Plume abatement technology reduces visible emissions, while the 0.6-mile Alliant Energy Peace Trail Extension enhances public access and connects to the larger 12-mile Peace Trail system. Community input shaped the visual design, including berms, landscaping, and preserving the iconic “candy cane” stacks from the retired Rock River Generating Station. 

To support local ecosystems, Alliant Energy restored 67 acres with native prairie grasses and flowers, improving habitat connectivity and biodiversity. Prior to planting, a goat-for-hire company was used to remove invasive species across 20 acres in an environmentally friendly way. Native vegetation and innovative stormwater practices—like rainwater harvesting—also help manage runoff and boost the site’s water storage capacity for operational use. 

Holland Energy Park 

The Holland Energy Park project in Holland, Michigan was verified Envision Platinum in 2016. Owned by the Holland Board of Public Works (HBPW), the Holland Energy Park is a cornerstone of the city’s 40-year Community Energy Plan, which aims to create a sustainable energy future and reduce overall energy demand. 

Following a comprehensive Sustainable Return on Investment (SROI) analysis and extensive stakeholder engagement, HBPW selected a natural gas solution with supplemental purchased power agreements for renewable energy. 

The site’s proximity to wetlands enabled the extension of the Outdoor Discovery Center Macatawa Greenway trail system, linking it to Windmill Island Gardens and revitalizing a deteriorating eastern gateway into Holland. The landscape now features native vegetation, walking paths, and ponds that integrate seamlessly with the surrounding environment, while improving multimodal access to the city and the Padnos Transportation Center. 

A Biodiversity Assessment informed habitat protection and restoration efforts, identifying both potential impacts and opportunities for ecological enhancement, including wetland restoration and invasive species removal. 

Holland Energy Park now serves as a model of sustainable infrastructure—delivering reliable energy, connecting people to nature, and enhancing the city’s identity as an accessible, environmentally integrated community hub. 

Marshalltown Generating Station 

Alliant Energy’s Marshalltown Generating Station in Iowa was verified Envision Platinum in 2017. This 650-megawatt natural gas combined cycle facility supplies power to approximately 500,000 homes and businesses. Compared to traditional coal-fired plants, it emits less than half the carbon dioxide, two-thirds less nitrogen oxide, and 99% less sulfur and mercury. 

As part of the project, Alliant Energy restored a portion of the site to create a public “Nature Trail,” featuring seven acres of native prairie and pollinator habitats. Replacing former monoculture row crops, the area now supports biodiversity and offers daily public access. The trail includes educational signage to help visitors learn about the environmental benefits of native ecosystems. 

A Blueprint for Fundamental Change in Infrastructure Development 

On World Nature Conservation Day, it’s critical to recognize that sustainable infrastructure is already transforming communities. Projects like the West Riverside Energy Center, Holland Energy Park, and Marshalltown Generating Station demonstrate that energy generation and environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand. By using tools like Envision, infrastructure owners are making smarter choices—ones that reduce emissions, restore ecosystems, and create lasting community value. These examples aren’t just success stories; they’re blueprints for the future.