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ENV SP Spotlight: Stephanie Dalo of AECOM

8-August-2019

Stephanie Dalo, PE, ENV SP. [Photo submitted by Stephanie Dalo]

Stephanie Dalo is a professional engineer in Vancouver, British Columbia, with experience in the structural inspection and analysis of municipal and provincial infrastructure. Her civil infrastructure work has included bridges, culverts, dams, roads, wastewater treatment structure, water reservoirs, stormwater retention basins, noise walls, waste management structures, and other projects.

ISI had an opportunity to connect with Stephanie to learn more about her work, and experience using Envision.

Professional Experience

Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI): Tell us more about your current work and pursuits.

Stephanie Dalo (SD): My work with AECOM has spanned over 7 years. In addition to my work, I am pursuing a Masters of Engineering Leadership (Urban Systems) at the University of British Columbia. Through this program, I collaborate with faculty, government, and industry experts. Some of the key elements of this exciting program include exploring major ways in which urban systems provision and performance impact society; learning about the linkages between the environment, health, quality of life and economy; developing long-term investment plans and alternative analyses; applying systems theory to sustainability and resiliency; and applying principles of engineering economics.

(ISI): What drew you to your field of work in the first place?

(SD): I was fortunate to grow up in places with treated water, maintained roads, managed wastewater, distributed power, and well-maintained sewers. In my early teens, I began to question who is responsible for all of this. I realized that infrastructure touches the lives of everyone, and that good infrastructure creates cities that thrive. That became my passion and led me to my career as a structural engineer.

After working as a structural engineer for 4 years, I started asking myself ‘why’ I am designing these structures. To me, it wasn’t just about doing the project right, but also about doing the right project. I started learning about sustainability, but I did not feel that I was utilizing this concept in my projects. There was always a question of whether my clients were interested enough to include a thorough sustainability assessment. I wanted to follow my passion so I switched my focus from structural design to how people can plan, design, construct, operate and maintain infrastructure in a holistic way… in a way that authentically balances environmental, social, and economic considerations.

(ISI): What would you say has been your biggest career challenge thus far?

(SD): Getting engineers more engaged in conversations about sustainability. Planners, policy makers, and architects are leading the conversation, but engineers also need to be at the table to discuss how to best design these systems.

(ISI): What has been your proudest career moment to-date?

(SD): My proudest moment was the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Meadowlily Footbridge, a heritage bridge in the City of London, Ontario. The historical and sentimental value of this bridge meant a lot to the local residents. The notion of entirely replacing the bridge drew significant protests. So, despite restoration being the more costly option, the city prioritized rehabilitating it to match the original design as best as possible.

High quality public engagement ensured that this piece of cultural history was not erased. At the start of the project, there were no plans for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. However, since the project went well and the locals were so pleased with it, the ceremony was arranged. The mayor said a few words on the day that it was officially reopened to the public.

Envision Experience

(ISI): How did you learn about Envision?

(SD): While working as a Structural Engineer at AECOM, I began to grow increasingly aware of all the lives I touch with the work that I do. While I felt proud of my work, I recognized that there was more I could do to make my projects sustainable. I began reading and researching sustainable infrastructure and was invited to give a guest lecture to graduate students at the Western University in London Ontario about Reducing a Project’s Carbon Footprint and Adapting to Climate Change. One of the senior engineers at AECOM saw that I was very passionate about sustainability and referred me to the Envision Framework. As soon as I learned more about Envision, I realized it was a tool that I wanted to apply to my work.

(ISI): Why did you decide to pursue an Envision credential?

(SD): As an advocate for sustainable development, my objective is to consult decision makers on how to implement principles of sustainability into infrastructure planning, design, construction, and operations & maintenance. My goal is to reduce project risks through increased transparency, stakeholder involvement, inclusive practices, innovation, and leadership. I plan to use the Envision Framework on my projects because it offers a consistent, consensus-based framework for assessing sustainability and resilience in infrastructure.

(ISI): How are you advocating for the use of Envision?

(SD): I have been working with the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE) to bring more exposure to the Envision framework and inform engineers across Canada on how they can use it. The framework provides a common understanding that allows owners, architects, landscape architects, planners, operators and constructors to set higher performance goals for projects and to collaborate and communicate on achieving those goals.

In November 2016, I was invited to sit on the CSCE’s Sustainability Assessment task force. This task force was developed to evaluate the challenges and opportunities of the ISI Envision Framework, identify gaps, and support continuous improvement.

Fun Facts

(ISI): What are some of your favorite hobbies and interests?

(SD): I really enjoy practicing yoga. It helps me stay grounded, mindful and present. I also love camping and hiking. Being outdoors helps me connect with nature and my surroundings. I am also somewhat of a music nerd. While I appreciate the classics, I love keeping up with new music.

(ISI): What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

(SD): I play guitar and have a small two-piece band called Archives. I play rhythm guitar, keyboard / synth and sing. I also am writing a TV show with a friend. We are serious about it, but we are also having fun. We just want to write something that is entertaining, adventurous, suspenseful, and of course, funny.

ENV SP Spotlight: Ryan Prime of Skanska USA

25-July-2019

Ryan Prime is the national Sustainability Director for Skanska USA’s civil construction business. In addition to leading sustainability initiatives across Skanska’s operating regions, Ryan is responsible for implementing the ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certification process to ensure Skanska’s Environmental, Health and Safety Program is compliant with these international standards for Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety management. Ryan has been with Skanska since 2008 and has worked on some of the largest and most complex infrastructure projects in the New York metro area including the LaGuardia Terminal B Redevelopment Project, Bayonne Bridge Navigational Clearance Program and the Second Avenue Subway Tunnels Project. During his time with Skanska, Ryan has worked extensively in risk management, environmental compliance and contracts administration. Since taking the role of Sustainability Director, Ryan has served as chair of the Construction Industry Workgroup for the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure and has provided his expertise in the development and review of the Envision framework, both v2 and v3. In addition, he lectures at Columbia University on sustainable development for the Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. Ryan is a frequent speaker at Harvard University’s Zofnass Program Workshops and was recently invited to be a member of American Society of Civil Engineers’ Committee on Sustainability. Ryan holds a B.S. degree in Environmental Geoscience from Boston College and a M.E. degree in Ocean Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.

ISI staff had a chance to connect with Ryan to learn more about his work and how he uses Envision.

Professional Experience

Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI): What drew you to your field of work?

Ryan Prime (RP): From a young age I have always been drawn to natural systems and how we as a society interact with our surroundings through the built environment.  As my knowledge expanded and my experiences multiplied I connected the delicate balance between what must be built to ensure a high quality of life with what must be conserved to ensure future generations have the same opportunity.

(ISI): What has been your biggest career challenge?

(RP): There have been many challenges but the toughest, and one I have yet to overcome, is reaching a point where the entire life cycle of an asset is taken into account when making project decisions.  To start, it’s important to define what lifecycle means and understand that different entities within project development team have different perspectives.  For example, a lender may interpret lifecycle differently from the contractor’s perspective who in turn has a different viewpoint than the operations and maintenance folks.  Decisions are often made with only one slice of the pie in view.  The biggest challenge I’ve faced in creating sustainable infrastructure is taking the time to understand the lifecycle impact of the decisions made on a project.

(ISI): What has been your proudest career moment?

(RP): I like to think that the best is yet to come. If I had to choose something at this point in my career I would say being selected as a committee member of ASCE’s Committee on Sustainability. Not only is it an honor to be recognized in the industry through such an appointment, the group is tasked with drafting a standard to be used as a rubric for sustainable infrastructure. Measures like these are the building blocks on which future infrastructure projects will be delivered in the USA and directly contribute to a strong and vibrant economy.

Envision Experience

(ISI): How did you learn about Envision?

(RP): In 2012 I researched “How to build a ‘green’ bridge?” I stumbled upon the Zofnass Program at Harvard and ISI and what was then a very early draft of Envision. At that time, I was a LEED AP and I knew that if the infrastructure sectors followed the same path with Envision as the commercial/residential sectors did in terms of LEED certification the opportunity was massive.

I then became an ENV SP to learn ISI’s definition of what it means to build “sustainable infrastructure” and to support this endeavor in the industry.

(ISI): How is Skanska using Envision?

(RP): Skanska is building six projects that have been verified and have earned Envision awards. The use of Envision supports Skanska’s values. We see these awards as a way to highlight the effort that goes into to planning and constructing projects sustainably that may otherwise be overlooked because it is often challenging to communicate this without a third-party certification like Envision.

(ISI): Can you share some highlights from an Envision project?

(RP): I am very proud of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Expo Line Phase 2 (Expo 2) Light Rail project award we earned in 2017. This project provided a critical piece of infrastructure that did not exist before and was one of the first projects Skanska had verified using Envision.  The client – Metro – was an excellent partner in the award and through the verification process they were able to demonstrate a leadership position in sustainability.

Fun Facts

(ISI): What are some of your favorite hobbies and interests?

(RP): Not surprising I love anything outdoors. Hiking, trail running, surfing, mountain biking and camping – and always with my family.

(ISI): What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

(RP): I’m a car guy.  I know working in the sustainability field implies that I have to despise anything that consumes fossil fuels but I am very much into all makes and models of cars, trucks and vans – essentially anything with wheels and an engine.  In my defense nearly all of the work I perform on cars is maintenance related so the goal is to keep things operating safely and efficiently.

ISI Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of Envision v3

2-May-2019

It has been just over one year since the release of Envision v3, the latest iteration of this leading sustainable infrastructure framework. This one-year anniversary is an opportune time to reflect not only on the past 12 months since the release of the Envision v3 Guidance Manual, but also on the history of how we got to where we are today.

Envision was developed as a resource to support the planning, design, and delivery of sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Publicly released seven years ago in April 2012, Envision was initially born out of a collaboration between the Harvard University’s Zofnass Program for Sustainable Infrastructure and ISI which was founded by the American Public Works Association, the American Council of Engineering Companies, and the American Society of Civil Engineers. The first framework of its kind in North America, Envision has been used to credential more than 8,000 professionals in the infrastructure industry. ISI counts among its members more than 400 companies, government agencies, and universities committed to using Envision to develop more sustainable infrastructure. And to-date, 75 projects constituting more than US$20 billion in infrastructure development has been verified against the Envision credits.

Following the release of Envision and its establishment in the market, it was recognized that the custodianship and ongoing development of this resource belonged in the hands of the industry itself. This led to the establishment of the Envision Review Board (ERB) on May 1, 2015. As part of its first acts in 2015, the ERB began working on the development of the next iteration of Envision—known as Envision v3. After six years of applying Envision on billions of dollars’ worth of infrastructure assets, the industry had progressed significantly, and ISI had learned a great deal about the Envision assessment process and how Envision was applied to real-world projects so it was time to capture those lessons learned and incorporate them into Envision v3. (Learn more about some of the main differences between Envision v2 and Envision v3 here.)

In addition to the technical work and oversight provided by the ERB, 65 professionals from across the United States and Canada -who were divided into 13 technical committees based on their expertise – contributed their knowledge to develop Envision v3. These experts spent a year reviewing the Envision credits and laying the foundation for Envision v3. The work of the technical committees was then carried forward by ISI staff and the Envision Review Board. A public comment period in 2017 provided a robust set of feedback which was the basis for the final round of improvements and modifications. The end result, with sponsorship support from the Envision Leadership Circle, Envision v3 Guidance Manual (Manual) was released one year ago in April 2018.

The release of the Manual was followed by the launch of a new Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) training course, a credential maintenance program for ENV SPs, an Envision verification program based on Envision v3, and the newly released Envision v3 Pre-Assessment Checklist.

On this important milestone in the history of ISI – the one-year anniversary since the launch of Envision v3 – we would like to thank the ERB and the dozens of industry experts who contributed their time and expertise to the development of Envision, and the members of the Envision Leadership Circle whose contributions helped make the development and launch of Envision v3 possible.

 

 

ISI Committees: Call for Applications

19-March-2019

 

ISI is pleased to announce the start of several committees. Descriptions of each committee are provided below. Those interested in joining a committee are encouraged to complete an application and return it to ISI by April 18, 2019. Applications for each committee can be downloaded from this page.

Thank you for your interest in serving on an ISI committee. We look forward to receiving your application.

 

Public Information & Outreach Committee

Description

An increasing number of stakeholders from across the public and private sectors are using Envision to plan, design, and deliver more sustainable infrastructure, set standards and establish policies for sustainable infrastructure, and guide procurement. The purpose of the Public Information & Outreach Committee is to inform ISI staff of market and implementation-related matters affecting the use of Envision®. The committee shall provide expert feedback and insight on how the Envision system and related tools, resources, and programs affect the user experience and market uptake of Envision, towards the goal of securing Envision’s leadership in sustainable infrastructure and providing effective and satisfying user engagement.

Expertise

The Public Information & Outreach Committee shall represent as many infrastructure sectors (e.g., water, transportation, energy, waste) and geographical areas (e.g., states, provinces, territories) as possible. Committee members must be members of ISI. Committee members should also be frequent users of Envision, as well as have expertise in Envision implementation, marketing strategies, and government procurement/tendering processes.

Application for Public Information & Outreach Committee

 

 

Training and Credentialing Committee

Description

In 2018, ISI launched a credential maintenance program with the intention of strengthening the ENV SP credential. The training and credentialing committee will support credential programming in two ways: first, by advocating for and enhancing ENV SP Training (the online course and the in-person workshop); second, by supporting continuing education through development and review of new courses. The committee will identify topical education needs and may propose new curriculum, strategies, or platforms.

Expertise

The Training and Credentialing Committee shall represent as many infrastructure sectors (e.g., water, transportation, energy, waste) and geographical areas (e.g., states, provinces, territories) as possible. Committee members must be active ENV SPs and members of ISI. Student members and young professionals are encouraged to apply. Committee members should also be frequent users of Envision, as well as have expertise in Envision implementation and continuing education course development.

Application for Training Credentialing Committee

 

 

Academic Committee

Description

ISI has identified a need for increased Envision resources for academic uses at universities and colleges. These resources will support an increase in new credential holders, particularly by participation of students. The Academic Committee will advocate for use of Envision at academic institutions and inform ISI of Envision use in the academic sector. The committee will identify the needs of the academic sector with respect to Envision, and develop resources including, but not limited to: curriculum, guides, etc. Additionally, committee members may be called upon to serve as points of contact for those interested in implementing Envision within their academic curriculum.

Expertise

The Academic Committee shall be comprised of professors, teachers or faculty who are currently using Envision in the classroom or have a strong desire to do so. Student members are encouraged to join the committee alongside an advising professional member. Committee members must be members of ISI. Committee members should also be frequent users of Envision, as well as have expertise in Envision implementation and curriculum development.

Application for Academic Committee

New Stantec CEO is credentialed Envision Sustainability Professional

22-June-2017

Stantec announced today that following a successful eight-year tenure as the Company’s president and chief executive officer, Bob Gomes will retire at year’s end, effective December 31, 2017. The firm also announced that Gord Johnston, executive vice president of Stantec’s Infrastructure business operating unit, was selected by the board of directors to assume the role of president and chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2018. Johnston has more than 30 years of industry leadership experience, including more than 20 years with Stantec. He has also played an active role in helping guide the Company’s Strategic Plan over the past nine years.

“Gord’s appointment and this transition are exciting milestones in a succession plan that the board of directors has been working on for the past three years,” says Aram Keith, chair of Stantec’s board of directors. “Gord’s people-focused leadership style, industry expertise, and market understanding will build on the success Bob has helped the Company achieve. Gord is focused on the future and helping the Company achieve its long-term strategic goals.”

To ensure a smooth transition, Gomes will work with the new CEO until retiring on December 31. Executive vice president and chief financial officer, Dan Lefaivre; executive vice president and chief operating officer, Scott Murray; and executive vice president and chief business officer, Tino DiManno will continue in their roles.

New Perspective, Established Experience
During his Stantec career, Johnston has progressed in various leadership roles after joining the firm’s Edmonton-based Water practice in 1990. He later served as the regional business leader for Stantec’s Water group in Western Canada before assuming the role of business leader for Stantec’s Water business line in 2010. In 2015, he was named to his most recent post as the executive vice president for the firm’s Infrastructure business operating unit. As a company leader, Johnston served on Stantec’s Disclosure Committee, the Integrity Management Team, and the Executive Health, Safety, Security, and Environment Committee. Johnston has also been active in the firm’s acquisition sourcing and integration efforts, particularly with MWH Global, Stantec’s largest acquisition to date.

A recognized industry advocate, he has served on the board of directors for the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC) in Canada, and as past president of the Consulting Engineers of Alberta. Johnston earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Alberta before completing the Harvard Business School’s Leading Professional Services Firms program. Additionally, he is a credentialed Envision Sustainability Professional through the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure. In his role as CEO, Johnston will relocate to Edmonton, Alberta.

“Bob’s leadership has paved an excellent path for us to follow and grow,” says Johnston. “We will continue to grow and strengthen our global footprint while maintaining our position as a top-tier service provider dedicated to bringing world-class expertise to our clients in local communities around the globe.”

A Recognized Legacy
Originally joining the Company in 1988 as an urban land project manager, Gomes held several leadership positions before being appointed president and CEO in 2009. During his time in that role, Gomes led the Company through a sustained period of growth by executing key strategies outlined in the Company’s Strategic Plan. Among the highlights is Stantec’s successful expansion into multiple global markets, including Europe, India, New Zealand, Australia, South America, and the Middle East, among other geographies. Additionally, the Company enjoyed growth in gross revenue of 229 percent from $1.5 billion in Q1 2009 to $4.8 billion in Q1 2017 while completing nearly 50 acquisitions (including the largest in the Company’s history with the 2016 purchase of MWH Global).

Gomes will remain as a director on Stantec’s board. Aram Keith offered Gomes the board’s gratitude.

“Bob will leave a considerable legacy, and we’re grateful for his inspiring leadership over the years,” says Keith. “We’ll look forward to working with Bob and Gord over the balance of the year to ensure the Company is positioned for continued success through a robust transition plan.”

 

     Stantec announces the appointment of new President and CEO, Gord Johnston – Stantec