North Rock Solar Project Awarded Envision Platinum for Sustainable Infrastructure

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 EnergyBurns & 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

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION: Los Angeles River Way, San Fernando Valley Completion Project (Vanalden to Balboa)

A transformational bicycle path and greenway project along the L.A. River corridor has earned an Envision Gold award from ISI: the Los Angeles River Way, San Fernando Valley Completion (Vanalden to Balboa) Project.

Read the project profile to learn about this project’s sustainability achievements, including ones related to quality of life and mobility, responding to habitat fragmentation, preparing for long-term adaptability, and improving infrastructure integration.

The project was featured by Andrew Nickerson, Vice President and Principal at Psomas, in the session “Head of the Class: Three Trailblazing Sustainability Projects, on Day 2 of ISI’s Virtual Conference (November 8, 2023). This session will be available as a recording in your ISI member account.

Read the project profile.

Bear Creek Solar Project Obtains Envision Platinum

A 50-megawatt (MW) solar project in Richland County, Wisconsin, Bear Creek Solar will produce enough clean, low-cost energy to power approximately 13,000 homes. It is the second Alliant Energy project announced this year to receive an award, with the Wood County Solar Project earning Envision Platinum award in April.

The Bear Creek Solar Project is one of Alliant Energy’s 12 utility-scale solar projects in Wisconsin. In all, the company expects to add nearly 1,100 MW of solar generation in the state by mid-2024. It’s part of the company’s transition to a more diversified energy mix that includes adding more clean energy generation, as outlined in its Clean Energy Blueprint.

Soundbites:

“This Envision Platinum recognition from ISI supports our decision to transition to cleaner energy through projects like the Bear Creek Solar Project,” said Barbara Tormaschy, senior vice president of sustainability and regulatory strategy at Alliant Energy. “The sustainable development and construction of renewable projects allows us to create a healthier environment while providing the reliable energy our customers expect.

Read the full announcement here.

ENERGY PROJECT: Bear Creek Solar

A 50-megawatt (MW) solar project in Richland County, Wisconsin, Bear Creek Solar will produce enough clean, low-cost energy to power approximately 13,000 homes. It is the second Alliant Energy project announced this year to receive an award, with the Wood County Solar Project earning Envision Platinum award in April.

The Bear Creek Solar Project is one of Alliant Energy’s 12 utility-scale solar projects in Wisconsin. In all, the company expects to add nearly 1,100 MW of solar generation in the state by mid-2024. It’s part of the company’s transition to a more diversified energy mix that includes adding more clean energy generation, as outlined in its Clean Energy Blueprint.

Soundbites:

“This Envision Platinum recognition from ISI supports our decision to transition to cleaner energy through projects like the Bear Creek Solar Project,” said Barbara Tormaschy, senior vice president of sustainability and regulatory strategy at Alliant Energy. “The sustainable development and construction of renewable projects allows us to create a healthier environment while providing the reliable energy our customers expect.

Read the full announcement here.

PORT INFRASTRUCTURE: Fairview Cove MCEF

The container ship ONE Magnificence at PSA Halifax Fairview Cove. Photo credit Steve Farmer.

Earning high levels of achievement across several Envision sustainability credit areas, this project will improve efficiency, safety and operations of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the Port of Halifax.

The Halifax Port Authority (HPA) had long identified the need to decrease port congestion and plan for future increases in container processing demand. But the Fairview Cove Marine Container Examination Facility (MCEF) project will go much further, delivering speedier turnaround times, enhanced port security, and significant environmental and community benefits.

SOUNDBITES

“Integrating sustainability into our core business practices is essential for future success,” said Captain Allan Gray, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority. “The completed Marine Container Examination Facility will improve overall operational efficiency while advancing our sustainability goals. It can serve as a framework for future projects on our path to becoming One Port City.”

“This project is a milestone for the Halifax Port Authority and a reflection of the dedication to sustainability, collaboration and moving beyond “Business as Usual” practices,” said Jill Roth, Project Lead ENV SP.

Kristi Wamstad, ISI Verification Director, said: “ISI congratulates the Halifax Port Authority and the project partners on the success of the Fairview Cove Marine Container Examination Facility project. It optimizes rapid and reliable container inspections and helps to achieve the Port’s net-zero emission goals.”

Read more about the Fairview Cove Marine Container Examination Facility (MCEF) project.

Fairview Cove MCEF project in the Port of Halifax is awarded Envision Verified

The container ship ONE Magnificence at PSA Halifax Fairview Cove. Photo credit Steve Farmer.

Earning high levels of achievement across several Envision sustainability credit areas, this project will improve efficiency, safety and operations of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the Port of Halifax.

The Halifax Port Authority (HPA) had long identified the need to decrease port congestion and plan for future increases in container processing demand. But the Fairview Cove Marine Container Examination Facility (MCEF) project will go much further, delivering speedier turnaround times, enhanced port security, and significant environmental and community benefits.

SOUNDBITES

“Integrating sustainability into our core business practices is essential for future success,” said Captain Allan Gray, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority. “The completed Marine Container Examination Facility will improve overall operational efficiency while advancing our sustainability goals. It can serve as a framework for future projects on our path to becoming One Port City.”

“This project is a milestone for the Halifax Port Authority and a reflection of the dedication to sustainability, collaboration and moving beyond “Business as Usual” practices,” said Jill Roth, Project Lead ENV SP.

Kristi Wamstad, ISI Verification Director, said: “ISI congratulates the Halifax Port Authority and the project partners on the success of the Fairview Cove Marine Container Examination Facility project. It optimizes rapid and reliable container inspections and helps to achieve the Port’s net-zero emission goals.”

Read more about the Fairview Cove Marine Container Examination Facility (MCEF) project.

Tampa International Airport Master Plan Phase I Project Awarded Envision Verified

The Tampa International Airport Master Plan Phase I Project, led by Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA), has earned an Envision Verified award for sustainable infrastructure. This project enhanced community mobility, emphasized mitigation against climate change impacts, and advanced many other sustainability goals across multiple Envision credit areas. Phase I was completed in 2018 after three years of work at Tampa International, which is the 23rd-largest US airport, serving nearly 22 million passengers annually (2023 figures).

QUOTES:

Jeff Siddle, Vice President of Planning & Development:

“This Envision-verified certification for Tampa International Airport’s Master Plan Phase 1 is a tremendous achievement for Tampa International Airport. All of TPA’s leadership is proud of this organization’s planning and development processes and its focus on our sustainability program. TPA is known for its consistently excellent customer experience, but we also want to give our travelers the peace of mind that we are devoted to protecting our surrounding natural resources and maintaining them for the future.”

Eric Caplan, Sustainability and Resilience Program Director:

“Earning this honor for these critical projects was a difficult feat, particularly because we launched our certification efforts after the completion of these projects rather than during the development process per industry standard. This is a testament to how we’re able to effectively display our commitment to sustainability through detailed documentation, and it highlights just how well we organically integrate best practices into our processes.”

Read the full announcement.

WASTE PROJECT: BioPiattaforma di Sesto San Giovanni

An innovative waste-to-energy plant in the Milan-area municipality of Sesto San Giovanni is the latest project to be awarded Envision Platinum in Italy, through ISI’s Italian partner ICMQ. With two production lines that combine waste treatment and water purification, the BioPiattaforma plant establishes a more sustainable, environmentally friendly process based on circular economy principles and the goal of regional self-sufficiency in waste management.

Read the project profile.

BioPiattaforma di Sesto San Giovanni Project Awarded Envision Platinum

An innovative waste-to-energy plant in the Milan-area municipality of Sesto San Giovanni is the latest project to be awarded Envision Platinum in Italy, through ISI’s Italian partner ICMQ. With two production lines that combine waste treatment and water purification, the BioPiattaforma plant establishes a more sustainable, environmentally friendly process based on circular economy principles and the goal of regional self-sufficiency in waste management.

Read the project profile.

Phase II of Broad Channel Infrastructure Project Receives Envision Verified Award from ISI

Streets in Broad Channel Phase I were raised to reduce their vulnerability to climate change and received new storm sewers, curbs, shared sidewalks, signs and crosswalks

(Long Island City, NY – May 23, 2023)  NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley announced today that Phase II of an infrastructure project in Broad Channel, Queens, which is raising streets and adding new storm sewers to reduce flooding in an area that is frequently inundated by Jamaica Bay during high tides and storms has been selected to receive an Envision Verified Award for sustainability from ISI.

Phase II of the work will provide upgrades to residents on West 14th Road, West 15th Road, West 16th Road and West 17th Road. Construction includes the installation of new bulkheads at the end of each street to address eave attenuation and flood mitigation; rising each street’s centerline; shared streets; signage and striping that that will enhance safety by providing pedestrians the right of way; and the addition of new storm sewers and replacement of sanitary sewers and water mains.

Read the full project announcement here.