Envision’s Role in the Water Sector

Guest author: Michaella Wittmann, EcoMend Solutions 

The water sector is uniquely positioned to benefit from Envision. Whether it’s water treatment and distribution, stormwater management, or environmental restoration, Envision offers a flexible framework addresses the sector’s diverse needs. The framework is particularly adept at tackling critical challenges such as: 

  • Aging Infrastructure: Helping organizations modernize outdated systems while incorporating sustainability.
  • Climate Resilience: Building systems that withstand extreme weather events and changing environmental conditions.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Simplifying adherence to both current and future environmental regulations.
  • Water Availability and Quality: Ensuring reliable access to clean water.
  • Social Justice and Equity: Promoting multi-benefit solutions that serve diverse communities equitably.

As of February 1, 2025, water and wastewater projects make up 36% of ISI’s verification program, representing $38 billion in investment. This significant adoption highlights the water sector’s trust in Envision as a reliable tool for achieving sustainable outcomes. Project types that have successfully used Envision are varied across the water sector and include water treatment & distribution; wastewater collection & treatment; capture/storage; stormwater management; flood control; nutrient management; and environmental restoration. 

A Growing Community of Envision Users 

One of the strengths of Envision lies in the robust community of professionals and organizations that have embraced the framework. Public agencies at the municipal, county, and state levels are leading the charge, incorporating Envision into strategic plans, design guidelines, and even requests for proposals (RFPs). Notable examples include: 

  • Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Virginia Beach, VA. Hampton Roads wrote Envision into their Design & Construction Standards: Firms “shall utilize the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) Envision checklist when evaluating and designing projects.” This is a good example of an organization using Envision to influence project design and planning without requiring Envision verification.

  • The California Department of Water Resources (DWR). DWR included Goals and Actions related to Envision in their Strategic Plan. Language from Objective 3 – Implement Sustainability Best Practices reads, “By 2026, conduct a complete Envision evaluation of all new infrastructure projects that require an Environmental Impact Report.” Integrating Envision into a strategic plan solidifies an organizations commitment to using the framework to evaluate project sustainability. 
  • KC Water. KC Water has a long-standing commitment to sustainability. The organization developed a Sustainability Playbook that utilizes tiers and project types to prescribe which Envision credits should be reviewed and how far the project should follow the standard Envision process.Moreover, the reach of Envision extends beyond U.S. borders, with a growing number of international projects. In 2024, nearly half of project registrations were for projects outside the United States. 

Envision in Action: Project Examples 

The versatility of the framework is showcased through its diverse portfolio of verified projects. From small-scale environmental restorations to large-scale water treatment facilities, The system has guided projects toward achieving higher levels of sustainability. Platinum-rated projects exemplify the highest standards, often incorporating innovative practices and engaging deeply with local communities to ensure long-term benefits. 

The Benefits of Envision 

For organizations and individuals alike, Envision offers a multitude of benefits: 

For Organizations: 

  • Industry-Recognized Framework: Provides a free, credible system to evaluate and enhance sustainability. 
  • Improved Stakeholder Engagement: Fosters better communication and collaboration with communities and stakeholders. 
  • Streamlined Processes: Supports better project management and regulatory compliance. 
  • Cost Savings: Identifies opportunities to reduce costs through sustainable practices. 
  • Enhanced Benchmarking: Helps organizations measure and improve their sustainability performance over time. 

For Individuals Earning the Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) Credential:  

  • Professional Growth: Positions professionals as leaders in sustainability within their organizations. 
  • Skill Development: Offers training and credentialing to enhance expertise. 
  • Commitment to Sustainability: Demonstrates dedication to creating a positive environmental impact. 

For information on becoming an ENV SP, visit: Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) – Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure 

What the Experts Say 

The transformative impact of Envision is echoed by professionals across the industry. Here are some testimonials from the water sector: 

  • “Envision goes beyond the basic efforts of project management and development into areas that benefit the community in a holistic way.” — Dave Koster, General Manager, Holland Board of Public Works. 
  • “Envision is very holistic. We found, for example, that no other rating system captured and gave credit for work that we do with the community and stakeholders, or the benefits of that work.” — Heidi Sowell, Sustainability Project Lead, King County Wastewater Treatment Division. 
  • “Using the Envision certification process has helped the City become a better fiscal, social, and environmental steward.” — Max Kirschbaum, Public Works and Utilities Director, City of Westminster. 

Call to Action 

While the Envision and ISI already have the attention of a lot of water sector infrastructure owners, there is significant room for growth of the use of Envision across all sizes of utilities. Many of the largest utility companies in the US are not yet aware of Envision and the benefits it would bring to their projects and how it might align with strategic goals. Since Envision is applicable to all project sizes, the same can be said of small and medium size utilities as well.  

Are you ready to take the next step toward sustainable infrastructure? Engage with ISI and explore the opportunities Envision offers: 

  • Learn about membership benefits. 
  • Enroll in ENV SP training and exams. 
  • Discover guidance on project verification. 
  • Sign up for ISI’s monthly newsletter. 

The Envision framework is more than just a tool—it’s a pathway to transforming the water sector and other infrastructure industries. By addressing today’s pressing challenges and embedding sustainability into everyday practices, Envision is empowering organizations to lead with purpose. Whether you’re looking to improve project outcomes, achieve regulatory compliance, or demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship, Envision provides the roadmap for success. Let’s embrace this framework and build a more sustainable future together.  

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About the Author

Michaella Wittman is a sustainability trailblazer with 25+ years of experience in green building, civil infrastructure, and ESG strategies. A LEED Fellow and founding force behind EcoMend Solutions, she mentors emerging leaders and champions sustainable innovation. In her spare time, she nurtures her passion for native plants and flowers.

 

 

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ISI is Seeking an Operations Associate

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

 

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.

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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.

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.

Sold Out: Our July Envision Verification Applicants Course!

The ISI Verification Team is back on July 13th and 14th with the third Applicants course of the year, and the course has been sold out! The next dates for this course are Oct 12 & 13, 2023.

Description:

In this course, ENV SPs planning to submit projects through ISI’s verification program, in hopes of earning an Envision award, will work with the tools and resources in place to support the development of effective Envision submittals and help navigate the verification process.

It’s much more than a sit-and-listen style training! Course participants will have the opportunity to discuss Envision concepts, such as determining applicability, developing pending credits, and establishing baselines. They’ll gain a better understanding of the verifier’s perspective, and engage with their peers to practice writing credit coversheets and compiling project documentation.

The ISI Verification Program staff leading this course offer valuable insights based on their direct involvement in the review of Envision projects.

In response to strong demand, this course is available on a quarterly basis; view other course dates here. Space is limited to intentionally keep class sizes small and interactive.

With the Envision Verification Applicants Course, attendees have an opportunity to:

✔️ Learn tips for effectively applying the Envision framework on their project(s),

✔️ Set their team up to develop successful Envision applications,

✔️ Reduce uncertainty and provide clarity regarding Envision guidance,

✔️ Gain a deeper understanding of the third-party Envision verification process.

This course will be virtually delivered via Zoom; a link will be distributed to all registrants in the weeks leading up to the live event.

To learn more and to register for the April course, visit this page. Contact ISI Verification Specialist, Kailey Eldredge, with any questions.