All photos by Joe Corrado Photography (www.piermontfinearts.com)

In late July, ISI staff visited China, the largest infrastructure market in the world, to explore opportunities to apply Envision to very large and consequential projects, including the development of entirely new cities. The focus of this trip, the first such in-country engagement for ISI, was to train Envision verifiers and meet with prospective collaborators, building on the momentum of training and credentialling new ENV SPs over the past year. Since the first ENV SP training offered in China in March 2023, over 200 professionals across the country have earned the ENV SP credential as of ISI’s trip in July. There has been great enthusiasm in the country for more Envision education and collaboration, leading to this recent visit from ISI’s staff, Anthony Kane (President & CEO), Kristi Wamstad (Verification Director), and Leslie Brunell (Education Director).

Our Host

Since 2022, ISI has been working with CWET, a large professional engineering training firm in China, to introduce Envision. Over the last year, CWET staff have been conducting ENV SP trainings and proctoring in-person Envision exams. As host to our U.S. delegation, CWET helped to coordinate the program and details of our trip.

On Friday, CWET hosted an afternoon Q&A session for 100 ENV SPs from 15 provinces. Attendees had the opportunity to ask Anthony, Kristi, and Leslie questions about Envision use around the globe. The session was followed by an evening reception to support development of a regional community of practice around sustainability and the use of Envision.

Verifier Training

During this trip, Kristi conducted a one-week verifier training course for nine senior professionals, including directors and managers at some of China’s largest and most influential consulting and engineering firms and universities. These included:

  • Ping Zhu, Architectural Design & Research Institute of Tsinghua University (THAD)
  • Song Yawen, Beijing General Municipal Engineering Design & Research Institute
  • Zhang Yun, Beijing General Municipal Engineering Design & Research Institute
  • Tian Feng, Chelbi Engineering Consultants, Inc
  • Li Zhijun, China Highway Survey and Design Association
  • Hu Sen, China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group
  • Lingsong Cai, Energy China JSPDI
  • Tong Chen, WANGTAT Project Management & Consultancy Group
  • Zhao Guangbin, WINLOT Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd

Envision Verifiers are ISI-trained industry professionals responsible for conducting third-party peer reviews of infrastructure projects seeking an Envision award. The nine verifiers will now work closely with ISI’s verification staff to review projects submitted for Envision verification in China.

Meetings

Throughout the week, Anthony and Leslie visited companies to learn more about existing sustainable infrastructure efforts, discuss the adoption of Envision, and visit various infrastructure projects currently under construction. ISI greatly appreciated the incredible hospitality and enthusiasm demonstrated by these host companies.

  • China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) is a leading global comprehensive service provider of ultra-large infrastructure, mainly engaged in the investment, construction and operation of transportation infrastructure, equipment manufacturing, real estate and urban comprehensive development. CCCC conducts business in 157 countries and regions, including U.S.A. in North America and Columbia, Chile, and Mexico in Latin America.
  • Beijing Municipal Engineering Research and Design Institute was founded in 1955 and provides comprehensive engineering design, surveying, urban and rural planning, and general contracting for municipal public works construction. The organization has become a leader in industry innovation and development, building an outstanding international consulting and design group, with a focus on supporting cities, enterprises, and employees.
  • Three Gorges Corporation (CTG) was founded in 1993 to construct the Three Gorges Project. CTG is now the world’s largest hydropower development and operation enterprise as well as China’s leading clean energy group. CTG’s core business encompasses hydropower, wind power, solar power, and other renewable energy sources. CTG continues to expand its international business and cooperation, playing a significant role in global renewable energy development in the hydropower, wind, and solar power sectors.
  • China Machine Press (CMP) is producing and promoting the Chinese language Envision Guidance Manual to support expanded Envision education in China. ISI staff toured the company’s showroom, and each received a copy of the manual.
  • Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank focused on developing Asia, but with members from all over the world. The bank invests in infrastructure and other sectors to foster sustainable economic development, create wealth, and improve infrastructure connectivity. ISI staff met with the bank to discuss infrastructure investment in Asia and opportunities for sustainability within the region.

Time to Unwind

Travel to China from the U.S. is no easy feat. After journeying more than 24 hours across 6,000+ miles, the ISI team was eager to engage in some historic and cultural adventures, too. In addition to amazing dinners organized by CWET, ISI staff had the opportunity to visit the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China (one of the oldest pieces of infrastructure in the world!) before returning home to the U.S.