Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure

The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) is a pivotal non-profit organization in the realm of sustainable infrastructure. Founded as a collaborative effort by several leading professional organizations, including the American Public Works Association, ISI plays a crucial role in promoting, educating, and advocating for sustainable and resilient infrastructure development.

Purpose and Mission

ISI was established to provide a systematic way to integrate sustainability into infrastructure projects. Its mission is to promote sustainable infrastructure through an emphasis on best practices, sustainability metrics, and holistic evaluation of infrastructure systems. The overarching goal is to improve the economic, environmental, and social impacts of infrastructure projects globally.

Envision Framework

A cornerstone of ISI's work is the Envision framework, a comprehensive sustainability assessment system for infrastructure projects. Envision is used to evaluate, guide, and rate the sustainability of not just the physical infrastructure but also the processes and systems involved in development and operation. It considers various sustainability criteria, such as resource allocation, environmental impact, and social equity.

Components of Envision

The Envision framework is structured around several key components:

Quality of Life: Evaluating how infrastructure contributes to community well-being and quality of life.
Leadership: Assessing leadership in fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach to infrastructure development.
Resource Allocation: Measuring the efficiency and sustainability of resource use.
Natural World: Ensuring that infrastructure projects preserve environmental integrity and biodiversity.
Climate and Risk: Addressing resilience and adaptability to climate change and other risks.

Collaboration and Partnerships

ISI collaborates with a variety of stakeholders, including public agencies, private companies, academic institutions, and other professional organizations. This collaboration is vital for the dissemination of best practices and the development of innovative solutions in sustainable infrastructure.

The ISI is also involved in global initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to sustainable cities and communities, and infrastructure innovation.

Education and Certification

The institute provides educational resources and professional certification to support the implementation of sustainable practices. It offers training programs for professionals seeking to enhance their understanding and application of the Envision framework. The Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) credential is a recognized certification signifying expertise in sustainable infrastructure principles.

Impact and Achievements

ISI's influence is seen in numerous infrastructure projects worldwide that have been developed using the Envision framework. These include green buildings, transportation systems, and water management systems that prioritize sustainability.