Reader's Response Draft No.2

In the article “Advancing Sustainable Infrastructure with Envision”, Nelson (2015) shared that Envision is a holistic rating system which acts as a global reference for every form of infrastructure. Nelson further stated that Envision offers a triple bottom line approach which are people, profit and planet. It promotes end to end documentation from the design phase to the completion phase which covers the entire cycle of the project. In addition, Envision focuses on 5 aspects which are Quality of Life (QL), Leadership (LD), Resource Allocation (RA), Climate and Risk (CR) and Natural World (NW). These 5 aspects are used as benchmark to grade each project. However, while Envision is able to provide comprehensive approaches towards sustainability, there are limitations to what the Envision rating system can offer. Therefore, organizations should be aware of the limitations of incorporating Envision.

The following is a case study of a project awarded with Envision, Gold. The first company to achieve an Envision award was the “William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery”. The William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery brochure states that due to the sustainable designs, they achieved a 95% reduction in water usage as only 5% of water is required to be heated. Therefore, by using Envision, William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery reduced their operation cost through consumption of less energy and resources.  The brochure further states that by using Envision, the company helps to contribute to the economy as more jobs are created.  The safety features of their facilities are enhanced. There is also the reduction in reactive maintenance as the system provides a stringent process of monitoring the health of the equipment.

With the Envision systems in place, unexpected breakdowns and loss of manpower hours would be minimized. In addition, by ensuring a safe environment, there would be an increase in workers’ productivity and visitors’ learning experience would be enhanced (Haberman, 2013).

Furthermore, organizations have looked towards Envision for economic advantages. Tanyu (as mentioned in Hardin, 2015) mentioned that we should consider the benefits of using sustainable designs and not merely focus on the initial costs as such approach would benefit the company economically over the long term. Hence, organizations ought to start using sustainable designs to reap the benefits and they will reap cost savings in the long run.

However, there are limitations to what Envision can offer. In the design phase of every project, there are many considerations such as climate change, physical constraints, maintenance, etc. According to Nicholas Bishop (as mentioned in Hardin, 2015), Envision would need to find ways to manage retrofitting systems, reconfiguring structures and find the best practices for deconstructing. This would enable projects to further reduce operation and maintenance costs and improve sustainability.

In conclusion, I believe that Envision is a reliable tool which aids engineers to progressively track and monitor their projects. Moreover, projects that incorporate Envision in their designs help to improve sustainability which benefits the environment and aid the economy by creating jobs. However, it has its limitations as well and companies should look into separate processes where Envision is lacking, for example, retrofitting, to ensure efficiency to their operations.

On a side note, how can organisations and individuals contribute to make sustainability a way of life for consumers and for themselves?  It is now time for responsible stewardship which organisations and individuals can play a part.  Some companies have started to source for raw materials that are obtained via sustainable sources and individuals can help by supporting these companies. i.e. Unilever

References

Nelson, D. (2015, June). Advancing Sustainable Infrastructure with Envision. Civil + structural Engineer. Retrieved from http://cenews.com/article/10098/advancing-sustainable-infrastructure-with-envision

Hardin, W. (2015, January 13). Can a Rating System Ensure Infrastructure Sustainability? Building and Construction. Retrieved from http://www.insights.globalspec.com/article/349/can-a-rating-system-ensure-infrastructure-sustainability

William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery. (n.d.). William jack Hernandez sport fish hatchery [Brochure]. Retrieved from http://www.hdrinc.com/sites/all/files/assets/ knowledge-center/wjh-sport-fish-hatchery-brochure.pdf

Haberman, M. (2013). A Safe Environment Is a Productive Environment: Ensuring Workplace Safety and Security. Retrieved from http://omegahrsolutions.com/2013/12/4562.html

Additional Bibliography

Institute For Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI): Rating System. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.sustainableinfrastructure.ord/rating/

Our strategy for sustainable business. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.unilever.com/sustainable-living/the-sustainable-living-plan/our-strategy/