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 all types of
infrastructure. Envision is the brainchild of the Institute for Sustainable
Infrastructure (ISI) and the Zonfnass program at Harvard University Graduate
School of Design. Nelson mentioned 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, projects are graded based on these 5
aspects, Quality of Life (QL), Leadership (LD), Resource Allocation (RA),
Climate and Risk (CR) and Natural World (NW).
Much has been said about the
benefits of Envision which is effective for new infrastructure projects as it
helps to drive down costs and improve efficiency in the long term. Organizations
should consider Envision for new infrastructure projects to gain the long term
benefits. However Envision is unable to fully support the retrofitting of existing
infrastructure as the processes are structured for new projects (Fast Fast
Forward, n.d.).
Adding on to the benefits of
incorporating Envision in projects, 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 an approach would benefit the
company economically over the long term which in my opinion, makes economical
sense.
The first company to use Envision is
the “William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery”. It is stated in their brochure
that due to the sustainable designs of water re-circulation, they achieved a
95% reduction in water usage as only 5% of water is required to be heated. In
addition, their operation cost was reduced through consumption of less energy
and resources. By using the Envision program, they were also able to achieve a reduction
in reactive maintenance hours 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 are minimized. In addition, by
creating a safe environment, workers’ productivity and visitors’ learning
experience are enhanced. This demonstrates the effectiveness of adopting the
Envision rating system in the project phase. For their effort, they were
awarded the Envision Gold award.
However, there are limitations to
what Envision can offer. According to Bishop, (as mentioned in Hardin, 2015) organizations
need to find ways to manage retrofitting their systems, reconfiguring
structures and adopt best practices for deconstructing. If such cannot be
achieved through Envision, organizations need to find ways to manage around
these limitations so that they can continue to reduce operation and maintenance
costs and improve sustainability.
To conclude, Envision is a good tool
for new projects as it aids engineers to progressively track and monitor their
projects. As mentioned above, projects that incorporate Envision in the design
phase enjoys triple benefits i.e., people, profit and planet. For the “people” benefit, it helps to create
jobs as engineers are required to run and manage the system. “Profit” can be measured by the costs savings
through reduction in resource usage e.g. energy. As for “planet”, it promotes a better and
sustainable environment.
On a side note, how can organizations
and individuals contribute to make sustainability a way of life for consumers
and for themselves? It is now time for
responsible stewardship which organizations 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.
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
Fast
Fast Forward. (n.d.).
Envisioning Sustainable Infrastructure:
An Interview with Tim Psomas. Retrieved from http://xlgroup.com/fast-fast-forward/articles/envisioning-sustainable-infrastructure-an-interview-with-tim-psomas
Additional
Bibliography
Institute For Sustainable
Infrastructure (ISI): Rating System. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.sustainableinfrastructure.org/rating/
Our strategy for sustainable business. (n.d.).
Retrieved from https://www.unilever.com/sustainable-living/the-sustainable-living-plan/our-strategy/
Haberman, M. (2013,
December 19). A Safe Environment Is a Productive Environment: Ensuring
Workplace Safety and Security. Retrieved from
http://omegahrsolutions.com/2013/12/4562.html
No comments:
Post a Comment