Collaborative Benefits of Using FHWA’s INVEST: A State Department of Transportation Sustainability Implementation Case Study

The Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) has developed an online mechanism to aid in the development of innovative sustainable practices within a department of transportation. The Infrastructure Voluntary Evaluation Sustainability Tool (INVEST) may be utilized both on a state and local government level to document current best management practices and further analyze potential sustainable designs focused on achieving the Triple Bottom Line goals of meeting economic, environmental and social needs. The tool’s optimal performance is achieved when a collaborative effort is employed within any particular department of transportation. Through discussion of multiple disciplines, INVEST has the potential to transform an agency which may promote higher thinking and efficient use of funding while reaching or exceeding transportation needs.