Envision: A Measure of Infrastructure Sustainability

In the recent past, rating systems for infrastructure in the United States were sector specific and a single rating tool applicable to all the different infrastructure categories didn’t exist until 2012, when Envision™ was released. Envision is an infrastructure rating system applicable to all infrastructure categories such as energy, water, waste, transportation, and information. Envision is a tool for evaluating and rating the social, economic, and environmental benefits of all types and size of civil infrastructure projects. Envision provides an objective framework to assess project sustainability, build sustainability awareness, as well as meet client requirements for project sustainability. Sustainability of civil infrastructure is critical to project owners, funding agencies, regulators, professionals, and the public. Envision guides practitioners, owners, and stakeholders in framing infrastructure solutions and performance goals. This paper discusses how the rating system assesses performances, recognizes achievements, and serves as a measure of infrastructure sustainability. Envision is more than a mere rating tool, a true path forward in advancing sustainability knowledge and education for future generations.