© 2011 University of Washington& Greenroads Foundation

What we mean by “sustainability”

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Sustainability is a system characteristic which refers to the system’s capacity to support natural laws &

human values.

Natural laws = EcologyRule: Don’t break the earthHow we do this:

1. Do not take stuff out of the earth faster than it will go back in.2. Do not produce stuff (e.g., pollution) faster than it can be

broken down and integrated back into nature. 3. Do not degrade ecosystems because our health and prosperity

depend on their proper functioning.

Human values = equity and economyEquity rule: Seek quality of life for allEconomy rule: Manage resources wisely

Resources = human, natural, manufactured and financial capital

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1. Don’t take stuff from the earth faster than it will go back in.2. Don’t produce stuff faster than it can be broken down.3. Don’t alter ecosystems.4. Seek quality of life for all.5. Manage resources wisely.

Sustainability is a system characteristic that refers to the system’s capacity to support natural laws &

human values.

5 Simple Rules of Sustainability

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Sustainability is a system characteristic which refers to the system’s capacity to support natural laws &

human values.

“Humanity has the ability to make development sustainable to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

-UN World Commission on Environment and Development (WECD) Report (1987) chaired by Gro Harlem Brundtland (Norway’s prime minister then) on page 24

Plain and Simple Terms“I think of it as living the life you want, with as much Earth-wise efficiency as your time and budget reasonably allow.”

-Scott Adams, How I (Almost) Saved the Earth, WSJ, 21 August 2010

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We are really talking about being “more sustainable” than we were. We are going for “do less bad”. The goal is “do good”.

Bad GoodBreak Even Point

Use > replaceProduce > broken down

Excess = damageChange nature

humans ants cherry trees

Example drawn from ideas in McDonough and Braungart’s Cradle to Cradle (2002)

Use = replaceProduce = broken down

Excess = benefitIntegrated into nature

The Greenroads Rating System

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What is the Greenroads rating system?A rating system for roadway design and construction that awards points for more sustainable practices. Greenroads helps quantify the sustainable attributes of a roadway project.

Sasobit Warm Mix AsphaltI-90 near George, WA23 June 2008

What can I do on my project tomorrow to be more sustainable?

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What can Greenroads do?• Define what project attributes contribute to roadway sustainability.• Provide a sustainability accounting tool for roadway projects. • Communicate sustainable project attributes to stakeholders.• Manage and improve roadway sustainability.• Stimulate the market for sustainable practices and products

Overall goal: improve roadway sustainability

Sasobit Warm Mix AsphaltI-90 near George, WA23 June 2008

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Greenroads is a project-oriented systemIt focuses on design and construction.

Quiet PavementSR 520 Near Bellevue, WA14 July 2007

Planning Design &Construction Operation

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So what does a Greenroad look like?

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long-lasting pavement

natural cut slope

quality construction

life cycle cost analysis

recycled materials

env. mgmt. sys.

LID stormwater

scenic views

warm mix asphalt

local material

regional material

bus rapid transit

recycled materials

ped./bicycle access

fewer emissions

CSS

art

quality construction

LID stormwater

native vegetation

Greenroads essentials

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• Version 1.5 manual published February 2011• Errata for version 1.0.1 to version 1.5 published• Download at: www.greenroads.us/manual

The Greenroads Manual

What is in the Manual?

• Each Project Requirement or Voluntary Credit has these:– Goal– Requirements to meet the credit intent– Documentation to submit– Supporting information

• Suggested approaches and strategies• Examples• Potential issues• Research• Glossary• References

– Relationships to related credits, sustainability components and measureable benefits

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Category Description Points

Project Requirements Minimum requirements for a Greenroad Req.

Voluntary Credits

Environment & Water Stormwater, habitat, vegetation 21

Access & Equity Modal access, culture, aesthetics, safety 30

Construction Activities Construction equipment, processes, quality 14

Materials & Resources Material extraction, processing, transport 23

Pavement Technology Pavement design, material use, function 20

Total Voluntary Credit Points 108

Custom Credits Write your own credit for approval 10

Total Points 118

Greenroads Categories: Version 1.5

Requirement Description

PR-1 Environmental Review Process Complete and environmental review process

PR-2 Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) Perform LCCA for pavement section

PR-3 Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) Perform LCI of pavement section with computer tool

PR-4 Quality Control Plan Have a formal contractor quality control plan

PR-5 Noise Mitigation Plan Have a construction noise mitigation plan

PR-6 Waste Management Plan Have a formal plan to divert C&D waste from landfill

PR-7 Pollution Prevention Plan Have a TESC/SWPPP

PR-8 Low-Impact Development (LID) Feasibility study for LID stormwater management

PR-9 Pavement Mgmt. System Have a pavement management system

PR-10 Site Maintenance Plan Have a site maintenance plan

PR-11 Educational Outreach Publicize sustainability information for project

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Project Requirements

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Environmental Assessment Environmental Impact Statement Supplemental EIS

PR-1 Environmental Review ProcessEvaluate impacts of roadway projects through an informed decision-making process.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents for SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV project, Seattle, WA

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PR-8 Low Impact DevelopmentUse low-impact development (LID) stormwater management solutions where appropriate to better mimic pre-development hydrological conditions.

Swale with weirs (left) and pervious concrete sidewalk (right) in Seattle, WA

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Voluntary Credit Pts. Description

EW-1 Environmental Mgmt. Sys. 2 ISO 14001 or eq. cert. for general contractor

EW-2 Runoff Flow Control 3 Capture stormwater/reduce runoff quantity

EW-3 Runoff Quality 3 Treat stormwater to a higher level of quality

EW-4 Stormwater Cost Analysis 1 Conduct an LCCA for stormwater BMP/LID

EW-5 Site Vegetation 3 Use native low/no water vegetation

EW-6 Habitat Restoration 3 Create new habitat beyond what is required

EW-7 Ecological Connectivity 3 Connect habitat across roadways

EW-8 Light Pollution 3 Discourage light pollution

Total 21

Environment & Water

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EW-3 Runoff QualityImprove water quality of stormwater runoff leaving the roadway Right-of-Way (ROW).

Bioswale on a Seattle, WA residential street

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EW-7 Ecological ConnectivityProvide or improve wildlife access and mobility across roadway facility boundaries and reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions and related accidents.

Picture from FishHabitatNexus.com

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Voluntary Credit Pts. Description

AE-1 Safety Audit 2 Perform roadway safety audit

AE-2 Intelligent Transp. Sys. (ITS) 5 Implement ITS solutions

AE-3 Context Sensitive Planning 5 Plan for context sensitive solutions

AE-4 Traffic Emissions Reduction 5 Reduce VMT or SOV travelers

AE-5 Pedestrian Access 2 Provide/improve pedestrian accessibility

AE-6 Bicycle Access 2 Provide/improve bicycle accessibility

AE-7 Transit/HOV Access 5 Provide/improve transit/HOV accessibility

AE-8 Scenic Views 2 Provide views of scenery or vistas

AE-9 Cultural Outreach 2 Promote art/culture/community values

Total 30

Access & Equity

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AE-8 Scenic ViewsProvide access of pleasant views of scenery from the roadway.

I-90 across the Columbia River near Vantage, WA

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Voluntary Credit Pts. Description

CA-1 Quality Management Sys. 2 ISO 9001 cert. or eq. for general contractor

CA-2 Environmental Training 1 Provide environmental training

CA-3 Site Recycling Plan 1 On-site recycling and trash collection

CA-4 Fossil Fuel Use Reduction 2 Use alt. fuels in construction equipment

CA-5 Eqpt. Emission Reduction 2 Meet EPA Tier 4 stds. for nonroad equipment

CA-6 Paver Emission Reduction 1 Use pavers that meet NIOSH requirements

CA-7 Water Use Tracking 2 Develop data on water use in construction

CA-8 Contractor Warranty 3 Warranty on the constructed pavement

Total 14

Construction Activities

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CA-2 Environmental TrainingProvide construction personnel with the knowledge to identify environmental issues and best practice methods to minimize environmental impact.

Sea-to-Sky Highway Project, British Columbia, Canada

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Voluntary Credit Pts. DescriptionMR-1 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) 2 Conduct a detailed LCA of the entire project

MR-2 Pavement Reuse 5 Reuse existing pavement sectionsMR-3 Earthwork Balance 1 Balance cut/fill quantities

MR-4 Recycled Materials 5 Use recycled materials for new pavementMR-5 Regional Materials 5 Use regional materialsMR-6 Energy Efficiency 5 Improve energy eff. of operational systemsTotal 23

Materials & Resources

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MR-4 Recycled MaterialsReduce lifecycle impacts from extraction and production of virgin materials.

Milling up existing HMA surface, N 75th Street, Seattle, Washington, United States

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Voluntary Credit Pts. Description

PT-1 Long-Life Pavement 5 Design pavements for long-life

PT-2 Permeable Pavement 3 Use permeable pavement as a LID technique

PT-3 Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) 3 Use WMA in place of HMA

PT-4 Cool Pavement 5 Contribute less to urban heat island effect

PT-5 Quiet Pavement 3 Use a quiet pavement to reduce noise

PT-6 Pvmt. Performance Tracking 1 Relate construction to performance data

Total 20

Pavement Technologies

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PT-1 Long-Life PavementMinimize life cycle costs by promoting design of long-lasting pavement structures.

Paving 13 inches (330 mm) of jointed concrete pavement on I-5 in Seattle, Washington, United States

How Do I Get My Project Rated?

• Visit the Greenroads Website: www.greenroads.us • Download the Greenroads Manual• Fill out the online application for Project Review• Download the Greenroads Project Handbook• Complete the Review Agreement and pay a fee• Submit common project documents• Qualify for a Certification Award

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Certification Levels

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32-42 points 43-54 points 55-63 points 64+ points

PR + 30% VC PR + 40% VC PR + 50% VC PR + 60% VC

Version 1.5: 108 Voluntary Credit Points

How Do I Get My Project Rated?

• Visit the Greenroads Website: www.greenroads.us • Download the Greenroads Manual• Fill out the online application for Project Review• Download the Greenroads Project Handbook• Complete the Review Agreement and pay a fee

– The basic Review Fee is based on construction contract price– Packages are available to accommodate common project types

• Submit common project documents• Qualify for a Certification Award

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How a Review Works

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Apply• Determine eligibility• Register project online

Agree• Sign Review Agreement• Pay fees

Assess• Upload documents• Get feedback

Award (Optional)

• Report performance periodically

• Display logo

Why bother?A few key ideas…

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Assess performance.

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City of Seattle: Sustainable Building PolicyAll City construction projects over 5,000 ft2 must meet LEED Silver rating level. LEED Pilot program provides small grants to help.

King CountyHighest LEED level achievable based on life-cycle cost analysis and funding. Applies to all new construction and renovation over $250,000.

Washington StateAll State funded projects over 5,000 ft2 have a goal of LEED silver.

Some examples from LEED:

Save money.

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Credit Cost & Savings Source

PR-8 Low-Impact Development 15-80% initial cost savingsLower initial cost

EPA

EW-5 Site Vegetation 30% premium on initial const.15% savings per yearPayback in 2 years

Santa Monica, CA

AE-1 Safety Audit $1,000-$8,000 initial costB/C ratio: 3:1 or morePayback in 1 year

NCHRP Synthesis 336

MR-4 Recycled Materials 17% savings for materials10% savings for HMA in-placeLower initial cost

Kristjansdottir et al. (2007)using 20% RAP

PT-1 Long-Life Pavement $65,000 premium on initial const.$165,000/lane-mile over 50 yrsPayback in 20 yrs

Muench et al. (2004)for 2-lane road

PT-3 Warm Mix Asphalt $50,000 initial investment$0.35-$5.00 savings/tonPayback in 10,000-145,000 tons

Kristjansdottir et al. (2007)for foaming plant attachments

Make money.

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From the Turner Construction website:“We believe Green buildings are not only good for the environment, they also provide immediate and long-term economic benefits for developers, building owners and occupants

Green projects are:30% of 2008 revenue40% of backlog50% of new sales

One example from LEED…

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Get funded.

• Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grants– Criteria include

environmental sustainability and livability

• Washington State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB)– 15 of 100 points for sustainability

for Urban Arterial Program

• Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)– Transportation & Growth

Management Program: “a higher priority will be placed on funding projects that meet sustainability principles” (2004)

Just a few examples of funds with sustainability criteria:

Tell people.

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Quick Statistics• $43.05 billion 2009 revenue• Up 11.3% from 2008• 33.6% of total revenue

• Biggest sector = Education ($8 billion)

• Owners to green to save money

Tulacz, G. (2010). The Top 100 Green Contractors, ENR, 13 September 2010.

Get involved.

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Join us.

• The Greenroads Foundation is open for business• Greenroads Foundation is non-profit steward of Greenroads

– We have an online infrastructure, trained staff and a Board of Directors

• Now accepting memberships, sponsors and volunteers• Projects can apply at: www.greenroads.us

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Connect online: www.greenroads.us

Greenroads Pilot Projects and more…

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Initial Pilot Project Analysis

• 42 projects– Within the State of Washington: 22– Other projects: 20– Washington vs. other projects:

• no statistical difference in mean scores

• What we scored– Achieved: what the project scored as constructed– Potential: for low additional effort, the project can reach this score– Maximum: project can score this if it went all-out

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Pilot Project Scores

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0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

160-

5

6-10

11-1

5

16-2

0

21-2

5

26-3

0

31-3

5

36-4

0

41-4

5

46-5

0

51-5

5

56-6

0

61-6

5

66-7

0

71-7

5

76-8

0

81-8

5

86-9

0

91-9

5

96-1

00

100-

105

>105

Freq

uenc

y

Score

Achieved Mean = 28 Potential Mean = 56 Maximum Mean = 98

certi

fied

silv

er

gold

ever

gree

n

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Northshore Drive - Bellingham, WA

Construction is complete. Potential score is 64 (Gold) without adding to contract price.

Owner: City of Bellingham, WA Contract Price: $1.6 millionProject Length: 3.8 miles Functional Class: Arterial

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US97 Lava Butte: South of Bend, OR

Project under construction. Potential score is 58 (Gold) without adding to contract price.

Owner: Oregon Department of Transportation Contract Price: $16 MillionProject Length: 3.8 miles Functional Class: Highway

What we have learned since 2007…

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Here’s what we think a rating system must have to be successful.

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Reasonable scope. It’s not likely a rating system can address everything to do with roads. Those that do risk being too big to use in a useful way.

Validation. Tried on a number of projects including different project types, owners, contractors, designers, locations. Lessons learned incorporated back into the system.

Transparency. Key information on research, sustainability, weighting, scoring, costs, benefits and weaknesses should be readily accessible.

Context sensitive. Adaptable to all projects. Contains a means for adding to the system or only selecting appropriate credits based on project goals.

Independent. Rating your own performance is problematic and generally not credible even if the procedure is sound.

Support infrastructure. Must be a support infrastructure (people, process) in place for continual improvement and to keep the system current with standard practice.

Sustainability counts.

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