1. © 2011 University of Washington & Greenroads Foundation

2. What we mean by “sustainability” TM

3. Sustainability is a system characteristic which refers to the system’s capacity to support natural laws & human values. 3 Natural laws = Ecology Rule: Don’t break the earth How 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 economy Equity rule: Seek quality of life for all Economy rule: Manage resources wisely Resources = human, natural, manufactured and financial capital

4. 4 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

5. Sustainability is a system characteristic which refers to the system’s capacity to support natural laws & human values. 5 “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

6. We are really talking about being “more sustainable” than we were. We are going for “do less bad”. The goal is “do good”. 6 Bad Good Break Even Point Use > replace Produce > broken down Excess = damage Change nature humansantscherry trees Example drawn from ideas in McDonough and Braungart’s Cradle to Cradle (2002) Use = replace Produce = broken down Excess = benefit Integrated into nature

7. The Greenroads Rating System TM

8. 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 Asphalt I-90 near George, WA 23 June 2008 What can I do on my project tomorrow to be more sustainable? TM

9. 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 Asphalt I-90 near George, WA 23 June 2008 TM

10. Greenroads is a project-oriented system It focuses on design and construction. Quiet Pavement SR 520 Near Bellevue, WA 14 July 2007 Planning Design & Construction Operation TM

11. So what does a Greenroad look like? TM

12. 12 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

13. regional material bus rapid transit recycled materials ped./bicycle access fewer emissions CSS art quality construction LID stormwater native vegetation

14. Greenroads essentials TM

15. 15 Version 1.5 manual published February 2011 Errata for version 1.0.1 to version 1.5 published Download at: www.greenroads.us/manualwww.greenroads.us/manual The Greenroads Manual

16. 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 16

17. 17 CategoryDescriptionPoints Project RequirementsMinimum requirements for a Greenroad Req. Voluntary Credits Environment & WaterStormwater, habitat, vegetation 21 Access & EquityModal access, culture, aesthetics, safety 30 Construction ActivitiesConstruction equipment, processes, quality 14 Materials & ResourcesMaterial extraction, processing, transport23 Pavement TechnologyPavement design, material use, function 20 Total Voluntary Credit Points108 Custom CreditsWrite your own credit for approval10 Total Points118 Greenroads Categories: Version 1.5

18. RequirementDescription PR-1Environmental Review Process Complete and environmental review process PR-2Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) Perform LCCA for pavement section PR-3Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) Perform LCI of pavement section with computer tool PR-4Quality Control Plan Have a formal contractor quality control plan PR-5Noise Mitigation Plan Have a construction noise mitigation plan PR-6Waste Management Plan Have a formal plan to divert C&D waste from landfill PR-7Pollution Prevention Plan Have a TESC/SWPPP PR-8Low-Impact Development (LID) Feasibility study for LID stormwater management PR-9Pavement Mgmt. System Have a pavement management system PR-10Site Maintenance Plan Have a site maintenance plan PR-11Educational Outreach Publicize sustainability information for project 18 Project Requirements

19. 19 Environmental AssessmentEnvironmental Impact StatementSupplemental EIS PR-1 Environmental Review Process Evaluate 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

20. 20 PR-8 Low Impact Development Use 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

21. 21 Voluntary CreditPts.Description EW-1Environmental Mgmt. Sys.2ISO 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 Total21 Environment & Water

22. 22 EW-3 Runoff Quality Improve water quality of stormwater runoff leaving the roadway Right-of-Way (ROW). Bioswale on a Seattle, WA residential street

23. 23 EW-7 Ecological Connectivity Provide or improve wildlife access and mobility across roadway facility boundaries and reduce vehicle- wildlife collisions and related accidents. Picture from FishHabitatNexus.com

24. 24 Voluntary CreditPts.Description AE-1Safety Audit2Perform roadway safety audit AE-2Intelligent Transp. Sys. (ITS)5Implement ITS solutions AE-3Context Sensitive Planning5Plan for context sensitive solutions AE-4Traffic Emissions Reduction5Reduce VMT or SOV travelers AE-5Pedestrian Access2Provide/improve pedestrian accessibility AE-6Bicycle Access2Provide/improve bicycle accessibility AE-7Transit/HOV Access5Provide/improve transit/HOV accessibility AE-8Scenic Views2Provide views of scenery or vistas AE-9Cultural Outreach2Promote art/culture/community values Total30 Access & Equity

25. 25 AE-8 Scenic Views Provide access of pleasant views of scenery from the roadway. I-90 across the Columbia River near Vantage, WA

26. 26 Voluntary CreditPts.Description CA-1Quality Management Sys.2 ISO 9001 cert. or eq. for general contractor CA-2Environmental Training1Provide environmental training CA-3Site Recycling Plan1On-site recycling and trash collection CA-4Fossil Fuel Use Reduction2Use alt. fuels in construction equipment CA-5Eqpt. Emission Reduction2Meet EPA Tier 4 stds. for nonroad equipment CA-6Paver Emission Reduction1Use pavers that meet NIOSH requirements CA-7Water Use Tracking2Develop data on water use in construction CA-8Contractor Warranty3Warranty on the constructed pavement Total14 Construction Activities

27. 27 CA-2 Environmental Training Provide 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

28. 28 Voluntary CreditPts.Description MR-1Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) 2 Conduct a detailed LCA of the entire project MR-2Pavement Reuse 5 Reuse existing pavement sections MR-3Earthwork Balance 1 Balance cut/fill quantities MR-4 Recycled Materials5 Use recycled materials for new pavement MR-5Regional Materials 5 Use regional materials MR-6Energy Efficiency 5 Improve energy eff. of operational systems Total23 Materials & Resources

29. 29 MR-4 Recycled Materials Reduce lifecycle impacts from extraction and production of virgin materials. Milling up existing HMA surface, N 75 th Street, Seattle, Washington, United States

30. 30 Voluntary CreditPts.Description PT-1Long-Life Pavement5Design pavements for long-life PT-2Permeable Pavement3Use permeable pavement as a LID technique PT-3Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA)3Use WMA in place of HMA PT-4Cool Pavement5Contribute less to urban heat island effect PT-5Quiet Pavement3Use a quiet pavement to reduce noise PT-6Pvmt. Performance Tracking1Relate construction to performance data Total20 Pavement Technologies

31. 31 PT-1 Long-Life Pavement Minimize 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

32. How Do I Get My Project Rated? Visit the Greenroads Website: www.greenroads.uswww.greenroads.us Download the Greenroads ManualGreenroads Manual Fill out the online application for Project Reviewonline application Download the Greenroads Project HandbookGreenroads Project Handbook Complete the Review Agreement and pay a feeReview Agreementpay a fee Submit common project documents Qualify for a Certification Award 32

33. Certification Levels 33 32-42 points 43-54 points55-63 points64+ points PR + 30% VCPR + 40% VCPR + 50% VCPR + 60% VC Version 1.5: 108 Voluntary Credit Points

34. How Do I Get My Project Rated? Visit the Greenroads Website: www.greenroads.uswww.greenroads.us Download the Greenroads ManualGreenroads Manual Fill out the online application for Project Reviewonline application Download the Greenroads Project HandbookGreenroads Project Handbook Complete the Review Agreement and pay a feeReview Agreementpay a fee –The basic Review Fee is based on construction contract price –Packages are available to accommodate common project typesPackages Submit common project documents Qualify for a Certification Award 34

35. How a Review Works 35 Apply Determine eligibility Register project online Agree Sign Review Agreement Pay fees Assess Upload documents Get feedback Award (Optional) Report performance periodically Display logo

36. Why bother? A few key ideas… TM

37. Assess performance. 37 City of Seattle: Sustainable Building Policy All City construction projects over 5,000 ft 2 must meet LEED Silver rating level. LEED Pilot program provides small grants to help. King County Highest LEED level achievable based on life-cycle cost analysis and funding. Applies to all new construction and renovation over $250,000. Washington State All State funded projects over 5,000 ft 2 have a goal of LEED silver. Some examples from LEED:

38. Save money. 38 CreditCost & SavingsSource PR-8Low-Impact Development15-80% initial cost savings Lower initial cost EPA EW-5Site Vegetation30% premium on initial const. 15% savings per year Payback in 2 years Santa Monica, CA AE-1Safety Audit$1,000-$8,000 initial cost B/C ratio: 3:1 or more Payback in 1 year NCHRP Synthesis 336 MR-4Recycled Materials17% savings for materials 10% savings for HMA in-place Lower initial cost Kristjansdottir et al. (2007) using 20% RAP PT-1Long-Life Pavement$65,000 premium on initial const. $165,000/lane-mile over 50 yrs Payback in 20 yrs Muench et al. (2004) for 2-lane road PT-3Warm Mix Asphalt$50,000 initial investment $0.35-$5.00 savings/ton Payback in 10,000-145,000 tons Kristjansdottir et al. (2007) for foaming plant attachments

39. Make money. 39 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 revenue 40% of backlog 50% of new sales One example from LEED…

40. 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) 40 Just a few examples of funds with sustainability criteria:

41. Tell people. 41 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.

42. Get involved. TM

43. 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.uswww.greenroads.us 43

44. Connect online: www.greenroads.us 44

45. Greenroads Pilot Projects and more… TM

46. 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 46

47. Pilot Project Scores 47 certified silver gold evergreen

48. 48 Northshore Drive - Bellingham, WA Construction is complete. Potential score is 64 (Gold) without adding to contract price. Owner: City of Bellingham, WAContract Price: $1.6 million Project Length: 3.8 milesFunctional Class: Arterial

49. 49 US97 Lava Butte: South of Bend, OR Project under construction. Potential score is 58 (Gold) without adding to contract price. Owner: Oregon Department of TransportationContract Price: $16 Million Project Length: 3.8 milesFunctional Class: Highway

50. What we have learned since 2007… TM

51. Here’s what we think a rating system must have to be successful. 51 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.

52. Sustainability counts. TM