The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)'s INVEST identifies characteristics of sustainable highways and provides information and techniques to help agencies and organizations integrate sustainability best practices into highway and other transportation projects. Scoring in a number of categories also allows agencies and consultants to compare traditional designs against more progressive designs and construction approaches. This system is voluntary and has completed a successful pilot project phase.

Greenroads is a sustainability rating system for roadway design and construction that is operated by the non-profit Greenroads Foundation. It is applicable to all roadway projects including new, reconstruction and rehabilitation (even overlays), bridges, you name it. If there is a project where a road is involved, you can use it. This system is a collection of sustainability best practices, called "credits," that relate to roadway design and construction. Applying more progressive design and construction approach and achieving these credits can earn points toward a total score for the project, and in general, this Greenroads™ score can be used as an indicator of sustainability for the roadway. Four different certification levels (rating) are available depending upon total score on a voluntary basis. Even without certification, considering the Greenroads approach to project delivery can provide agencies and consultants a comprehensive guide to more sustainable transportation projects.

After viewing this program, participants will be better able to:

Consider the advantages of two of the leading transportation project rating systems and determine the right application.
Prepare for a project design and construction process that reconsiders traditional design and construction practices to promote long term sustainability.
Identify the basic resources required to deliver a transportation project within the framework of a rating system.

Cindy Carlsson

Government Affairs Assistant, Minnesota Department of Transportation

Appearances