Sustainability Committee

Sam Ali, PE, LEED AP

Sustainability Committee Chair
Orange County Public works
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Phone: 714-834-2781

 The Birth of Sustainability Committee!

By Sam Ali, P.E., LEED-AP

The ASCE Orange County Branch is proud to announce the formation of the sustainability committee. On January 16, 2008, the National ASCE/TAC Committee on Sustainability published Sustainability Guidelines for ASCE Sections, Branches and Student Chapters. Many ASCE Sections including Los Angeles started the formation of the committee and our Branch is taking the lead.

What do we mean by “Sustainability”?

There are hundreds of definitions but here is a simple one:

    “Sustainability meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

  The Mission of the Sustainability Committee:

    “Civil Engineers…entrusted by society to create a sustainable world and enhance the global quality of life.” 

  

 The Goals of the Sustainability Committee:

  • Educating our members and the community at large about the importance of sustainability.
  • Create students outreach programs at the local universities and conduct lectures and training programs.
  • Involve the ASCE student chapters in the outreach program.
  • Give an award to the sustainable project of the year.
  • Organize field trips to Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) Certified projects within Orange County.
  • Coordinate with the ASCE L.A. Section Sustainability Committee and the National ASCE/TAC Committee on Sustainability.
  • Partnership with Sustainable organizations such as USGBC, Global Green, Audubon Society, and others.
  • Advertise websites in the newsletter with information about sustainability.
  • Focus on sustainable infrastructure.
  • Encourage ASCE members to become LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED-AP). 
  • Outreach to Public agencies to incorporate and adopt sustainability standards.
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The 2011 Sustainability Committee- (from right) Dan Elkins. Sam Ali, Kevin Roberson, and Dave Eames

 

 

 

  

  

 NEW ENVISION™ RATING SYSTEM

The new ENVISION™ rating system is addressing the needs of planners, designers, and owners interested in developing sustainable civil infrastrucutre projects. Developed by a working group representing the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), American Public Works Association (APWA), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), this new rating system uses ten primary criteria to promote sustainable solutions while encouraging interaction with stakeholder groups. You can read more at the Institute For Sustainable Infrastructure website. http://www.sustainableinfrastructure.org/

Organization Links:

US Green Building Council http://www.usgbc.org/ 

Green Building Certification Institute http://www.gbci.org/homepage.aspx

Local Sustainability:

Environmental Nature Center http://www.encenter.org/

Newport Road Overlay photos

Green Street links:

Green Roads http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Tires/GreenRoads/default.htm

Portland Green Street Program http://www.portlandonline.com/BES/index.cfm?c=44407

Who can be a member of the sustainability committee?

Civil Engineers with genuine interest and experience in sustainability. The member will be either LEED-AP or have registered to take the test to be LEED-AP. Please send me an email with one paragraph describing your interest and your qualifications, if you would like to be a member in this committee. The committee meets monthly from 7:0 till 8:0 AM in Irvine.

“We are at the tipping point for Sustainable Design. Engineers who are not yet on board with Green Design will be left out since the public is demanding Green Design not only to protect the Environment and Conserve Resources, but also to create a healthier place to live and work.” 

 Sam Ali, P.E., LEED-AP