The Carbon Challenge

ODOT - Context Sensitive and Sustainable Solutions Approach (CS³)

CS³ was specifically developed for use on the OTIA III State Bridge Delivery Project with the goal to eventually use this delivery approach on all ODOT projects. The Context Sensitive Solutions concept has evolved over time to require a consideration of the context of the project and to promote the policy that transportation solutions should fit the physical setting, preserve scenic, aesthetic, historic and environmental resources and maintain safety and mobility. The Federal Highways Administration started the official efforts to instill this concept into highway construction projects in 1998 and has continued to develop and support the ideas nationwide.

The CS³ approach further refines the goals of the original CSS program to more specifically address the goals included in Governor John Kitzhaber's Executive order in 2000 which mandated sustainability in the state of Oregon and Governor Ted Kulongoski's Executive order that was intended to support and drive the goals of the Oregon Sustainability Act and specifically includes language connecting these goals to those contained in the triple bottom line social and economic concepts. These orders effectively changed the definition and level of consideration of the "context" as it relates to the States activities.

The CS³ approach specifically aims to meet traditional DOT goals of maintaining safety and mobility while (1) reflecting community values, (2) supporting economic prosperity, (3) achieving responsible stewardship of the natural environment and (4) facilitating cost effective solutions. EcoLogistics, through the EcoMethod process, specifically measures and quantifies the incremental costs and benefits of items 1-4 above.

Reflecting Community Values

The EcoMethod's Goal Inventory process includes a detailed analysis of each community's goals and connects those goals to activities and decisions within the construction process in order to determine what impacts or enhancements are available. These choices are quantified where possible to help understand the incremental impacts or opportunities that may be in play.

Supporting Economic Prosperity

The economic modeling component of the EcoMethod can estimate the un-managed or "business as usual" amount of direct benefits from construction that a particular trade area could experience and the resulting indirect and induced benefits of that un-managed scenario.

We can then model a "managed" approach to show the net additional benefits of individual local sourcing options. Our Carbon Due Diligence process includes a detailed competitive analysis and profile of each potential provider within the trade area considered. This additional research and analysis will provide a clearer picture of the possible involvement of local businesses and the incremental benefit that can be considered with other selection criteria.

Achieving Responsible Stewardship of the natural environment

Our carbon measurement system will contribute specific information of the carbon emissions related to the material sourcing, subcontractor and site logistic choices associated with each project. Simply measuring the carbon associated with each choice has the effect of moving decisions to minimize environmental impacts and efficiency levels for a construction project.

Facilitating cost effective solutions

EcoLogistic's main focus is to understand and communicate the "real cost" of each construction decision. We believe by understanding the individual choices better, we will make better choices and that pattern of decision making will drive entire markets to create a more sensitive business as usual climate.

The CS³ program is to be applauded for its comprehensive approach to understand, communicate and deliver projects that can better meet their stakeholder's needs. The best way to improve this program is to add the best available tools and incorporate best management practices within the EcoMethod so that the process continues to evolve and add value to the construction delivery process.