Gordie Howe Bridge project earns sustainable infrastructure award

WINDSOR, ONT. — The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) and Bridging North America, owner and builder respectively of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project linking Detroit and Windsor, Ont., have been named winners of an Envision Platinum Award for sustainable construction.

The certification from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) recognizes efforts to “achieve sustainable development and environmental performance standards at every stage of an infrastructure project, from design to construction and implementation,” stated a recent release.

The award was granted following an independent peer-review process that saw the project evaluated across 60 sustainability criteria. ISI verified the project evaluation.

Sustainability features noted in the peer review include:

• 100 per cent of the project is located on previously developed lands, with part of it being located on a former brownfield site.
• a new prairie habitat and habitat for pollinators will be provided, a peregrine falcon box will be installed and thousands of trees will be planted.
• to address the risk of increased intensity of precipitation over time, the project includes stormwater ponds, low-impact development and bioswales that manage stormwater going into the public system or entering the waterway.
• a transportation plan that offers relief of traffic congestion of freight trucks in nearby neighbourhoods, improved border processing for freight and travellers with highway-to-highway connectivity, and connectivity of existing routes and creation of safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
• a community benefits plan to support local employment.

“We are proud to share the prestigious Envision Platinum Award,” said Michael Hatchell, CEO of Bridging North America, in a statement. “Through a collaborative process with WDBA, our staff developed key performance indicators with sustainability objectives that led to increased levels of achievement across the Envision rating system. It is an honour to be recognized with the highest possible distinction for our commitment to the environment and sustainable infrastructure.”