Since 2019, as part of core initiatives around sustainability, Otak has been quantifying and offsetting the greenhouse gas emissions associated with our business operations. Following last year’s advances, we recently wrapped up our efforts to quantify our 2023 emissions and wanted to share the results with you.
Our firmwide emissions increased by 11% from 2022 to 2023, a result of increases to our Scope 3 emissions associated with employee commuting and reimbursed mileage for business travel. The total increase to our Scope 3 emissions was 17%.
Our Scope 2 emissions remain nearly the same as last year. Because our office spaces are leased and we do not have visibility into Otak’s energy consumption through submetering, we apply regional emissions factors on a square foot basis. While there was a slight decrease, it was less than 1% overall.
Continued Offsets During Accelerated Growth
We are proud to continue to work with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) to quantify and offset our carbon footprint. BEF provides third-party verified offsets and renewable energy credits. Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) are purchased to offset our Scope 2 emissions, which includes office energy consumption across all regions. All other emissions are encompassed in Scope 3. New this year, we have included the GHGs associated with our remote cloud servers; given the focus on data center sustainability, we were surprised to see that the total emissions from our Microsoft Azure servers was less than 1% of our total Scope 3 emissions (1.56 mtCO2e).
2023 Emissions Distribution
Because we have only been quantifying our emissions for five years, and three of those were during the pandemic, it has been challenging for Otak to establish a baseline for our emissions. Now that we can see business operations returning to a “normal” state, we are looking forward to performing some additional analysis in 2024 to develop a reduction plan. As our company grows, our emissions will undoubtedly continue to increase. But, it is critical that we implement strategies to curtail substantial increases that exceed proportional growth in our business.
For our Scope 3 offsets, Otak has decided to contribute to the following verified offset projects:
In the realm of environmental restoration, the concept of adaptive management has emerged as a crucial tool for ensuring the long-term success of projects. This approach, rooted in data analysis from monitoring a project site over time, allows for continuous improvement and informed decision-making to ultimately enhance the resilience of restored natural systems.
In this piece, we delve deeper into how an adaptive management plan furthers the understanding and benefits of multi-objective projects. We’ll also take a closer look at a stream in Boulder County, where the approach is helping to balance fish habitat benefits with water rights management and providing valuable insights to advance the practice for future projects across the industry.
Adaptive management is a systematic process that involves applying knowledge gained from ongoing monitoring. That knowledge is used to improve project specific decision-making with informed management actions that maintain project goals under uncertain conditions. The approach relies on data gained from monitoring over time to help inform ongoing project operations as well as advance scientific understanding through “learning by doing.”
The Adaptive Management Process
The process for an adaptive management plan acknowledges the dynamic nature of river systems, enabling project adjustments to meet goals and ensure long-term success. By establishing a framework for iterative decision-making, this approach adds control to situations with high uncertainty.
With an emphasis on fostering collaboration among stakeholders, an adaptive management process aligns clearly-defined project elements with desired outcomes. Collectively, these elements allow for the flexibility of agile actions and fixes (if needed) to ensure the project continues to meet the design goals. Successfully designing a plan features some key steps.
Establishing Project Goals
During the design phase, defining project goals with a diverse set of stakeholders at the table is paramount. These goals typically encompass multiple priorities and are meant to set clear direction for the expected outcome of the project.
Stating Monitoring Objectives
With project goals in mind, a project team can then establish monitoring objectives aimed at accurately measuring how those goals are being met. These objectives serve as the basis for evaluating project performance over time and informing adaptive management actions.
Linking Monitoring Parameters
Once monitoring objectives are set, the question becomes, what specifically is going to be monitored? Monitoring parameters are measurable (either qualitative or quantitative) aspects of the project that can be aligned to monitoring objectives they aim to address. By defining these parameters, stakeholders can track progress, identify deviations from expected outcomes, and define triggers for adaptive management interventions.
Photo Credit: Boulder County Parks and Open Space
Establishing Methodology
There are often several different ways to monitor a parameter. Establishing specific methods for a project outlines the techniques and tools used to address each monitoring parameter.
The selection of a method may be influenced by available budget, equipment available, as well as the importance of each individual parameter. By adhering to specific criteria, the methodology ensures the reliability, consistency, and repeatability of data collection, which could allow for not only project-specific year-to-year comparisons, but apples-to-apples comparisons between other adaptive management projects in the region.
Setting Thresholds
Thresholds are predetermined values for each parameter that, when surpassed, trigger adaptive management actions that aim to course-correct a project back to desired conditions. Setting thresholds can often be difficult, but with close coordination with stakeholders, project teams can determine values that at a minimum, maintain an ongoing conversation about potential project improvements.
Taking Adaptive Management Action
When triggered, adaptive management actions aim to address identified issues and improve project outcomes. Stakeholders collaborate to assess results, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and apply lessons learned to future decision-making processes. Adaptive management actions may vary in severity, ranging from minor adjustments to significant project revisions. By preparing for potential outcomes, stakeholders minimize uncertainty and maintain project resilience.
If all steps are taken properly, adaptive management actions should allow for agile improvements that return expected results. Altogether, this process ensures projects achieve and maintain goals while taking a proactive approach that avoids costly and time-consuming reactive adjustments.
Fish Passage, Water Rights, and Adaptive Management Along St. Vrain Creek for Boulder County Parks & Open Space
In 2013, Boulder County experienced historic and catastrophic flooding that damaged property and infrastructure and reshaped the land and riverscape of the St. Vrain Creek corridor. Rebuilding from the flood presented an opportunity to repair infrastructure and restore the stream and ditch connections in ways that improved resilience to future floods and reconnected habitat for native transition zone fishes.
This case study along St. Vrain Creek illustrates the application of adaptive management for two stream restoration and fish passage projects located three miles apart.
For both projects, Boulder County Parks and Open Space replaced flood-damaged channel-spanning diversion dams with fish-passable structures that maintained the delivery of decreed water rights at the proper time, with the overall goals of enhancing stream connectivity and resilience in the St. Vrain corridor.
Credit: Boulder County Parks and Open Space
Goals and Objectives
The adaptive management plan focuses on confirming project functionality based on project goals. These goals span water delivery, protecting infrastructure, improving fish passage and habitat, and the restoration of stream and floodplain connectivity.
Parameters
Monitoring parameters were identified based on plan objectives and included some general categories. Those include vertical and lateral channel stability, infrastructure functionality, fish presence and habitat, and vegetation. These and other parameters were chosen to serve as indicators of project performance and guide adaptive management interventions.
Methods
The methodologies selected to assess monitoring parameters included field observations and photographs, drone technology, stream measurements, and telemetry studies. Where available, use of existing standardized protocols ensure data accuracy and facilitate interdisciplinary assessments.
Adaptive Management Actions
As discussed, management actions are triggered when/if certain thresholds (identified within the plan) are met. These actions are coordinated with the stakeholder group for consideration of the benefit/impact that could come from implementing the management action. Adjustments over time that do not compromise project goals may not warrant intervention.
Possible management actions range in levels of urgency from simply verifying a parameter in question, to increased frequency of monitoring, to small-scale or large-scale modifications of project components. For St. Vrain Creek, these parameters cover a wide-range of project elements, including some highly-visible examples.
Large Wood Parameter
Large wood is an essential feature to enhance fish habitat and stabilize banks. As an established goal for Boulder County Parks and Open Space, large wood was included as part of the stream restoration design under the objective of enhancing fish habitat for regional species.
Goals
Objectives
Parameters
Methodology
Thresholds
Actions
Enhance native fish habitat in the channel
Improved fish passage and habitat
Large wood functionality
Field observation / Photo points
Reduction of in-channel large wood by 25%
Augmentation of large wood within the reach
Flanking or instability of installed large wood structures
Re-key structures into bed and bank
As part of St. Vrain’s adaptive management plan, the functionality of the large wood is monitored through established photo points and field observations. This methodology allows the team to measure the way large wood moves through the site and potentially impacts fish habitat over time. If certain thresholds on the reduction of in-channel large wood or instability of installed structures are observed, action is taken to augment or re-key those structures into the bed and bank.
Vertical Channel Stability Parameter
With the goals of maintaining water delivery and reliability and improving aquatic ecology, parameters were established in the adaptive management plan to ensure the vertical stability of the channel. The presence of an active head cut (caused by erosion) can quickly alter the channel slope and result in a channel steeper than the threshold for native fish and impact the ability to divert the appropriate amount of water.
Channel slopes exceed 4.5%, without multiple, variable margin flow paths or roughness elements present
Creation of multiple low flow paths / Regrading of the channel (localized grading by hand or with machinery)
Maintain water delivery and reliability / Improve aquatic ecology / Increase stream stability
Water delivery / Fish passage and habitat / Channel stability
Vertical stability
Longitudinal profile survey / Photo points
No longer a low flow path for fish passage
Regrading of the channel (localized grading by hand or with machinery)
Maintain water delivery and reliability / Improve aquatic ecology / Increase stream stability
Water delivery / Fish passage and habitat / Channel stability
Boulder vane stability
Field observations / Photo points
Evidence of boulders within vane moving or scouring
No longer a flow flow path for fish passage
Repair and stabilization of individual boulders
Placement of bed material to restore passability
Field observations, photo points, and longitudinal profile surveys were established to monitor for evidence of scour or head cut development, as well as any changes in slope throughout the project area. Additionally, field observations are recorded within the engineered boulder vanes to identify any boulders that may have shifted in a manner that inhibits low flow pathways for fish passage. Based on findings, localized regrading, stabilization of boulders, and/or the placement of bed material to restore low flow passability can be implemented.
Learning Lessons through Adaptive Management
Still early in the monitoring process (two years of data), insights from the adaptive management plan in collaboration with Boulder County Parks & Open Space will be used to highlight the success of diversion/fish passage designs, potential for improvements in design, and the importance of adaptive management. By monitoring these innovative approaches and applying lessons learned, Boulder County is helping pave the way for sustainable stream restoration practices region wide.
Adaptive management offers a robust framework for navigating the complexities of stream restoration projects. By embracing iterative decision-making, stakeholders can achieve a balance between environmental conservation and water rights management, ensuring the long-term resilience and connectivity of natural systems. The case of Boulder County serves as a testament to the transformative potential of adaptive management for not just one community, but for the greater industry while inspiring future innovations and best practices.
Otak is proud to announce some recent accolades from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Oregon. The ACEC Oregon Engineering Excellence Awards celebrate the best of the best in the engineering world, acknowledging firms that demonstrate innovation, technical expertise, and a commitment to delivering exceptional projects.
View the project page for each award winner below and be sure to watch the videos that accompany them for direct insight into what makes each project special.
Check out how Otak’s approach to stream restoration design returned a critical juncture of Johnson Creek at Cedar Crossing to it’s natural features, ensuring that one of the last creeks where salmon actively spawn in Portland, OR is viable for generations to come.
See how Otak involved the community of Independence, OR to replace an ailing bridge on Ash Creek, providing critical infrastructure through quality survey, geotechnical, roadway, bridge, hydraulic analysis, and environmental permitting work.
More award wins at Otak! We’re happy to share that this fall the Wade Creek Restoration project was the recipient of two awards!
Otak would like to thank the City of Estacada, Greenworks, and Pacific Habitat services for their partnerships on delivering this project to the benefit of the community of Clackamas County.
Read more about the project and the awards below!
What Were the Awards?
State Land Board Award – Stream Category
Led by Greenworks, the restoration of Wade Creek was at the heart of the city’s multi-year effort to address problems with the pond while also creating better connection with the surrounding community. Work included restoring the historic course of the creek to provide improved passage for salmon species throughout their life cycle, adding native plants along the bank to shade and cool the creek, and eliminating steep slopes to create a working floodplain.
The restoration project also added accessible walking trails and a boardwalk to the adjacent park and public library, an amphitheater and community gathering space, stormwater rain gardens, and a pollinator garden. Along with benefiting the environment surrounding the creek, these crucial additions and improvements to accessibility increased the area’s overall sense of community.
John Van Staveren of Pacific Habitat Services was integral to both the completion of the project and the submittal of the Land Board Award, so we would like to extend special thanks to him and the greater firm for all his work advocating for the project.
You can read the press release on the Land Board award win from the Oregon Department of State Lands here.
Oregon ASLA – Honor Award
Also submitted and led by our partners at Greenworks, architects tapped Wade Creek as a Project of Honor at the annual Oregon American Society of Landscape Architects awards banquet for the collaborative and environmentally conscious What method in which it was delivered..
Read more about Wade Creek on our project page, and we’re pleased to have worked on such a transformative and community-driven project.
No history of the United States is complete without significant conversation around the history of Native American Tribes. In fact, this often-solemn past represents merely a fraction of indigenous peoples’ place on the North American continent.
As the original stewards of the land, Tribes today now play a role in the development of public projects, supporting efforts toward the successful preservation of cultural and natural resources.
In recognition of this historical context, certain circumstances – namely through the Historic Preservation Act of 1966 – designate when and how projects need to involve Tribal consultation. But for this commitment rooted in a government-to-government relationship, truly building and benefiting from these relationships must go beyond what’s simply required by law.
In this piece, we take a closer look at the tribal consultation process, and the steps to successfully fostering those relationships when it comes to project development.
Tribal consultation is a crucial step in the development of public projects, with an overall goal of avoiding mapped culturally sensitive sites, as well as preserving landmarks and natural resources. The process is formalized by Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act of 1966, including providing at least 30 days advance notice to tribes before the first consultation session, and sufficient detail of the project to be discussed so leaders can have an opportunity to fully engage with each step in the process.
At the heart of the consultation process is allowing Tribes the chance to engage in meaningful discussions between their own representatives and federal decision-makers. Stringent records of all proceedings must be maintained. Additionally, the federal response to tribes and their input, detailing how their insights were incorporated into the final decision of development, is an equally critical part of the discussion.
When is Tribal Consultation Needed?
While tribal consultation is legally required by section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act of 1966 where federal funds are involved, it can also be triggered by state regulations, bond conditions, or simply as a best practice.
The NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) or SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) processes often initiate tribal consultation, and more recently there’s been a greater effort made to involve tribes where counties and municipalities strive to respect the public’s relationship with the land. Sometimes, projects evolve directly from a partnership with a local tribe and local government where the tribe becomes a client rather than a stakeholder.
“It’s important to consider two things. First, the Tribes are sovereign nations and communication should reflect that status. Second, the process shouldn’t be transactional. Invest in relationships that produce more meaningful and fruitful outcomes for everyone involved.”
– Jon Hedlund, Senior Archaeologist, ERO Resources Corporation
Insights to Tribal Consultation and Relationship Building
Building truly successful relationships with tribes involves more than simply checking the necessary boxes. The process requires recognizing tribal sovereignty, understanding past generational trauma, and pursuing mutually beneficial outcomes.
It’s important to recognize here that tribes are often inundated with requests and might not have paid staff to process all aspects of a project development plan – meaning the process might take additional time and prioritization of the most important aspects of a project is paramount. With that in mind, there are some key steps that can be taken both in one-off consultations or in maintaining a more regular relationship to streamline the process and meet project priorities for all stakeholders involved.
Efforts to identify interested tribes should extend beyond regional boundaries, considering relocated indigenous communities. Tribal consultation often involves groups that are native to a project area but can also include indigenous people who have relocated from elsewhere.
Leveraging State Historic Preservation Officers’ (SHPO) databases provides a starting point with insights into tribes with interests in specific areas. When required by Section 106, this is must and when operating outside the statute it remains a valuable resource. In any case, if a non-government entity is trying to get a tribe involved, mirroring that government-to-government relationship is a formal process that should not be taken lightly.
Engaging Early and Often
Early and regular communication with tribes is essential for meaningful participation. An even better method is to maintain communication, whether work is being done or not, on an ongoing basis so a real relationship can be built between a firm, municipality, and the tribe in question.
Initial outreach, including project details, invitations to consult, and breakdowns of the pros and cons to tribes directly is critical – and follow-up phone calls or emails set the stage for ongoing collaboration. Recognizing that tribes may need 45-60 days to respond underscores the importance of patience in the process and establishing appropriate timelines.
“Not only does a quality relationship [with Native American Tribes] make the consultation process smoother, we also pick up on things related to the local ecology that we might not normally.”
– Phillip Yates, City of Boulder
Creating Clear Lines of Communication
Providing concise and visually engaging information is also crucial. Establishing clear lines of communication facilitates effective dialogue and collaboration. Sometimes a tribal liaison will be established to help ensure this takes place.
Regular meetings contribute to building trust and fostering true collaboration, and visuals are often incorporated into the initial outreach portion to easily break down what is being requested of a tribe in a digestible way. Considerations of the tribe’s time and extra care in nurturing a relationship yields better project results for everyone involved, building true trust and collaboration between all stakeholders.
Tribal input should not only be acknowledged but actively incorporated into project designs. Meaningful benefits, such as opening project areas for tribes to collect natural resources they once had access to but no longer do, or incorporating a gathering space for tribal events into project planning demonstrate a commitment to tangible outcomes that align with tribal interests.
Above all else, project design should be finalized with tribe’s comments/concerns in mind, and ultimately with consideration of impacts to the ecological and cultural health of these areas.
On-Site Involvement and Unintended Archeological Discoveries
Central to this consultation process is a connectedness with the land. Involving tribal representatives on-site throughout the project, especially during construction, ensures their expertise on identifying natural and cultural resources is utilized.
For instance, during construction a tribal monitor might come out to a project site to observe where the land is being disturbed. Through site surveying and testing, sacred artifacts in the ground are typically avoided, but sometimes there are unintended archeological discoveries. In these cases, the cultural context provided by tribes is essential to setting appropriate actions. The preference in these instances is almost always to leave artifacts where they were found, but it is especially crucial regardless to have tribes guide the approach in the unfortunate event of these developments.
Lasting Benefits to Continuous Tribal Relationships
Maintaining relationships with tribal governments yields lasting benefits. The connections formed can enhance the project design process and benefit the broader community in the form of education and shared knowledge of peoples they share the land with.
There are a variety of guides related to the preservation of different natural resources also available that draw on this intimate knowledgebase. Harnessing historical and cultural knowledge for initiatives like forest management and river restoration ensures projects align with tribal values.
A Unique Approach for the City of Boulder
The City of Boulder offers a unique example of a municipality actively engaging with tribal communities. Their approach, involving annual formal consultations, specific projects with cultural connections, and virtual working group meetings, sets a precedent for fostering ongoing communication and collaboration.
To the City, navigating the tribal consultation process in project development is more than a legal requirement – it is an opportunity for meaningful collaboration, honoring the land’s history, and fostering relationships with indigenous communities. “We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to listen to and learn from Tribal Representatives and for all the time they have shared with us,” says Phillip Yates who leads the City of Boulder’s Tribal outreach program. “We thank them for the opportunity to build relationships with them and recognize the critical importance of sustaining those relationships in the future.”
By embracing the principles of respect, communication, and common sustainable goals we can create projects that not only meet regulatory standards but contribute positively to the cultural and environmental fabric of the communities they serve. Taking steps to maintain a relationship with regional Tribes is one area that serves that goal.
Supporting sustainable commuting solutions isn’t just a part of our project work – we’re proud to announce our Colorado team has won its size category for this year’s Go-tober Commute Challenge, held by the organization Way To Go and officiated by DRCOG!
During the month of October, Otakians in Louisvlle and Denver biked or rode public transport to reduce their CO2 emissions from commuting by a whopping 10.1 tons! The team avoided driving a distance of 24,869 miles total.
Check out more stats about Colorado’s total impact in the infographic, and thank you Way To Go, DRCOG and Commuting Solutions for another great Go-tober competition.
Otak was proud to attend a ribbon cutting on October 3rd – celebrating the unveiling of the City of Boulder’s first-ever fully protected intersection and underpass project at 30th Street and Colorado Avenue!
The timing for the full delivery of this project could not be more relevant as the intersection is a top crash location for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. The need was great to redesign it as a protected intersection – meant to ensure safety by physically separating vehicles from other modes of transport through the intersection, and making it easier for users to see each other.
Project Details
The project design features the aforementioned protected intersection as well as two separate pedestrian and bicycle underpasses. Connecting infrastructure to nearby sidewalks, bike lanes, and multi-use paths along with the reconstructed transit stops improves access to these corridors. Features like lighting, landscaping elements, and public art were also included as part of the urban design. Otak and our team of subconsultant partners developed construction documents to make the City of Boulder’s improved transportation goals a reality. You can read more about it on our project page!
Otakian Representation
Those attending might have caught sight of Otak’s Kevin Dooley, representing his project management and design work that was essential to accomplishing the city’s goals. For him, transportation is about much more than getting from one place to the next – transportation design is an art form that involves creatively combining what is known with what could be, and that passion played an instrumental role in a successful project delivery.
In an era marked by increasing concerns about environmental resilience and social equity, sustainable development is no longer just a buzzword – it’s the new “business as usual”. Sustainable development encompasses a wide range of practices aimed at reducing or eliminating the negative impact of human activities on the environment while fostering healthy and equitable communities.
In this piece, we’ll explore the numerous advantages of sustainable development practices, with a particular focus on the valuable role of sustainable professional accreditations in achieving these goals.
What are the Advantages of Sustainable Development?
The advantages of sustainable development are multifaceted, extending across the natural and built environments, social systems, and the economy. Approaches must be forward-thinking and use a wide lens to evaluate potential impacts. From protecting natural resources to emphasizing active transportation, when community building aligns with sustainable practices, quality of life is improved for all.
Resource Efficiency and Cost Savings
One of the most significant advantages of sustainable development lies in its resource efficiency and cost-saving potential. With an emphasis on more efficient use of resources, sustainable design results in long-term savings that have the potential to outweigh initial investment. For example, water conservation measures and low-impact development (LID) strategies can significantly reduce water bills and alleviate the strain on local water resources over the long-term, which are becoming increasingly scarce in many areas.
Additionally, sustainable buildings incorporate energy-efficient features such as daylighting and insulation, leading to reduced energy consumption and lower energy costs. Over time, these designs pay dividends by reducing both operational costs and energy-use intensity, which is a key objective of the AIA 2030.
Resilience in Design
As our planet faces increasingly unpredictable and extreme environmental conditions, designing projects with resilience in mind becomes paramount. These projects often use more durable materials and construction methods that extend the lifespan of structures, reducing waste and future maintenance and replacement costs. This resilience extends to addressing challenges like climate change, seismic activity, and flooding – ensuring that projects remain functional during times of external stressors due to extreme weather, instability or resource challenges. Many of the services provided by this type of infrastructure are critical – hospitals, power generation facilities, emergency services, and essential ecosystem services.
Low impact development (LID) and stormwater planning for instance are crucial aspects of resilience. With growing concerns from disasters like wildfire and flooding making certain areas uninsurable, resiliency planning can help mitigate the growing threats as well as the associated costs of damage and recovery.
Property Value and Market Demand
In the world of vertical construction, properties with sustainability certifications often command higher market values than their non-certified counterparts. As sustainability becomes a more prominent concern for individuals and businesses, certification from frameworks like LEED, WELL, and SITES can significantly impact the demand for properties. Prospective buyers and tenants increasingly seek out environmentally friendly spaces that result in healthier and more productive spaces, making certified properties more appealing and valuable across markets.
Healthier Communities and Biodiversity
Sustainable development also contributes to the creation of healthier communities and supports biodiversity in several ways. Indoor spaces benefit from improved air quality and other features that enhance occupant health and productivity. Outdoor spaces, too, play a crucial role, as sustainable development often involves projects like rain gardens, brownfield cleanups, and habitat restoration efforts. These initiatives not only enhance the aesthetics of the community but also contribute to the well-being of the natural world on which we all rely.
Reducing carbon emissions collectively improves the health of communities by mitigating the impacts of climate change while also creating greater mobility and community connectivity. Acknowledging and rewarding such efforts is crucial to fostering a sense of responsibility for our environment.
Profiles in Sustainable Accredited Staff
See Danah’s Profile
See Charles’ Profile
See Omar’s Profile
The Value of Professional Accreditations on a Project Team
Having staff with sustainable accreditations on a project team can be vital to the successful implementation of the practices discussed above. Various sustainability certification frameworks, each with its own unique processes and criteria, require expertise to navigate effectively. Having accredited team members streamlines the certification process, is often a requirement, and ensures that projects meet the rigorous sustainability standards set by these frameworks.
Multiple Disciplines Working Toward a Common Goal
Sustainable design takes shape in a variety of ways and across all phases of project development. From meeting – or exceeding – formal sustainable certification goals to simply finding efficiencies, a team with a diverse skillset brings a holistic perspective to the entire process.
Taking this multidisciplinary approach maximizes collaboration between a diverse and deep understanding of how sustainability applies to interconnected project elements, which can be critical to delivering on green goals. Equally as important is bringing these teams together early and keeping them engaged from project conception through construction and commissioning.
Streamlining the Certification Process
Accredited team members play a pivotal role in streamlining the certification process. Given the variations in certification frameworks, their expertise ensures that the project team selects the most suitable framework, understands the available design and reporting options, and efficiently navigates the submittal process. This knowledge helps the project progress smoothly towards achieving, verifying, and communicating its sustainability goals.
Obtaining and Maintaining Sustainable Accreditation
Earning and maintaining sustainability accreditation is an ongoing process. As the industry quickly innovates, new techniques and case studies routinely become available to advance our understanding and practical implementation of what is considered “sustainable design”. Keeping up on those is also a requirement of keeping an accreditation.
Individuals value their accreditation as a mark of expertise and commitment to sustainability. Organizations like Otak support their accredited staff by encouraging them to earn and maintain their accreditations. Through initiatives like our OtakU, staff members have opportunities to enhance their skills and keep their knowledge current.
Designing for sustainability offers a multitude of advantages, from resource efficiency and cost savings to healthier communities and enhanced biodiversity. Having an accredited project team is instrumental in realizing these benefits, as it streamlines the certification process and ensures that projects meet the highest sustainability standards. With the increasing importance of sustainability in today’s world, having accredited staff members on your team is not just an asset – it’s a necessity for creating a better, more sustainable future.
In the realm of preserving our natural treasures and offering exceptional recreational experiences, the practice of Visitor Use Management (VUM) has taken center stage. This practice, critical in balancing the conservation of our public lands with the enhancement of visitor’s experiences, has gained momentum as increasing visitation to these landscapes becomes the new norm.
To address this growing challenge,the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP) recently hosted a workshop focused on Visitor Use Management. SORP has a forty-year history of fostering collaboration among outdoor recreation professionals through similar events that attract state, federal, and local land managers, as well as university researchers, and professional consultants. Among the topics this year, was the growing application of Visitor Use Management.
From left to right, Erin Hanczyk (NYSDEC), Abbie Larkin (Otak), Sara Hart (NYSDEC), and Steve Lawson (Otak) respond to questions following their presentation on the active NYSDEC VUM Project
What is the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals?
The Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals, or SORP, serves as a vital hub for individuals passionate about safeguarding parks and protected areas while promoting sustainable outdoor recreation. With a vision to create sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities for all, a mission to advance the outdoor recreation profession through leadership, and a commitment to values centered on integrity and inclusivity, SORP plays a crucial role in shaping the future of outdoor experiences.
This year, SORP hosted a workshop at Acadia National Park centered on Visitor Use Management, drawing over 140 virtual and in-person participants from across the United States and Canada. Attendees delved into case studies, engaged in discussions about challenges and opportunities in implementing VUM, and explored avenues for mutual support and knowledge-sharing among a community of practice. The event provided a unique platform for practitioners to exchange ideas and best practices, advancing the field of Visitor Use Management.
A Case Study on Implementing Visitor Use Management in New York State
A process map developed for the NYSDEC VUM project, depicting project milestones along a timeline
Among the notable speakers at the event were Otak’s Steve Lawson and Abbie Larkin, key members of our Visitor Use Planning and Management (VUPM) team. Together, with representatives from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), they co-presented an Otak case study detailing their work in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks.
The presentation outlined Otak’s approach to implement the Visitor Use Management Framework in key areas of the parks experiencing increasing visitor use pressure. The case study emphasized the need for a proactive and structured approach to address the challenges stemming from rising visitation numbers, changing visitor expectations, and the imperative to prioritize resource protection and promote sustainable recreation.
The shared information sheds light on the transition from a reactive and disjointed approach to a systematic, data-driven, and holistic process for sustainable visitor use management. Key components of the approach include internal planning workshops, public outreach, and stakeholder engagement opportunities that reflect the Visitor Use Management Framework.
By collecting data on visitor use levels along roadways, in parking areas, on trails, and at key destinations, and data on visitor use patterns, experiences, and perceptions, this project will assess current conditions related to visitors’ experiences and public safety. The project also provides the basis for evaluating the relationship between recreation use and impacts, and ultimately the development of adaptable, long-term visitor use management strategies.
The Takeaway: Building Familiarity with the Visitor Use Management Process
Visitor Use Management is a thriving field with immense potential to shape the future of outdoor recreation. We’re excited to partner with organizations like SORP that share a commitment to growing the field and promoting the use of the Visitor Use Management framework. These events provide unique opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing with the growing community of practice while creating the space for new ideas and connections to form.
The event also proved to be valuable for organizations learning about the RFP process by the State of New York, offering a glimpse into the practicalities of initiating Visitor Use Management projects while also being introduced to our team as well as other professional consultants. As leaders in this field, Otak will continue to share ideas and address visitor use challenges at sites across the country and beyond, to ensure a sustainable and enjoyable outdoor experience for all.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, where convenience and speed often reign supreme, a quiet revolution is taking place on our streets and sidewalks. The growing popularity of non-motorized transportation, often referred to as “active transportation,” is reshaping our communities and our lives in profound ways. From bustling metropolises to quaint suburban neighborhoods, designers, planners, and entire communities are increasingly realizing the benefits of walking and rolling. In doing so, they are transforming the way we think about transportation, health, and urban planning.
In this piece we’ll examine how active transportation is playing a key role in designing healthier communities while improving connectivity, sustainability, and economic growth.
Active transportation encompasses any mode of travel that involves human propulsion – walking, cycling, skateboarding, and similar forms of mobility. It’s the human-powered movement that breathes life into our streets and invites interaction within communities in developing the public right-of-way. The benefits of active transportation extend beyond mere personal fitness; it nurtures a culture of connection and vibrancy within our towns and cities.
This movement aligns seamlessly with the philosophy of multimodal transportation and complete streets design. It recognizes the importance of accommodating a diverse range of travel choices, ensuring that our roads and paths are welcoming to pedestrians, cyclists, and users of all abilities.
Active Transportation Benefits to Public Health
Amid the pressing concerns of our modern world is the growing public health crisis of obesity, due in large part to increasingly sedentary lifestyles. According to the World Health Organization, people who are insufficiently active have a 20%-30% increased risk of death from a variety of causes.
The reality that two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese underscores the urgency of reimagining our transportation landscape. Active transportation emerges as one solution to a variety of ills surrounding both public health and the transportation, offering a practical solution that naturally infuses physical activity into daily routines.
What’s more, the significance of the movement encouraged by active transportation extends beyond individual well-being. Unhealthier communities place strain on healthcare systems and exact emotional costs from reduced quality of life. By embracing active transportation, we can collectively counteract these social costs, cultivating a society that prioritizes well-being and reaps the rewards of healthier, more fulfilled citizens.
Reducing Congestion and Transportation Climate Impact
As cities continue to expand, transportation-related congestion poses significant challenges. It’s also no secret that the transportation sector contributes significantly – approximately 45% of total emissions in the U.S. – to air pollution. The correlation between these issues and increased motorized traffic is irrefutable.
In an industry aiming to reduce climate impact while also improving connectivity, active transportation serves as a powerful remedy to both problems. By design, the approach is offering emission-free travel options that mitigate environmental strain and alleviating congestion in urban centers simultaneously.
Creating Safer, More Plentiful Commute Options
Reducing congestion has benefits that extend beyond sustainable design alone. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) people are driving less while biking and walking more. At the same time, pedestrian and cyclist fatalities have also increased, further emphasizing the importance of active transportation design that naturally creates safer pedestrian right of way.
Access to reliable, equitable transportation is the lifeblood of thriving communities. Active transportation plays a pivotal role in shaping our neighborhoods by offering safer and more plentiful commute options. This is especially significant for lower-income individuals who may lack direct access to public transit or personal vehicles.
Intentional design that integrates active transportation into urban design is paramount to diverse, viable commute options. Carefully planned infrastructure ensures that pedestrians and cyclists are shielded from motorized traffic, promoting safety and fostering a culture of shared road space. This approach also contributes to more accessible, ADA-compliant communities where everyone can move with ease and dignity.
Active transportation isn’t just a health booster; it’s also a catalyst for economic growth. With greater connectivity comes not only greater access to necessary services and employment opportunities, but also local businesses. The link between healthier communities and economic prosperity is undeniable. Areas with enhanced pedestrian and bicycle facilities often see increased property values and vibrant local businesses, creating a cycle of improvement and investment.
Property and Business Value
From increasing retail visibility to raising real estate value, the economic impact of active transportation on a community can take many forms. Studies across various U.S. cities by the Urban Land Institute find houses located in areas with above-average walkability or bikeability are worth up to $34,000 more than similar homes in areas where those features are average. As for businesses, people who arrive by bicycle have been shown to spend more overall while making more frequent visits.
Funding and Resource Efficiency
Aside from the economic benefits to the surrounding community, advantages also extend to the feasibility of the project itself. Active transportation infrastructure diminishes the need for constant road expansions to accommodate heavy traffic and roadway repairs that come with time and influx in population. This cost-saving measure frees up resources for other community enhancements, reinforcing the attractiveness of these areas to residents, businesses, and investors.
In fact, many existing roadways are repurposed and converted to accommodate multi-use travel. With that approach, active routes can be swiftly implemented using a modest investment in curbing, traffic paint and signs, and landscaping.
Barriers to getting active transportation projects off the ground can also be reduced from a financial standpoint. Funding and grants for active transportation projects are easier to secure due to their inherent value to the community and the positive impact on pedestrian safety.
Types of Active Transportation
Active transportation comes in various forms, each with its own set of benefits and design considerations. From walking to biking, these modes of mobility interact with different facets of community life, ranging from leisure to essential transportation. Accessibility and ADA compliance remain vital in ensuring that all members of the community can participate.
Wayfinding – the art of providing clear signage to guide users – also plays a critical role in successful active transportation design. By helping people navigate these routes efficiently, we encourage broader adoption of non-motorized transportation.
Walking Transportation and Pedestrian Infrastructure
Walking is the most fundamental form of active transportation, and its role in urban planning cannot be overstated. Walkability contributes to the vitality of neighborhoods, enabling residents and visitors to engage with their environment, access essential services, and enjoy leisurely strolls.
Pedestrian infrastructure is central to this vision, ensuring safe and appealing walkways. Investments in pedestrian bridges, designed to link key areas of a community, further underscore the commitment to providing accessible and enjoyable pedestrian experiences.
Bicycle infrastructure takes active transportation to new horizons, extending the reach of human-powered travel. Protected bike lanes, cycle tracks, and shared roadways carve out safe spaces for cyclists, allowing them to navigate through urban landscapes with confidence. Protected intersections further enhance safety, ensuring that cyclists can navigate intersections without fear.
The rising prominence of active transportation symbolizes a transformative shift in the way we move and live. This movement isn’t just about physical health; it’s about nurturing communities that are vibrant, connected, and sustainable. By embracing active transportation, we invest in our well-being, our environment, and our future. As we pedal, stroll, and roll towards healthier, more equitable communities, we pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
The concept of multi-use paths embodies inclusivity and adaptability. Such paths cater to various user groups, accommodating activities from scooting to dog walking. Thoughtful design accounts for different forms of transportation and future traffic considerations, such as the burgeoning popularity of electric bicycles. There are also a variety of surface types to consider that offer their own unique benefits for different types of users. In designing multi-use paths, it’s a delicate balance between user comfort, safety, and accessibility remains paramount in crafting these versatile pathways.
Beyond the urban landscape, trails carve a path to healthy recreation and appreciation of nature. They also offer another key option for people to seek out regular exercise. Sustainable trail design minimizes maintenance while accommodating diverse user groups and minimizing conflicts. Trails beckon people outdoors, nurturing a deeper connection to the environment and fostering a shared sense of stewardship.
Merging Transportation Design with Community Growth
Whether it be an urban corridor or rural open space, community growth takes shape in a variety of ways. More than just addressing population growth or fixing infrastructure, it’s about ultimately designing communities for both the present and future From project goals of supporting future economic development, to incorporating multimodal design, our multidisciplinary expertise allows for a comprehensive approach to achieving what matters most, improving the lives of the people who call that place home.
Take a closer look at our transportation engineering practice and learn more about how sustainability, accessibility, and mobility come together to create greater community connectivity.
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