Climate & Resilience Flashcards

Which Envision credit category is most directly concerned with reducing greenhouse gas emissions from infrastructure construction and operations?

Answer: Climate & Resilience (CR)

The Climate & Resilience category includes credits for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the carbon footprint of infrastructure.

A project team calculates a net reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions by incorporating renewable energy and operational efficiency measures. This outcome primarily advances which Envision objective?

Answer: CR2.1 - Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

CR2.1 awards points for demonstrably reducing net greenhouse gas emissions across the project lifecycle.

In Envision, what is the significance of the '1.5°C pathway' when evaluating a project's climate contributions?

Answer: It refers to the IPCC global warming target that requires steep emissions reductions by 2050

The 1.5°C pathway refers to limiting global average warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, requiring deep decarbonization of all sectors including infrastructure.

Which approach to stormwater management best supports both climate resilience and ecological health in the Envision framework?

Answer: Installing green infrastructure to mimic natural hydrology

Green infrastructure such as bioswales and permeable pavement restores natural hydrologic function and provides resilience against increased storm intensities.

What does 'carbon sequestration' refer to in the context of infrastructure projects pursuing Envision recognition?

Answer: The long-term storage of carbon in soils, vegetation, or materials to offset emissions

Carbon sequestration through vegetation, soil restoration, or low-carbon materials can offset project emissions and contribute to net-zero or net-positive outcomes.

A highway project in a wildfire-prone region selects fire-resistant landscaping and non-combustible materials. This decision best aligns with which Envision resilience strategy?

Answer: Designing for the specific hazard profile of the project location

Envision encourages site-specific hazard analysis and design responses that address the actual risk profile of the project location.

Under Envision's framework, 'lifecycle greenhouse gas accounting' differs from construction-phase-only carbon tracking because it:

Answer: Includes emissions from construction, operations, maintenance, and end-of-life over the full project lifespan

Lifecycle GHG accounting captures all project phases — materials, construction, operations, maintenance, and decommissioning — to provide a complete emissions picture.