Climate & Resilience Flashcards

What does 'climate resilience' mean in the context of Envision-rated infrastructure?

Answer: The ability of infrastructure to withstand, adapt to, and recover from climate-related hazards

Climate resilience refers to infrastructure's capacity to anticipate, prepare for, withstand, and recover from climate-related events such as extreme weather, flooding, and temperature changes.

How does Envision address greenhouse gas emissions reduction?

Answer: By crediting projects that reduce emissions in construction, materials, and operations

Envision awards credits for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all project phases — material production, construction, and operations — encouraging low-carbon design and energy efficiency.

What is adaptive capacity in Envision's resilience framework?

Answer: The ability of infrastructure systems to adjust to changing conditions and future uncertainties

Adaptive capacity refers to infrastructure's ability to be modified, upgraded, or adjusted in response to changing conditions, new information, or evolving community needs.

Why does Envision require hazard identification and risk assessment?

Answer: To ensure projects account for natural and human-caused threats in their design and planning

Envision requires identifying and assessing hazards — including climate, seismic, and human-caused risks — to ensure infrastructure is designed to withstand the threats it will face over its service life.

How should infrastructure projects plan for sea-level rise according to Envision?

Answer: By incorporating future sea-level projections into design elevations and flood mitigation strategies

Envision requires projects in vulnerable areas to incorporate scientific sea-level rise projections into their design, ensuring infrastructure remains functional as water levels change.

What is the relationship between green infrastructure and climate resilience in Envision?

Answer: Green infrastructure like bioswales and permeable surfaces helps manage stormwater and reduce heat island effects

Green infrastructure such as bioswales, rain gardens, permeable pavements, and urban forests manages stormwater naturally, reduces urban heat island effects, and enhances ecosystem services.