WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 9, 2016) – Providence’s Runway 5 Extension at T.F. Green Airport (PVD) has received the Envision rating system’s Gold award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI), which recognizes sustainable infrastructure across the full range of environmental, social, and economic impacts. Operated by the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC), the project is the 16th overall Envision-rated project and first project rated in Rhode Island.

The lengthening of T.F. Green’s main runway to 8,700 feet is part of a multiyear Airport Improvement Program to accommodate aviation activity demand and enhance the safety areas. The extension is also designed to improve flight efficiencies through increased payloads and reduced weight penalties, and to accommodate long-haul service to the West Coast. The project recently began construction and is expected to conclude by December 2017. Sustainability was identified as a main objective at the design stage, which was led by C&S Companies.

“Consistent with RIAC’s efforts to provide a world class airport facility for the traveling public, the T.F. Green Airport Runway Extension strives to utilize environmentally sensitive and sustainable practices for the benefit of its host community and state,” said Interim President and CEO of RIAC Peter Frazier. “Our willingness to be a leader in such initiatives can only be achieved if we partner with design and engineering firms, like C&S Companies, that possess this cutting edge expertise.”

The project effort began with an integrated sustainability design that involved a cross-section of RIAC representatives. Participants worked together to identify sustainability priorities, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities related to the Runway 5 Extension. Potential sustainability initiatives were generated and assessed to provide informed recommendations that would contribute to RIAC’s objectives and the project’s success – both in construction and for the long term.

“There was an incredible level of RIAC engagement,” said C&S’s Sustainability Coordinator for the project, Carly Shannon. “Broadening the definition of sustainability beyond environmental stewardship, stressing economic goals, operational efficiency and consideration of the various stakeholders helped us connect each individual to their potential influence on the project.”

As Green Airport’s main runway, RIAC recognized the importance of balancing first-time costs with continued durability, resilience, operational efficiency and environmental stewardship. This progressive outlook and RIAC’s commitment to the surrounding community led to the decision to embrace the Envision rating system.

For more information, visit C&S Companies or ISI Envision.