Highlights from the Spring 2026 Zofnass Research Program Symposium 

The Zofnass Research Program (ZRP) Spring 2026 Symposium, hosted by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, brought together agencies, practitioners, and infrastructure leaders on April 9–10, 2026, to explore emerging research and real-world applications advancing sustainable infrastructure. 

Through a combination of technical sessions, case studies, and field visits, the symposium focused on connecting research to practice—highlighting how Envision and related tools are supporting more resilient, low-carbon, and community-centered outcomes. 

A Focus on Climate, Carbon, and Resilience 

The opening session examined how infrastructure owners and practitioners are addressing climate hazards while advancing decarbonization across the project lifecycle. Discussions emphasized that effective solutions go beyond technical performance—incorporating stakeholder input and prioritizing human-scale outcomes alongside system function. 

A consistent theme was the role of collaboration in delivering stronger results. As one speaker noted: 

               “Meaningful partnerships create stronger projects.” 

Discussions also highlighted the growing role of digital tools, including digital twins, in improving decision-making and enabling more adaptive, future-ready infrastructure systems. 

Regional Leadership: Envision in the Pacific Northwest 

A regional panel explored how agencies and organizations across the Pacific Northwest are implementing Envision to guide infrastructure decisions and strengthen project outcomes. Speakers shared lessons learned from applying the framework at both project and program levels, emphasizing early integration, alignment with organizational goals, and the importance of internal capacity-building. 

Examples ranged from campus-scale infrastructure renewal to major transit expansions, demonstrating how Envision supports measurable sustainability outcomes while strengthening communication with stakeholders and communities. 

From Framework to Practice: Project Perspectives 

The symposium featured a series of project case studies illustrating Envision in action across transportation, water, and resource recovery infrastructure. 

Highlighted projects included: 

► Major transportation corridor improvements enhancing mobility, safety, and community connectivity
► A large-scale biofuel facility advancing circular economy and renewable energy goals
► Port and trade infrastructure projects balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship 
► Complex urban water infrastructure addressing combined sewer overflows and climate risks  

Speakers reinforced that Envision delivers value across project types when supported by strong organizational commitment and clear communication. Teams emphasized that early engagement and consistent collaboration are critical to success, and that Envision is particularly effective as a planning tool—helping guide decisions, align stakeholders, and deliver measurable outcomes. 

Research Spotlight 

The Zofnass Research Program shared research examining how tools like digital twins and sustainability rating systems can enhance infrastructure outcomes. Findings highlighted trends in Envision implementation, including insights into verification practices, value creation, and opportunities for alignment with other rating systems. 

This work continues to inform the evolution of Envision and support more effective, data-driven decision-making across the industry. 

Learning in the Field

On the second day, participants took part in field visits and applied learning sessions across Envision-verified and aligned projects in the Vancouver region. These site tours provided firsthand insight into how sustainability and resilience strategies are implemented on the ground, from ecosystem restoration and active transportation corridors to renewable energy and port infrastructure. 

Participants valued the opportunity to see how Day 1 concepts translated into built outcomes, with one noting that it “clearly connected the discussions to real-world results.”  

Projects included: 

► Northeast False Creek Renewal and Development
► Willingdon Linear Park
► Holdom Overpass
► BCIT North Campus Infrastructure & Guichon Creek Restoration
► Low Level Road 

Looking Ahead 

The Spring 2026 ZRP Symposium underscored the growing momentum behind sustainable infrastructure—and the importance of connecting research, policy, and practice to accelerate progress. 

As infrastructure systems face increasing climate pressures and evolving community expectations, the conversations and insights shared at this year’s symposium point toward a more integrated, data-informed, and outcomes-driven future. 

Thank You to Our Community 

ISI extends its appreciation to all speakers, partners, and attendees who contributed to a dynamic and collaborative event: 

British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), City of Surrey, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA), Sound Transit, City of Seattle Office of the Waterfront, Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE), Bentley Systems, HNTB, luuceo consulting, Mott MacDonald, Northwest Hydraulic Consultants, Stantec, and WSP.  

And special thanks to our Sustainable Infrastructure Advisory Board member firms for their support: Stantec, HNTB, NV5, Bentley Systems.  

Learn More 

Presentation recordings will be available soon for users in their ISI account, under Education > All Courses. You can create a free ISI account here.