Designing Sustainable Projects with Policy and Purpose

Lori Trottier serves as Environmental Lead and Project Manager at Ardurra, where her passion for regional planning and sustainability guides every project she takes on. With a background in environmental policy, city planning and water resources, Lori approaches each task with a strong sense of responsibility to the environment by avoiding sensitive resources and developing implementation that aligns with the community values. Her work reflects a deep commitment to protecting the environment with smarter infrastructures.

One of the primary challenges in managing projects is understanding stakeholder concerns early in the process and understanding the technical and political complexities involved in implementation. Knowledge of technical and political opportunities and constraints provides a good foundation for a realistic conceptual design and enables effective communication during the implementation of a project.

Projects are now being designed to facilitate the reuse of treated water and support upgrades for smart water systems that regulate facility operations in real time to avoid waste and ensure safety. Infrastructure is also being designed to integrate water resource recovery and decentralize treatment at the project locations. Construction methods are meticulously planned to effectively reduce the area of impact and level of disruption to the existing environment.

Your understanding of a community’s environmental concerns will facilitate the development and implementation of a successful and realistic solution

Turning Feedback into Action

Each assignment begins with a deep dive into approved pertinent environmental programs and regulations. I conduct due diligence reviews of the project location, followed by a detailed analysis of improvement plans. This process includes mapping and understanding both existing and future conditions without the project, identifying sensitive resources, listening to stakeholder concerns and understanding the types, degree and locations of changes that will occur with a project. Conditions of approval for each project are developed based on the above information to reduce negative impacts and deliver positive environmental outcomes.

For environmental professionals looking to stay ahead, it is important to be flexible and curious. The environmental compliance field is constantly evolving due to new regulations, new technologies and changes in community sentiment. Staying informed on issues and technology through current events and industry newsletters is essential. Subscribe for updates from your favorite regulatory agencies and jurisdictions, attend seminars, visit preferred locations and actively participate in community workshops. Most importantly, ask questions, share ideas with colleagues and listen to input objectively. Your understanding of a community’s environmental concerns will facilitate the development and implementation of a successful and realistic solution that meets both regulatory demands and sustainable goals.