Pilot Project

Pilot Projects intend to serve as a learning experience for both the owner-agency and the Greenroads Foundation. Pilot Project assessments are less formal than Certification, but follow the same general rubric and process. If you are not familiar with sustainability or just appreciate being able to test out something new before you implement it, this is probably a good place to start with Greenroads.

Pilot Projects are more complex than the A-Lined Assessment. Pilots serve a different purpose than A-Lined and have the added benefit of limited use of the Greenroads Pilot Project logo, which can be a good way to encourage engagement with stakeholders (especially on large projects!) Pilot Projects are also featured on our website and are shared as learning tools for other project teams.

Eligibility

• Pilot Projects are limited to state and federal agencies in the U.S. 
• The following agencies are not eligible for additional Pilot Projects with Greenroads Foundation due to prior completed work: WSDOT, ODOT, BCMOT, and WFLHD.
• International projects, regardless of size and location, are eligible for Pilot Projects but not for certification. A minimum of three Pilot Projects is required in any international location prior to certification of any projects.

Certain Pilot Projects may be eligible for certification as a result of this assessment.

Basic Pilot Project

In this option, we review the following standard project documents for general compliance with the current version of the Greenroads Rating System:

• Standard plans and specifications
• Special provisions for the project (if any)
• Schedule of costs (bid tab)
• Environmental Review document
• Project website (if any)

Based on these resources, we can provide an overall assessment of the project and a score for the project as a whole in a short technical report. A plan for potential certification of may also be provided as needed.

Typically, the Basic Pilot Project is most appropriate for projects that are already built and serves as a "lessons learned" roadmap for future projects. Note that projects that are already built or started construction prior to 2011 are not likely to be eligible for Certification unless an old version of Greenroads was used in design.

The Basic Assessment is not recommended for projects early in planning due to lack of available documents. The A-Lined Assessment is likely to be a more appropriate and lower-priced alternative.

Detailed Pilot Project

This option can provide a more detailed credit-by-credit review for the major project features and an approximate score for each of them as part of a technical report. This option includes:

• An introductory presentation to Greenroads, presented via webinar for the project team.
• Up to three 1-hour phone interviews with key members of the project team to enhance our knowledge of the project and the intent of certain design and construction decisions

Additionally, we would review up to 5 additional documents no more than 200 pages each in addition to those listed in the Basic Pilot Project Review, such as:

• Design reports for major structural features (pavements, bridges, tunnels)
• Hydraulic or drainage reports
• Mix design documents
• Geotechnical reports

Typically, the Detailed Pilot Project is most appropriate for projects that are early in design if Certification is being considered as an option. Otherwise, this assessment is great for projects that are already built and serves as a "lessons learned" roadmap for future projects. Note that projects that are already built or started construction prior to 2011 are not likely to be eligible for Certification unless an old version of Greenroads was used in design.

The Detailed Assessment is not recommended for projects early in planning due to lack of available documents. The A-Lined Assessment is probably a more appropriate and lower-priced alternative.

Fees, Discounts & Expenses

• Basic Pilot Projects: $4,995 
• Detailed Pilot Projects: $9,995 

Payment terms are 50% up front and 50% upon receipt of final report for all Pilot Projects. 

We offer these discounts which are applied on invoicing:

• 2% discount for payment in full (recommended).
• 10% discount for member organizations.
• Talk to us about bulk discounts and mixing and matching project assessments to meet your needs.

Communication expenses and travel expenses for all projects are billed at cost plus 5% to help cover our overhead for coordinating these special situations. We may charge additional fees for travel and communication of approximately 10% for international projects. In cases, where we do not have native speakers available, additional fees may be required to serve you better. (We have someone to help you in the following languages: Mandarin, Thai, and Spanish and are working on others.)