Windsor, Ontario • The Gordie Howe International Bridge project team was honoured with the inaugural National Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Award from the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP) for its outstanding commitment to sustainability and community prosperity in the Windsor-Detroit region.
Presented at the P3 National Awards Gala Luncheon in Toronto on November 14, 2023, the National ESG Award recognizes a P3 project that contributes to environmental protection or enhancement; wildlife protection; climate and greenhouse gas impact; natural infrastructure attributes; Indigenous engagement and community benefits.
Each project component comprises design, construction and operations features that firmly establish the Gordie Howe International Bridge project as an example of sustainable infrastructure –one that is socially, environmentally and economically responsible, contributes to a cleaner environment and protects communities on both sides of the border, both now and in the future, from the impacts of climate change. Environmental highlights include:
- the integration of energy-efficient LED and low-maintenance lighting
- buildings designed to meet LEED v4 Silver ratings and the bridge and surrounding roadways achieving the Envision™ Platinum certification
- installation of a peregrine falcon box on the bridge to facilitate nesting
- the relocation of over 2,600 SAR plants and 2,000 seeds from native prairie species from the site prior to construction beginning
- materials selected to reduce energy and water demands including highly insulated walls, energy efficient glass, solar shading and low flow faucets
- incorporation of green roofs on select buildings
- use of drought tolerant, native vegetation in landscaping plans
- employing green infrastructure and stormwater management design principles
- establishing significant buffers around the ports of entry (POE) to maximize the distance between operations and adjacent receptors.
A key element of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project is the inclusion of the Community Benefits Plan which includes a series of initiatives, based on public input, that are creating measurable and results-based opportunities for the communities closest to the project and the region. The project also includes several other integrated benefits for the adjacent communities and broader region, including:
- improved connections for commercial and passenger vehicles and pedestrians and cyclists
- local road improvements with intersection and sidewalk upgrades, cycling infrastructure, enhanced streetscaping, landscaping and lighting in the communities closest to the project that also provide connections into broader trail networks
- inclusion of unique art features within the POE footprints.
QUOTES
“Efforts relating to ESG on the Gordie Howe International Bridge project are uniquely ambitious and impactful given the nature and size of the undertaking. As a binational project, the team strives to provide distinct environmental and social benefits to two diverse communities, while simultaneously delivering on its mandate to improve the movement of people and goods through the busiest commercial land border crossing between Canada and the US.”
- Charl van Niekerk, Chief Executive Officer, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
“This P3 national award is a testament to the diligent planning and robust work of the thousands of men and women working on the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. ESG activities were specifically incorporated into the framework of the Project Agreement and have been integrated into all aspects of the implementation of the project from design through construction and operations."
- Jennelle Radigan, Technical Director, Bridging North America
QUICK FACTS
- In addition to the environmental features incorporated into the physical infrastructure of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the project has achieved ISO 14001 third party certification, associated with the project’s Environmental Management System (EMS) that includes extensive procedures to monitor and address potential environmental impacts and a comprehensive public consultation program.
- In 2023, WDBA finalized its inaugural ESG Plan that documents WDBA’s commitment to actively support the creation of a thriving and sustainable future for employees, bridge users and the communities adjacent to the Gordie Howe International Bridge throughout the project’s lifecycle.
- The Gordie Howe International Bridge project previously has been recognized for its achievement of sustainable efforts, social responsibility and governance integrity. Past awards include:
- The Brownfields and Infrastructure Phoenix Award from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
- The Canadian Consulting Engineering (CCE) Award of Excellence and the Environmental Business Journal (EBJ) Project Merit Award, both for the project’s cross-border Environmental Management System
- The US-based National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP)’s Environmental Excellence Award for Best Available or Innovative Technology
- P3 Bulletin’s inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance Performance Award
- The Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Gold Award for Best Corporate Social Responsibility Campaign.
RELEVANT LINKS
- WDBA’s Sustainability Commitment and Environmental Highlights
- WDBA’s 2023-2024 Environmental, Social and Governance Plan
- Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan
- VIDEO – ESG Award Submission
ABOUT WINDSOR-DETROIT BRIDGE AUTHORITY
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) is a not-for-profit Canadian Crown corporation created to deliver the Gordie Howe International Bridge project between Windsor, ON and Detroit, MI through a public-private partnership (P3). WDBA is responsible for overseeing and managing the construction and operation of the new crossing. Visit GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com for more information on WDBA and follow the project on Facebook.
ABOUT BRIDGING NORTH AMERICA
Bridging North America (BNA) became the private-sector partner to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Gordie Howe International Bridge project in September 2018. BNA is comprised of some of the most recognized leaders in the construction and infrastructure industry which includes North American and international companies. BNA partners have significant experience carrying out major infrastructure projects such as the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway in Windsor, Ontario; New Champlain Bridge Corridor in Montreal, Quebec; Autoroute 30 in Montreal, Quebec; Eglinton Crosstown LRT in Toronto, Ontario; Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) in Montreal, Quebec; Automated People Mover at LAX Airport, California; Harbor Bridge, Corpus Christi, Texas; Tappan Zee Bridge in New York and San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, California.
- 30 -
Gordie Howe International Bridge
Media Relations Team
226-757-1716
