Due to evolving public issues relating to global climate change and changing socio-economic values, the traditional methods of transmission line routing, design and engineering are slowly becoming obsolete. There is a perception that electric utility companies are “out of touch” with society. As a result, utility companies are facing an increase in opposition to projects that are proposed. This increased opposition results in delayed permitting and licensing approvals and more public hearings which drive up project costs. To better align utility companies with the current social trends, utility companies need to start including sustainability and grid resiliency values in their projects.
 
 Sustainability is generally defined as development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Generally, sustainability is measured through three action dimensions: economic, environmental and social sustainability. Transmission line engineering needs to play an important role in minimizing adverse environmental impacts, providing economic benefits to shareholders and communities, and delivering electricity in a safe, reliable and efficient manner. Renewable resources and aesthetics are key sustainability concepts. Grid resiliency is becoming ever more important in modern society. Society is becoming increasingly dependent on reliable power to power the plethora of electronics which are a part of our everyday lives. One of the largest challenges to grid resiliency is global climate change. With climate change the frequency and intensity of wildfires have dramatically increased. Sea level rise is also threatening infrastructure along the coastal areas - areas where a large majority of power generation facilities are located. Protection against adverse factors due to climate change needs to be considered in all grid resiliency discussions to ensure a high level of system reliability into the future. Following a focused approach to define the importance of sustainability with resiliency planning in transmission line engineering, we have created guidelines and developed case studies. The goal is to help the utility industry to start considering sustainability and grid resiliency concepts in its transmission line engineering processes.

Track 5: Sustainability Approach with Resiliency Planning in Transmission Line Engineering

To lean into ASCE’s sustainability efforts to mitigate environmental effects and use resources wisely, ASCE’s International Conferences on Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI) 2021 will be held as a virtual event. The dates of ICSI 2021 will be December 6-10th.

Powered by the ICSI Steering Committee based in Houston, the 2021 event will bring together leaders to discuss leveraging sustainable infrastructure for resilient communities.  The program will offer content from across the globe, but have several highlights on sustainability initiatives in Houston, Texas. We hope you will join us virtually for plenary sessions, technical discussions, along with opportunities for Q&A and networking, connecting with virtual exhibitors, and to earn professional development hours.  

[Paper Proceedings](https://ascelibrary.org/doi/book/10.1061/9780784483879)

Conference DOI: https://doi.org/10.26226/m.63208d58cb3e8e001271fcc3