Flatiron Earns ISO 14001 Certification of Environmental Management Systems

Flatiron earned the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification ISO-14001 Environmental Management Systems after an independent audit of the company’s systems, processes and objectives. This certification recognizes Flatiron’s commitment to sustainable construction practices on infrastructure projects across North America.

“Achieving environmental sustainability is not a task to complete. It is a way of life – and the right thing to do,” said Dale Nelson, Flatiron executive vice president for Operations. “Each day our project leaders take action to protect the environment through advance planning and by preventing or mitigating adverse impacts of construction projects.”

“ISO certification is an important acknowledgement of procedures we have in place,” he added. “However, achieving intended outcomes over the long term requires diligence and unwavering commitment.”

ISO 14001 is an internationally-recognized standard that specifies requirements for an organization to enhance environmental performance and to contribute to sustainability by managing environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner.

Certification encompassed Flatiron’s sustainability commitments as well as the framework to protect the environment and respond to changing environmental conditions in balance with socio-economic needs.

Examples of Flatiron Sustainable Practices 

• N.C. 12 Rodanthe Bridge on the Outer Banks of North Carolina – This 2.4-mile-long bridge opened to traffic in July 2022. The environmental habitat surrounding the bridge is composed of submerged aquatic vegetation, a type of rooted aquatic plant that grows entirely under water. Protecting this vegetation and its habitat posed a challenge that the project team was able to overcome through careful planning, teamwork and collaboration with professional environmental agencies.
• The new Terminal 1 project at San Diego International Airport – The project team is implementing industry-leading commitments to sustainability through energy and water conservation as well as clean-air, biodiversity and zero-waste initiatives. So far, the project has achieved greater than 80% diversion rate – waste diverted from landfills.

N.C. 12 Rodanthe Bridge – Outer Banks of North Carolina

N.C. 12 Rodanthe Bridge

The 2.4-mile-long Rodanthe Bridge extends into the Pamlico Sound of the Outer Banks, bypassing a flood-prone section of N.C. 12 known locally as the “S-curves.” Alleviating travel impacts caused by washouts, the Rodanthe Bridge provides a reliable thruway for travelers in this tourism-heavy community of barrier islands.

The construction of the Rodanthe Bridge came with a unique set of challenges. Due to shallow water depths – less than four-feet at the location of the bridge – the use of industry-standard methods of construction, such as barges, was not possible. To protect the existing ecosystem, the project team developed an industry-leading innovation called the Advancing Rail System – creating an assembly line of sorts, supporting all construction of the permanent bridge structure plus the ability to “leap frog” temporary work sections of the bridge.

The unique environmental habitat surrounding the bridge is composed of submerged aquatic vegetation, a type of rooted aquatic plant that grows entirely under water. Protecting this vegetation and its habitat posed a unique challenge that the project team was able to overcome through careful planning, teamwork and collaboration with professional environmental agencies. 

Originally, the project team was permitted to disturb up to 10 acres of the area occupied by the submerged aquatic vegetation. In the end, the team only disturbed one acre out of the allotted 10, reducing the impact by 90 percent. Through careful planning and strategic relocation of some of the aquatic vegetation, we were able to leave this area just as beautiful as it was when we found it.

The $145 million Rodanthe Bridge opened to traffic in July 2022 and now serves as a safe, reliable passageway for locals and tourists.

New Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport – San Diego, California

New Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport

The New Terminal 1 project includes:

• A 30 gate replacement of the existing Terminal 1.
• Associated airside and landside improvements.
• A 5,000-space parking plaza.
• Remain-overnight aircraft parking.
• Upgrades to the existing Central Utility Plant.
• Enhanced stormwater capture and reuse facilities.

The successful implementation of sustainable design and construction practices will be measured in part by achieving a triple-crown of third-party verification programs – including LEED, Parksmart and Envision. The project team is implementing industry-leading commitments to sustainability through energy and water conservation as well as clean-air, biodiversity and zero-waste initiatives.

So far, the project has achieved greater than 80% diversion rate – waste diverted from landfills. Environmental compliance for this landmark project at San Diego International Airport also includes water quality management and the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan on this 661-acre site immediately adjacent to San Diego Bay.

Significant water quality challenges are ahead on this 7-year construction project:

• Potential for contamination from historic uses.
• High-volume groundwater and tidal groundwater fluctuations from San Diego Bay.
• Direct storm drain connectivity to San Diego Bay.
• Management of sediment and erosion control efforts through several phases of civil and structural construction.

About ISO
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental international organization that brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market relevant international standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges.

About Flatiron

Flatiron is the trusted partner to deliver innovative solutions to infrastructure challenges across the U.S. and Canada. Flatiron collaborates with public and private clients to deliver heavy civil infrastructure— including highways and bridges; aviation, rail and transit; dams and water treatment facilities; and underground projects. For more on how Flatiron is transforming infrastructure, learn more about our commitment. Flatiron is a subsidiary of HOCHTIEF, an engineering-led global infrastructure group.

Media Contact

Mike Swenson
1.720.494.8132
press@flatironcorp.com