Public Service and Infrastructure

Introduction to PSI Credits

Giving consideration to the rich characteristics of the region and the need to minimize the impact of development on the surrounding environment, a section entitled “Public Service and Infrastructure” has been developed.  While this section is not typically encountered in a green build rating system, given the fragile resources that surround development in the Greater Yellowstone region, it was important that good practice be recognized. 

Public services and associated infrastructure assets discussed in this section are historically owned and managed by local or central government.  However, there are approaches that can be taken at the development and individual structure level that will both directly and indirectly protect our environmental resources and ensure that the Greater Yellowstone region’s quality of life is maintained for future generations.

Public services and the infrastructure necessary to accomplish such services (including water, electricity, garbage, and snow removal) are often provided by the local jurisdiction or private sector services.  Typically such services are subject to regulations to ensure protection of public health, safety, and the environment.  In the Greater Yellowstone region, the responsibility for the development of infrastructure may be within the scope of work for the owners/developers.

The goal of this credit category is to recognize best practices in the public utilities sector.  Code compliance is essential and therefore required of participants in the GY-Framework program. 

Water resources in the region not only provide for human life but are also a key element to the ecosystem, wildlife, and agriculture in the region.  This credit category carries a prerequisite that requires water metering to ensure efficient use of water resources can be monitored by the end user.  While this is a common practice for residential and commercial drinking water supplies in many countries, as well as for industrial self-supply water, in areas within the Greater Yellowstone region this is less common.  Particularly with agriculture, a major water user in the region.

The benefits of metering are that, in conjunction with volumetric pricing, it provides an incentive for water conservation; it helps to detect water leaks in the distribution network and individual service fixtures.  It also provides a basis for reduction of non-revenue water use. 

Similar to the prerequisite of water metering to promote efficient water use, points throughout this credit category focus on efficient use and reuse of water and energy resources.  These include direct approaches such as sharing services, managing electrical loads, water efficiencies, and water quality.  They also include indirect approaches such as expanded renewable energy production and resource management during construction.

Points can be earned in this credit category for addressing the following issues:

•          Energy efficiency through sharing of services

•          Expanded use of renewable energy production

•          Management of electrical loads and controls

•          Use of strategies to attain water efficiencies

•          Concern for water quality

•          Snow management planning

•          Resource management during utility construction

Infrastructure and Transportation Systems Design Team

Core Team Members

Jenny M. Grossenbacher, Montana State University Extension Program, Bozeman, MT

Edward B. Gulick, High Plains Architects, Billings, MT

Jackie Flowers, Idaho Falls Power, Idaho Falls, ID

Doug McSpadden, Transportation Volunteer, Bozeman, MT

Richard Stroh, Bonneville Power Administration, Idaho Falls, ID

Christina J. Thomure, Grand Targhee Resort, Driggs, ID

Dave Trosen, Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative, Ashton, ID

Patrick J. White, CTA Architects Engineers, Billings, MT

Tom Wood, MSU Integrated Design Lab, Bozeman, MT

Consulting Members,

Tammy Crone, Gallatin Local Water Quality District, Bozeman, MT

Dan Stevenson, CTA Architects Engineers, Bozeman, MT

Facilitator

Susan Higgins, Natural Resource Consultant, Bozeman, MT