Envision is a flexible system of criteria and performance objectives to aid decision makers and help project teams identify sustainable approaches during planning, design and construction of infrastructure projects that will continue throughout the project’s operations and maintenance and end-of-life phases. The Envision system consists of different components: (1) The Envision Pre-Assessment Checklist can be applied early-phase and used to prepare later sustainability assessments; (2) the Envision Online Scoresheet provides for a detailed online self-assessment; (3) the Envision Verification provides for an independent third-party project review process; (4) the Envision Awards offer recognition for qualifying verified projects.

The World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) sets out the World Bank’s commitment to sustainable development through a Bank Policy and a set of environmental and social standards that enable borrowers to better manage environmental and social risks of projects and to improve development outcomes. The tool offers an assessment of environmental and social risks and impacts of projects throughout the project life cycle in a systematic manner proportionate to the nature and scale of the project and the potential risks and impacts. Since 2018, the framework applies to all World Bank investment project financing.

The DGNB System for Districts is a planning and optimization tool which helps to create sustainable and livable districts. There are three types of certifications available across the project lifecycle: (1) a pre-certification for urban development plans, (2) a certificate for planning and development of projects that are at least 25% completed and (3) a final certificate for districts that are at least 75% completed. Assessments are undertaken by independent, DNGB-trained auditors. A final conformity check is undertaken by DGNB before the award of the certification.

CEEQUAL Projects assists in delivering improved sustainability performance and strategy of infrastructure projects. Projects are assessed across a range of management, environmental and social criteria, using the CEEQUAL Online Assessment Tool. The individual version for Term Contracts has been specifically created for the sustainability assessment of civil engineering and public realm works that are undertaken through contracts over several years, offering two question sets, one for maintenance works and one for new works. Assessments are conducted by CEEQUAL-trained assessors and verified by CEEQUAL-appointed external verifiers (in case of Term Contracts in the first and penultimate years including yearly surveillance visits).

Green Mark is a rating system of the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore to evaluate the environmental friendliness of infrastructure assets, giving recognition to projects that have adopted enhanced environmental sustainability strategies and measures. The assessment process includes design and documentation reviews as well as site verifications. It results in a point scoring and, if successful, a certification. There are further specific applications available for new and existing buildings with different functionalities.