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Engineering With Nature® is the intentional alignment of natural and engineering processes to efficiently and sustainably deliver economic, environmental, and social benefits through collaboration.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineering With Nature® (EWN) Initiative enables more sustainable delivery of economic, social, and environmental benefits associated with infrastructure.
Watch as Dr. Todd Bridges, the former National Lead for the EWN initiative explains the four major elements of EWN.
Sustainable water resources infrastructure is achieved through the beneficial integration of engineering and natural systems. With recent advances in the fields of engineering and ecology, there is an opportunity to combine these fields of practice into a single collaborative and cost-effective approach for infrastructure development and environmental management.
Triple-win outcomes are achieved throughout EWN by systematically integrating social, environmental, and economic considerations at every phase of a project. The results are innovative and resilient solutions that are more socially acceptable, viable and equitable, and, ultimately, more sustainable.
A rendering of a horizontal levee design that achieves storm and flood risk reduction while increasing habitat value.
Levee rehab borrow pit converted into emergent wetland at Missouri River levee system L-536 (2021). The repetitive cycle of repairing levees in place after each major flood event, such as what was historically conducted at L-536, can led to increased Operations and Maintenance and Repair, Replacement, and Rehabilitation costs, and as the infrastructure ages there can be general concerns over the effective level of protection. After the 2019 flood breached the L-536 levee in multiple locations, the L-536 levee setback project (conducted under PL 84-99) restored a level of risk reduction at the site while reconnecting the Missouri River to over 1,000 acres of its floodplain. The expansion of riverward floodplain land results in the additional benefits of increased recreational opportunities; aesthetics; cultural, spiritual, and educational opportunities; and additional fish and wildlife habitat.
Building on the success of EWN to date, the EWN Strategy 2018-2023 will expand implementation by:
EWN will continue to support the USACE Civil Works’ commitment to strengthen the Nation by bringing innovative and environmentally sustainable solutions to water resources challenges while contributing to the missions of its partners.
While developed as a USACE initiative, Engineering With Nature is accomplished by the collaborative work of partners from around the world. The tenth-anniversary video below highlights the wide-ranging partners who understand the vision of Engineering With Nature, aligning human purposes and natural processes for greater benefit.
The strong relationships and collaborations built with partners around the world have fueled EWN’s progress over the past decade. Some of EWN’s partners share their greetings and congratulations on the 10th anniversary of EWN.
An ecosystem approach for planning, designing, constructing and operating projects where social, economic and environmental factors are equitably weighed in the decision-making process.
Reflecting the reality that USACE projects exist in complex physical and social/cultural systems, and that a single action influences many other parts of the system.
Focused on the long-term sustainability and resilience of project solutions and the benefits streams provided by the system over time.
Built on first understanding, then working deliberately with natural forces and processes to accomplish engineering goals.
Based on effective partner and stakeholder communication, engagement and collaboration through the entire life cycle of a project beginning at the earliest conceptual stages.
Reducing time and rework, while minimizing social friction.
Aligned with the values, objectives, interests and priorities of USACE, partners, stake holders and society at large.
Embracing new and emerging technologies and incorporating continuous learning, technology transfer and adoption of new and leading practices.
Demonstrating adaptive attitudes, structures and processes that enable a living, evolving and sustainable practice.
Engineering With Nature® is the intentional alignment of natural and engineering processes to efficiently and sustainably deliver economic, environmental, and social benefits through collaboration.