Codes and standards concerning emergency backup power and other key resiliency matters should reflect lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy and other recent major storms, says Bhavesh Patel, vice president, global marketing for ASCO Power Technologies.
One standard, the NFPA 110: Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, 2013 edition says, “EPSS (emergency power supply system) equipment should be located above known previous flooding elevations where possible.” And later states, “For natural conditions, EPSS design should consider the ‘100-year storm’ flooding level predicted by the Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes (SLOSH) models for a Class A hurricane.”
“The qualifiers in the two paragraphs – ‘where possible’ and ‘should consider’ – can dilute the effect of the code if the project specifiers are not strict and careful in determining what ‘possible’ can entail,” Patel writes. “The words ‘where possible’ and ‘should consider’ are not as straightforward in conveying intent as a more emphatic ‘must,’ and leaves the door open for less sense of the need to comply.”
Patel notes that a post-Hurricane Sandy task force has recommended that New York City codes be updated to locate building equipment higher to avoid flood damage, require sewage valves to prevent backflows during flooding, and provide for easy access to backup generator hookups.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 22, 2021
Illinois’s sweeping climate bill includes statewide stretch code, building electrification measures
Aims for zero-emissions power sector by 2045.
Codes and Standards | Sep 22, 2021
Cities need to step up flood mitigation efforts to save lives
Recent storms highlight climate change dangers.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2021
Steps to improve ventilation for Covid can combat colds and flu
New look at airborne disease spread shows time viruses linger in air may have been underestimated.
Codes and Standards | Sep 15, 2021
USGBC will change leaders, conduct strategic review
Aims to ensure organization is ‘well positioned to scale its work in the post-pandemic world’.
Codes and Standards | Sep 15, 2021
LEED-certified offices earn higher rents than non-sustainable properties
Are also more resilient to dips in real estate market.
Codes and Standards | Sep 7, 2021
Boston turns to developer fees to fund flood protection infrastructure
Assessments on commercial properties will help build seawall and other protective measures.
Codes and Standards | Sep 3, 2021
Low-cost methods can have substantial impact on reducing embodied carbon
Whole-building design, material substitution, and specification strategies can slash carbon by up to 46%.
Codes and Standards | Sep 2, 2021
Case for power resiliency in buildings grows with more disaster and outages
Essential businesses like data centers, hospitals are first adopters of new storage systems.
Codes and Standards | Aug 31, 2021
UK industry group wants mandatory whole-life carbon assessments of buildings
Aims to address hidden emissions embedded in supply chains.
Codes and Standards | Aug 31, 2021
Home electrification will require code upgrades
Residential electric panel capacity must be increased.