Specific disaster mitigation strategies that go beyond the requirements of the 2015 International Codes model building codes could save the nation billions of dollars, according to the National Institute of Building Sciences just issued Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves: 2017 Interim Report.
Investing in hazard mitigation measures to exceed select code requirements can save the nation $4 for every $1 spent, the report says. The report comes on the heels of the nation’s worst year of natural disasters in terms of cost. There were 16 events in 2017 with losses exceeding $1 billion, with total costs of about $306 billion, surpassing the record losses in 2005 by $100 billion.
Effective strategies to exceed minimum requirements of the 2015 I-Codes include:
– For flood resistance (to address riverine flooding and hurricane surge), building new homes higher than required by the 2015 International Building Code (IBC).
– For resistance to hurricane winds, building new homes to comply with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) FORTIFIED Home Hurricane standards.
– For resistance to earthquakes, building new buildings stronger and stiffer than required by the 2015 IBC.
– For fire resistance in the wildland-urban interface, building new buildings to comply with the 2015 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC).
NIBS notes that while mitigation represents an excellent investment, not everyone is willing or able to bear construction costs for more resilient buildings, even if the long-term benefits exceed the up-front costs. Programs to help finance mitigation projects should align incentives from finance, insurance, government and other stakeholders, NIBS says.
Related Stories
Resiliency | Jan 13, 2016
LEED credits on resiliency expected to influence future of building design
Post-disaster survivability is a key goal.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2016
Batteries are the next step in raising sustainability standards
Battery technology will reduce electricity costs and promote a more stable, flexible grid.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2016
Denver broadens its use of design reviews as construction booms
Support strong, but some wary of giving more say to review boards.
Codes and Standards | Dec 23, 2015
International Code Council approves updates based on NIST study of Joplin, Mo. tornado
Applies to schools and other high occupancy buildings.
Codes and Standards | Dec 21, 2015
Changing building codes to protect against mass shootings at odds with other safety measures
Fire and other emergencies require getting people out quickly, not locking down sections.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2015
Codes should be updated to reflect lessons learned from recent extreme weather events
More can be done to boost resiliency to flooding, extended power outages.
Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2015
Los Angeles launches ‘Drop 100′ campaign to reduce water use in commercial buildings
Goal is to save 100 million gallons annually.
Codes and Standards | Dec 1, 2015
More than 50 design, construction, and real estate firms urge action on climate change
Call for policymakers to move on one of the ‘greatest economic opportunities of the 21st Century’
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2015
Chicago suburb considers bird collision deterrent requirement on all new buildings
The rule would mandate that new commercial, multifamily structures comply with LEED pilot program.
Codes and Standards | Oct 16, 2015
Anchorage may raise building height restrictions that would block precious winter sunlight
Controversial measure is part of plan to spur development.