Each year in the U.S., more than $35 billion in direct property loss is caused by natural disasters. Yet, while states and municipalities are seeking to adopt ordinances that require “green” or “sustainable” construction, they are overlooking disaster-resistance construction.
There is now a call for making enhanced resilience of a building’s structure to natural and man-made disasters the first consideration of a green building. Increased longevity and durability, combined with improved disaster resistance, results in the need for less energy and resources.
This is not only the case for repair, removal, disposal, and replacement of building materials and contents due to disasters, but for routine maintenance and operations as well.
“Integration of durability and functional resilience into sustainability codes, standards, and programs is long overdue,” David Shepherd, director of sustainability for the Portland Cement Association (PCA) said. “Some say the most sustainable structure is the one that isn’t built. We believe the most sustainable building is the one still standing.”
Functionally resilient buildings place less demand on resources and allow communities to provide vital services, even after a natural disaster. For example, resilient construction allows businesses to continue operations, providing municipalities with a consistent tax base. Further community economic, societal, and environmental benefits occur when cities are not required to reallocated resources for emergency recovery.
A resilient building is not limited to one that is operational after a natural disaster but also one that can withstand the hardship of the passing years. The Brookings Institution projects that by 2030, the U.S. will have demolished and replaced 82 billion sf of its current building stock, or nearly one-third of existing buildings, largely because the vast majority of them weren't designed and built to last any longer. Robust, functionally resilient buildings are frequently reused and even repurposed when downtowns are renovated.
To allow local governments to adopt green building codes that address high performance as well as conventional sustainable features, the PCA and the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) have developed High Performance Building Requirements for Sustainability 2.0. The criteria are written in mandatory language that amends and appends the International Code Council International Building Code. The provisions are generic and do not specify one specific material over another.
PCA and IBHS have aligned the provisions with the concepts of both the Whole Building Design Guide and High Performance Building Council. Enacting and enforcing these provisions provides the basis for designers and owners to obtain certification as a US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for New Construction. BD+C
Related Stories
| Mar 21, 2012
ABI remains positive for fourth straight month
Highest spike in inquiries for new projects since 2007.
| Mar 21, 2012
Iowa’s Mercy Medical Center’s new Emergency Department constructed using Lean design
New Emergency Department features a "racetrack" design with a central nurses' station encircled by 19 private patient examination rooms and 2 trauma treatment rooms.
| Mar 21, 2012
Clary, Hendrickson named regional directors for HDR Architecture
New directors will be responsible for expanding and strengthening the firm throughout the central region.
| Mar 20, 2012
FMI releases 2012 first quarter construction outlook
The last time construction put in place was at this level was 2000-2001.
| Mar 20, 2012
Ceco Building Systems names Romans marketing director
Romans joins Ceco Building Systems with over 15 years in marketing and customer service.
| Mar 20, 2012
UT Arlington launches David Dillon Center for Texas Architecture
Symposium about Texas architecture planned for April.
| Mar 20, 2012
Stanford’s Knight Management Center Awarded LEED Platinum
The 360,000-sf facility underscores what is taught in many of the school’s electives such as Environmental Entrepreneurship and Environmental Science for Managers and Policy Makers, as well as in core classes covering sustainability across the functions of business.
| Mar 20, 2012
New office designs at San Diego’s Sunroad Corporate Center
Traditional office space being transformed into a modern work environment, complete with private offices, high-tech conference rooms, a break room, and an art gallery, as well as standard facilities and amenities.
| Mar 19, 2012
Obama’s positioned to out-regulate Bush in second term
Proposed ozone rule would cost $19 billion to $90 billion in 2020, according to the White House.
| Mar 19, 2012
Skanska promotes Saunders to VP/GM of Bayshore Concrete Products
During his more than 13 years with Bayshore, Saunders has provided products for Victory Bridge in New Jersey, Route 52 Causeway in Ocean City, N.J., and for numerous piers at Naval Station Norfolk and the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
