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 7, 2012
Firestone iPad app offers touch technology
Free app provides a preview of Firestone’s Roots to Rooftop Building Envelope Solution with an overview of all the products from ground and stormwater management solutions, to complete wall panel and commercial roofing system applications.
| Mar 7, 2012
LEO A DALY opens new office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Jay N. Kline, Regional Manager – Saudi Arabia, to lead new office.
| Mar 7, 2012
Turner appointed Batson-Cook CFO and treasurer
Cecil G. Hood to continue in advisory role.
| Mar 7, 2012
Thornton Tomasetti names Dowdall VP of Kansas City office
Dowdall will be responsible for supporting the Property Loss Consulting, Building Performance and Building Sustainability practices nationally.
| Mar 7, 2012
LEO A DALY selected to design Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial
The bronze, figurative sculpture of a firefighter rescuing a child, which is currently on display at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, is lit by natural light through a circular void in the monolith.
| Mar 7, 2012
Houlihan Lokey adds Steffen to Industrials Group
Steffen bolsters group with experience in the building materials and rorest product sectors.
| Mar 6, 2012
Country’s first Green House home for veterans completed
Residences at VA Danville to provide community-centered housing for military veterans.
| Mar 6, 2012
EwingCole completes first design-build project for the USMA
The second phase of the project, which includes the academic buildings and the lacrosse and football fields, was completed in January 2012.
| Mar 6, 2012
Gensler and Skender complete new corporate headquarters for JMC Steel in Chicago
Construction was completed by Skender in just 12 weeks.
| Mar 6, 2012
BLT Architects promotes two to associate
Architect Nicole Dress and interior designer Jessica Moser acknowledged for excellence.