A new National Institute of Building Sciences study on hazard mitigation found that updated building codes produce significant benefits.
The NIBS report found that adopting the 2018 International Codes (I-Codes) generates a national benefit of $11 for every $1 invested and saves lives. The I-Codes are the most widely used and adopted set of building safety codes worldwide.
The national mitigation benefit-cost ratio associated with code adoption is $6 to $1 for floods, $10 to $1 for hurricanes, and $12 to $1 for earthquakes. The quantified benefits are the result of avoided injuries and deaths, reduced post-traumatic stress, lower property damage, fewer business interruptions, and reduced insurance premiums.
Communities that consistently meet the latest editions of the I-Codes have added 30,000 new jobs to the construction-materials industry. The NIBS report also found that adoption of the 2015 International Wildland Urban Interface Code provided a $4 to $1 mitigation benefit against wildfire risk.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 24, 2019
New York making slow progress on resiliency seven years after Hurricane Sandy
Property owners face many challenges; coastal defense project plans are complex and need more time to plan.
Codes and Standards | Jul 23, 2019
Berkeley, Calif. passes nation’s first ordinance to make new buildings all-electric
No gas hook-ups will be allowed in new houses, apartments, and commercial buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2019
San Francisco office building is city’s first structure certified by BREEAM USA for existing buildings
The Landmark @ One Market is one of San Francisco’s most architecturally distinctive buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jul 16, 2019
ASCE seeks comments on update to Calculation Methods for Structural Fire Protection standard
Pertains to fire resistance rating times.
Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2019
USGBC calls for proposals for feedback, concepts for next LEED version
The move follows successful public input on LEED 4.1.
AEC Tech | Jul 15, 2019
Lack of standards hampers development of exoskeleton industry
Guidelines, common terminology, and testing methodology are needed, says expert.
Concrete | Jul 8, 2019
Concrete repair code requirements released
American Concrete Institute offers guidance on assessment, repair, rehab of existing concrete structures.
K-12 Schools | Jul 8, 2019
Collaborative for High Performance Schools releases 2019 Core Criteria Version 3.0 Update
The update adds credits to lower carbon footprints and to promote climate change resiliency.
Wood | Jul 8, 2019
Campaign launched to promote ‘climate-smart wood’
The Forest Stewardship Council and other groups aim to help buyers understand and make it easier to locate lumber that meets sustainable forestry standards.
Urban Planning | Jul 8, 2019
U.S. cities experience ‘Doppler shift’ in walkable urban development
The walkability trend is spreading to urbanizing suburbs.