Of all the impacts of global climate change, it’s extreme heat that kills more Americans each year than any other weather-related event.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that as many as 600 people die from extreme heat in the U.S. every year. The urban heat island effect makes cities significantly warmer than their surrounding suburbs, exurbs, and rural areas, making them potentially deadly for those who lack air conditioning.
A 2016 Columbia University study projected that by 2080 up to 3,300 New Yorkers could die annually from intense heat exacerbated by climate change. The city launched a $106-million “Cool Neighborhoods” plan last year to mitigate the risks of extreme heat.
The plan includes painting surfaces white, planting more trees, creating green roofs, and building other green infrastructure to cool down several neighborhoods. In addition, the plan includes improving emergency cooling center signage and making those facilities more inviting.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 11, 2019
U.S. hotel construction pipeline continues its year-over-year growth
In its eighth consecutive quarter of growth, projects currently under construction stand at 1,729 projects/235,278 rooms.
Codes and Standards | Nov 11, 2019
New retrofit design guide for metal roofing published
Metal Construction Association document provides best practices for re-roofing with metal.
Codes and Standards | Nov 8, 2019
New York City among the top hotel construction pipelines in the United States
Hotels presently under construction are at 102 projects/17,504 rooms.
Codes and Standards | Nov 7, 2019
Group focused on using AI for construction safety gains key members
Major contractors join partnership to share data to predict hazards, incidents.
Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2019
Undisclosed ICC agreement with NAHB alleged to thwart more stringent efficiency codes
Homebuilders’ seats on ICC made it easier to block new provisions, report alleges.
Codes and Standards | Nov 4, 2019
ASHRAE releases new version of energy efficiency standard for buildings
Standard 90.1 includes revisions of envelope, lighting, HVAC provisions.
Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2019
Resiliency of a community’s housing stock can be measured according to new benchmark
Metric can help municipalities prepare for disasters.
Codes and Standards | Oct 31, 2019
FEMA, ICC release updated guide on integrating I-Codes into floodplain management regulations
Provides advice on satisfying requirements for the National Flood Insurance Program.
Codes and Standards | Oct 30, 2019
ILFI releases new version of Living Building Challenge Framework for Affordable Housing
Document includes updated findings, case studies, new strategies for financing, designing, building affordable housing.
Codes and Standards | Oct 28, 2019
U.S. military demands landlords address health hazards in troop housing
Air Force threatens formal dispute process.