Several articles with recommendations about what Houston can do to become more flood-resilient have emerged since Hurricane Harvey struck.
The keys, say experts, are better land use planning and more green infrastructure. Above all, the city should acknowledge that more floods are likely and plan accordingly.
Officials have encouraged development, even in low-lying areas, as an engine of economic growth. Instead, the city should consider more initiatives such as a planned buyout of two low-income apartment complexes so that the area can be repurposed as a flood basin that doubles as a park.
Harris County, which includes Houston, should limit new development in remaining wetlands and prairies to preserve water-absorbing acreage. New approaches to building design could also make a difference.
For example, a new hospital in Corpus Christi, a city which was also struck by Harvey, includes oversized roof drains, space for food and water storage for four days, emergency generators that can provide power for five days, and hurricane-resistant exterior materials. Green roofs and rain gardens, both cost-effective features, could also have a measurable impact if deployed at scale.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 29, 2019
Registration now open for LEED v4.1 for New Construction and Interior Spaces
Emphasizes human health and integrative building design.
Codes and Standards | Jan 25, 2019
AEC professionals should push for net zero projects
Educate and lead clients to more sustainable choices, says LEED fellow.
Codes and Standards | Jan 24, 2019
OSHA unaffected by federal government shutdown
Agency fully funded for first nine months of 2019.
Codes and Standards | Jan 23, 2019
Hackers can easily take control of construction cranes
Potential for serious harm is real, say researchers.
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2019
Initiative will introduce open-source software for commercial and public building retrofits
Energy analysis tool will identify energy efficiency opportunities.
Codes and Standards | Jan 18, 2019
Texas city sues developer over changes in $1 billion mixed-use project
Revised plan eliminated 8-acre lagoon, trolley, show fountain, and reduced retail space.
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2019
First resilience benchmarks for U.S. communities released
Provides way to evaluate current state of resilience and guidance for areas of improvement.
Codes and Standards | Jan 16, 2019
California mass timber building competition kicks off January 15
Competition will award $500,000 in grants to teams who design innovative buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jan 15, 2019
Hazard mitigation provisions in codes save lives and protect property
New NIBS study finds that adopting 2018 Intl. Codes generate $11 benefit for every $1 invested.
Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2019
Ontario building first to achieve zero-carbon designation by Canada GBC
Geothermal heating, living wall among notable features.
