Resilient construction techniques pay for themselves over lifetime of buildings

Using resilient construction techniques in regions prone to extreme weather events is worth the expense, according to a new study from researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The study, “A BreakEven Hazard Mitigation Metric,” says initial investment in mitigation is the key to a sound structure. An initial hazard mitigation investment of $340,000 on a $10 million building would pay for itself over the lifetime of the structure by mitigating storm damage, the study says.

“Too much emphasis is placed on minimizing initial building costs and not enough attention is paid to the high costs of rebuilding after a storm,” said Jeremy Gregory, executive director of the Concrete Sustainability Hub at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology at a roundtable event in Florida. “We need elected officials to take a more long-term and sustainable view by supporting resilient building efforts.”

State lawmakers, officials, and members of the building and code communities discussed the issue at the recently held roundtable in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. The storm caused an estimated $606 million in damages.

Learn how MG2’s Sustainable Materials Evaluation System helps clients, prospects, and staff choose the most environmentally feasible materials for their building projects. Candon Murphy, LEED GA, Assoc. IIDA, Design Lab Manager and Materials & Sustainability Specialist with MG2, speaks with BD+C Executive Editor Rob Cassidy.

Esports Arenas | May 11, 2022

Design firm Populous partners with esports company on digital art NFT collection

Design firm Populous and multidiscipline esports organization Kansas City Pioneers have partnered on a five-part NFT collection.

Market Data | May 10, 2022

Hybrid work could result in 20% less demand for office space

Global office demand could drop by between 10% and 20% as companies continue to develop policies around hybrid work arrangements, a Barclays analyst recently stated on CNBC.

Standards | May 9, 2022

New GSA standards set carbon limits on building materials for all major projects

New General Services Administration standards place limitations on high carbon-emitting building materials for all major projects under the GSA umbrella.

Higher Education | May 5, 2022

To keep pace with demand, higher ed will have to add 45,000 beds by year-end

The higher education residential sector will have to add 45,000 beds by the end of 2022 to keep pace with demand, according to a report by Humphreys & Partners Architects.

Legislation | May 4, 2022

Washington is first state to mandate all-electric heat for new large buildings

Washington recently became the first state to require all electric heat for new buildings.

Planning for hospital campus access that works for people

This course defines the elements of hospital campus access that are essential to promoting the efficient, stress-free movement of patients, staff, family, and visitors. Campus access elements include signage and wayfinding, parking facilities, transportation demand management, shuttle buses, curb access, valet parking management, roadways, and pedestrian walkways.

Codes and Standards | May 3, 2022

American Institute of Steel Construction updates environmental product declarations

The American Institute of Steel Construction has released updated environmental product declarations (EPDs) “to help designers and building owners design more environmentally friendly buildings and bridges,” according to an AISC news release.

Codes and Standards | May 2, 2022

Developer Hines, engineer MKA develop free embodied carbon reduction guide

Real estate management and investment firm Hines has released the Hines Embodied Carbon Reduction Guide. The free guide, produced with Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA), is the result of a two-year effort, relying on MKA’s industry-leading knowledge of carbon accounting and involvement in programs such as the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3) Tool.