Three Texas cities lead YardiMatrix’s list of U.S. metro areas with the most environmental risk.
Houston, Austin, and Dallas all received low scores in the firm’s recent ESG report, in the categories of “natural disasters” and “government response.” The analysis included the February 2021 winter storms that claimed 150 lives statewide, and yielded power, food, and water shortages, affecting more than 4.5 million residents. Property damages exceeded $20 billion because of the freakish winter weather.
After the three Texas cities, Tampa and Los Angeles were next on the list of the riskiest U.S. metros. Four cities had the least environmental risk: Boston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, and Portland. The least risky cities were in states that are taking environmental risk seriously.
Concerns about financial firms’ ability to assess environmental risk has spawned a new industry of consultants that analyze environmental data examine the impact on markets and individual buildings. This field will acquire better data and metrics as it matures, the report says.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2018
AEC industry reported high levels of fraud, cyber breaches, and security incidents in 2017
83% experienced at least one fraud incident.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2018
Smart surface solutions can improve disaster resilience, health and comfort in cities
Stormwater management, water quality, and heat island effect could all be impacted.
Codes and Standards | Feb 26, 2018
Bolstering energy efficiency would produce significant health benefits, ACEEE study says
Reducing energy consumption by 15% would save six lives a day.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2018
GBCI will certify underwriting standard for energy efficiency projects
Investor Ready Energy Efficiency (IREE) certification aims to boost confidence in predicted energy and financial savings.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2018
FEMA document provides simplified seismic design provisions for low-hazard regions
Forty four states have areas defined as low-hazard.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2018
Federal budget includes disaster mitigation provisions
Bipartisan bill encourages states to adopt latest building codes.
Codes and Standards | Feb 19, 2018
Easy access to indoor environment controls yields improved efficiency and workplace productivity
JLL/Purdue University project is developing algorithms to improve indoor comfort.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2018
After Energy Star stopped certifying medical properties, a REIT developed its own certification
Welltower uses internal system to evaluate total building performance.
Codes and Standards | Feb 13, 2018
Rezoning, innovative investor enabling development of a “metroburb” in New Jersey
Indoor mixed-use “Main Street” blossoms in giant former Bell Labs building.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2018
Publication provides insight into managing risk of wind-borne debris damage
Explains how models and data are used to assess the risk of structural damage.
