The U.S. military has neglected to plan for climate change-related risks at hundreds of overseas facilities, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office.
The report also found that many facilities are not consistently tracking costs resulting from extreme weather. DoD has identified climate change and its effects as threats to facilities, but has been slow to implement solutions, the study found.
Designers and engineers do not have the information needed to ensure that risks are addressed in installation plans and project designs, according to the report. Further, planners need better information to develop accurate budget estimates for infrastructure sustainment.
Among the climate-related impacts cited in the study were extreme tides that had flooded a missile testing range in the Pacific in 2008, and damage to piers and buildings from recent storms. In addition, extreme heat days in the Middle East, have forced suspension of all non-essential physical training and exercises.
Related Stories
| Jun 28, 2012
Factory worker deaths in Italy raise questions on building codes after earthquakes
Italian officials are questioning seismic building standards and inspection procedures in the aftermath of two damaging earthquakes.
| Jun 21, 2012
Brazilian engineering/construction firm Odebrecht sues Florida over ban on companies doing business in Cuba
Odebrecht Construction Inc., a Brazilian engineering and construction company, is suing the State of Florida over a new law that bans governments from hiring companies with business ties to Cuba.
| Jun 21, 2012
String of shattered glass balcony panels prompts call for code reform in Ontario
Since last summer, glass balconies have shattered at 13 different buildings in Toronto.
| Jun 21, 2012
California adds window film to building code
California is the first state to add window film into its building code. Window film, a polymer material, offers cost-effective energy savings.
| Jun 21, 2012
New ISO standard to improve environmental management of concrete
A new ISO standard will help the construction industry better manage the environmental impacts of concrete.
| Jun 21, 2012
On net-zero projects, Building Teams will be held accountable for energy-efficiency performance
The building team will be held accountable for how net-zero energy buildings perform two, five, and maybe ten years after completion.
| Jun 14, 2012
USGBC co-founder launches rating system for building product manufacturers
U.S. Green Building Council co-founder David Gottfried’s new venture, Regenerative Ventures, has established a rating system for building product manufacturers.
| Jun 14, 2012
Green standard set for single-ply roofing membrane
A sustainability standard has been established for single-ply roofing membranes used on commercial buildings.
