The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has formally adopted RELi, a resilience rating system, meaning that it will soon become a global rating system under the USGBC’s guidance.
RELi is patterned on LEED, but prescribes methods for designing more resilient buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. The system was developed in 2012 by design firm Perkins+Will, the Institute for Market Transformation to Sustainability (MTS), and others.
RELi will be managed and operated by USGBC and the Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI). The system helps architects, city planners, developers, governments, and businesses design buildings, neighborhoods, and communities to better withstand events such as hurricanes, super storms, drought, heat waves, earthquakes, and social volatility.
RELi will award points for various credits across multiple credit categories, incorporating many LEED prerequisites and credits for sustainability. It will also include new criteria focused on environmental, social, and economic considerations for resilience. These can include:
- Fundamental Access to First Aid Emergency Supplies, Water, Food, and Communications
- Adaptive Design for Extreme Rain, Sea Rise, Storm Surge, and Extreme Weather, Events, and Hazards
- Developing or Expand Local Skills, Capabilities, and Long-Term Employment
- Providing for Social Equity and Edible Landscaping, Urban Agriculture, and Resilient Food Production
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 22, 2017
Affordable housing initiative drives surge in residential unit permits in New York City
New permits tripled from year-ago period.
Codes and Standards | May 22, 2017
Amid labor shortage, industry groups urge government action to boost trades
AGC says a shortage of qualified workers is limiting the economy from adding more jobs.
Codes and Standards | May 19, 2017
Spate of sinkhole incidents points to neglected infrastructure investment
Suddenly appearing caverns cause deaths, evacuations, interruption of utility services.
Codes and Standards | May 18, 2017
AIA releases updated edition of its A201 flagship documents
These core documents are updated once a decade.
Codes and Standards | May 16, 2017
Trump’s proposed corporate tax rate changes said to stifle funding for affordable housing
Banks reluctant to commit to specific deals with tax credit status uncertain.
Codes and Standards | May 15, 2017
New IoT-Ready Alliance to establish standard for IoT sensors in LED light fixtures
It aims to make installation of technology easier.
Codes and Standards | May 10, 2017
OSHA increases penalties on South Dakota contractor after fatal building collapse
Agency issues over $300,000 in fines for ‘willful’ safety violations.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2017
Potential shade on Boston Common from proposed high-rise raises public ire
The Mayor is among those who want to change 1990s anti-shadow law.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2017
Method of estimating amount of CO2 by building occupants may be inaccurate
New research suggests current estimates may be off by as much as 25%.
Codes and Standards | May 8, 2017
National Fenestration Rating Council’s new U-factor standard open for public comment
Member-approved ballot change to NFRC 100 comments to close on May 28.