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 | Dec 13, 2015
Los Angeles launches ‘Drop 100′ campaign to reduce water use in commercial buildings
Goal is to save 100 million gallons annually.
Codes and Standards | Dec 1, 2015
More than 50 design, construction, and real estate firms urge action on climate change
Call for policymakers to move on one of the ‘greatest economic opportunities of the 21st Century’
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2015
Chicago suburb considers bird collision deterrent requirement on all new buildings
The rule would mandate that new commercial, multifamily structures comply with LEED pilot program.
Codes and Standards | Oct 16, 2015
Anchorage may raise building height restrictions that would block precious winter sunlight
Controversial measure is part of plan to spur development.
Codes and Standards | Oct 16, 2015
Appellate court enacts nationwide stay on controversial expansion of Clean Water Act
New EPA rule suspended until court cases settled.
Codes and Standards | Oct 9, 2015
New California law means commercial building benchmarking program will be implemented
Multifamily housing to be included, a first for a U.S. state.
Codes and Standards | Oct 2, 2015
New ASHRAE guideline for commissioning existing systems and assemblies
Focuses on optimum facility and system operation.
Codes and Standards | Sep 18, 2015
New RELi standard addresses disaster resilience
Based on LEED model, may help lower insurance rates
Building Materials | Aug 28, 2015
Structural steel buildings specification available for second public review
Next year's specification open for comments until Sept. 21
Energy Efficiency | Aug 28, 2015
North American Passive House Network e-book explains Passivhaus, net-zero techniques
Free guide includes spotlight on individual projects