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.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 28, 2019
U.S. military demands landlords address health hazards in troop housing
Air Force threatens formal dispute process.
Codes and Standards | Oct 24, 2019
ASHRAE design contest winners demonstrate building resilience
Model building, a city hall, could operate without utility service for two weeks.
Codes and Standards | Oct 22, 2019
Efficient material design, low-carbon concrete are critical to cutting GHG emissions in construction
Enhancing building utilization and reusing materials also aid carbon reduction.
Codes and Standards | Oct 21, 2019
Historic properties not exempt from Americans With Disabilities Act
Some exceptions do apply.
Codes and Standards | Oct 18, 2019
St. Louis could save $61 million per year in energy costs by improved building performance
GHG gases can be reduced by at least 11% with upgrades to public buildings and large private buildings.
Codes and Standards | Oct 17, 2019
Slow payments cost GCs and subs $64 billion annually
Study finds 51-day average payment turnaround.
Codes and Standards | Oct 16, 2019
Cool pavement can make people hotter
Reflective coatings channel sunlight raising temperatures where pedestrians walk.
Codes and Standards | Oct 15, 2019
Utah adopts 2018 International Energy Conservation Code
Provisions include increased building envelope performance and reduced air infiltration.
Codes and Standards | Oct 14, 2019
States continue to beef up energy efficiency codes
ACEEE 50-state scorecard finds latest IECC code gaining adherents.
Codes and Standards | Oct 9, 2019
DOE releases Better Buildings Healthcare Financing Primer
Outlines financial strategies to implement energy-efficiency projects in healthcare.
