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Preparing to Thrive: Resilience Building Coalition 5-year progress report 2020
Table of Contents | 2
Table of
Contents
03 PROGRESS TOWARD A RESLILIENT FUTURE
05 INDUSTRY STATEMENT ON RESILIENCE
08 FRAMEWORK FOR PROACTIVE RESILIENCE
22 FUTURE ENDEAVORS
Progress toward a resilient future | 3
00 Sciences in 2014 led a coalition of 21 and international scales. In 2018, the
Progress toward building industry organizations to define
the goals and objectives for achieving
Fourth National Climate Assessment
for the first time included a chapter on
a resilient future
resilience. Since then, the Resilience the built environment. It highlights the
Building Coalition (RBC) has grown to reality that while damages from extreme
53 organizations representing over 1.8 weather events demonstrate existing
We can never know when the next disaster will strike, only million members committed to working infrastructure vulnerabilities, it is still too
that it will. Between 2014 and 2019, the United States together to manage the stresses and uncommon a practice to incorporate
withstand the shocks (see sidebar) climate projections into infrastructure
experienced 77 weather and climate-related disasters before, during, and after disasters. design, investment, and appraisal
where the overall damage reached or exceeded $1 billion, criteria, or model building codes. Also
The work of the Coalition is guided in 2018, Congress passed the Disaster
with total costs of over $550 billion, nearly 4,000 lives by the Building Industry Statement Recovery Reform Act (DRRA). The
lost,[1, 2] and hundreds of thousands of individuals and on Resilience, a framework for action DRRA includes multidimensional
and a guide to concrete steps built provisions like a Hazard Mitigation Grant
families left devastated.
environment organizations and their Program for resilience. It also directs
Between January and September of disparities among racial, ethnic, and members can take to prepare for, the Federal Emergency Management
2020 alone, there were 16 weather socioeconomic divisions. Experience respond to, and mitigate the effects Agency (FEMA) to develop cohesive,
and climate-related disasters in the tells us and research has clearly of disasters. The statement has been federal guidance for building experts
billion-dollar-plus category, tying shown that vulnerable populations the impetus for hundreds of resilience to conduct post-disaster evaluation
the records set in 2011 and 2017, are more likely to suffer more serious education workshops, resources, of structures to assess safety and
with unprecedented damage in their consequences in the aftermath of a and conferences; new resilience habitability.
wake.[3] And these grim figures do disaster, from property damage to and adaptation certificate programs;
not even account for other natural homelessness to physical and financial formation of disaster-response alliances; Building on this success, November
and human-caused hazards like strains.[4] and advocacy efforts that have passed 2019 saw another major milestone
earthquakes and chemical spills, or the state and federal legislation to require when FEMA released the Post-
impacts of civil unrest and violent crime. Yet there is hope, and it comes from hazard mitigation, management, and disaster Building Safety Evaluation
Meanwhile, each new event—as we’ve many quarters. In the built environment, recovery strategies. Guidance report. The report identifies
so clearly witnessed from hurricanes the American Institute of Architects gaps in building safety protocols,
to COVID-19—lays bare the stark and the National Institute of Building Such efforts help to drive and offers best practices for post-disaster
complement change at local, national,
Progress toward a resilient future | 4
building assessments, and makes commercial buildings. And members’ change, respond to COVID-19, and SHOCKS
recommendations for response program policy teams developed resources such advance equity. While they cannot solve & STRESSES
planning before and after disasters. as the Climate Change Adaptation and these issues alone, design, construction, Resilience works to build fortitude in
Likewise, the Natural Hazard Mitigation Climate Resilience Policy Message regulation, and operations professionals the face of shocks and stresses, two
Saves: 2019 Report, funded by Toolkit to empower Coalition partners are deeply connected to the solution components that can have damaging
multiple federal agencies and several and others to advocate for inclusion of through the very nature of their work— effects on communities.
RBC members, represents the most adaptation and resilience measures in creating a built environment that allows
Shocks are sudden events that impact
exhaustive cost-benefit analysis of the COVID-19 relief and stimulus bill. communities to be prepared today to the vulnerability of a system and its
natural hazard mitigation to date. Indeed, COVID-19 has shown that thrive into the future. components. These are generally acute
massive unexpected shocks can and will events such as:
These documents, and others, open occur, and are exacerbated by chronic
the doors to real conversations among stresses like a lack of affordable and • Acts of terrorism
• Civil unrest, violence
government officials, professionals, and safe housing, aging infrastructure, food
• Earthquakes
the people they serve, at a time when insecurity, and systemic racism and • Epidemics
public attitudes are shifting toward action inequity. This has enormous implications • Flooding
for a resilient future. New research not just for infrastructure, but the • Hurricanes
shows that Americans across the people and systems within them. Water • Infrastructure failure
• Wildfires
political spectrum support construction resources, air quality, human health,
requirements and restrictions in agricultural yields, natural ecosystem Stresses are long-term, chronic issues
vulnerable areas, including those that are services, regional heritage, energy, and that reduce the capacity for resilience in
fire- and flood-prone.[5] the economy are all at risk.[6] the face of shocks such as:
Yet despite this encouraging progress, The good news is that we know hazard • Aging infrastructure
• Aging population
the fast pace of change has forced us mitigation efforts work. They can save
• Food scarcity
to not only take stock of what we’re up to $16 billion a year[7], prevent the • Global warming
already doing, but to bolster efforts loss of life, and curtail the suffering • Increasing pollution
and, in some cases, change focus. For of millions of people. The Building • Lack of affordable and safe housing
example, the COVID-19 public health Industry Statement on Resilience is • Sea level rise
• Unemployment
crisis has prompted the creation of a a platform whose importance grows
safe re-occupancy assessment tool every year, with signatories taking real
for offices, schools, businesses, and and meaningful steps to stymie climate
Industry statement on reslilience | 5
01
Industry statement
on resilience • We research materials, design coordinate recovery efforts, and
techniques, construction procedures, help communities rebuild better and
Representing over 1.8 million professionals, America’s and other methods to improve the stronger than before.
standard of practice.
design and construction industry is one of the largest • We plan for the future, proactively
sectors of this nation’s economy, generating over $1 trillion • We educate our profession through envisioning and pursuing a more
continuous learning. Through sustainable built environment.
in GDP. We are responsible for the design, construction,
coordinated and continuous learning,
and operation of the buildings, homes, transportation design, construction and operations The promotion of resilience will
professionals can provide their clients improve the economic competitiveness
systems, landscapes, and public spaces that enrich our
with proven best practices and utilize of the United States. Disasters are
lives and sustain America’s global leadership. the latest systems and materials to expensive to respond to, but much
create more resilient communities. of the destruction can be prevented
We recognize that natural and manmade Drawing upon the work of the National with cost-effective mitigation features
hazards pose an increasing threat to the Research Council, we define resilience • We advocate at all levels of and advanced planning. Our practices
safety of the public and the vitality of our as the ability to prepare and plan government for effective land use must continue to change, and we
nation. Aging infrastructure and disasters for, absorb, recover from, and more policies, modern building codes, commit ourselves to the creation of new
result in unacceptable losses of life and successfully adapt to adverse events. and smarter investment in the practices in order to break the cycle of
property, straining our nation’s ability to construction and maintenance of our destruction and rebuilding. Together, our
respond in a timely and efficient manner. As the leaders of this industry, we are nation’s buildings and infrastructure. organizations are committed to build a
committed to significantly improving more resilient future.
We further recognize that contemporary the resilience of our nation’s buildings, • We respond alongside professional
planning, building materials, and design, infrastructure, public spaces, and emergency managers when disasters
construction and operational techniques communities. do occur. Industry experts routinely
can make our communities more work in partnership with government
resilient to these threats. officials to survey damage,
Industry statement on reslilience | 6
Building Owners and Managers American Institute of Building Design National Fire Protection Association
CULTIVATORS Association
BuildStrong Coalition National Insulation Association
Led the effort to establish and International Code Council
Congress for New Urbanism National Ready Mixed Concrete
implement the Statement with their
International Facility Management Association
industry peers Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute
Association
Construction Specifications Institute Polyisocyanurate Insulation
The American Institute of Architects International Interior Design Association Manufacturers Association
EcoDistricts
Lean Construction Institute Portland Cement Association
National Institute of Building Sciences Energy Management Association
National Association of Home Builders U.S. Resiliency Council
EPDM Roofing Association
FOUNDERS National Society of Professional
Engineers Federal Alliance for Safe Homes
United to define the goals and objectives
of a resilient built environment Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Flood Mitigation Industry Association
U.S. Green Building Council Green Building Initiative
American Council of Engineering
Urban Land Institute Illuminating Engineering Society
Companies
Institute for Sustainable Development
American Planning Association
AMPLIFIERS Insurance Institute for Business & Home
American Society of Civil Engineers
Joined the founding signatories in Safety
American Society of Interior Designers
committing to the advancement of International Association of Lighting
American Society of Landscape Statement goals Designers
Architects
International Association of Plumbing
American Society of Heating, AABC Commissioning Group and Mechanical Officials
Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning The Air Barrier Association of America International Institute of Building
Engineers
Alliance for National & Community Enclosure Consultants
American Society of Plumbing Resilience NACE International
Engineers
American Concrete Institute National Association of Mutual
Associated Builders and Contractors
American Society of Adaptation Insurance Companies
Associated General Contractors of Professionals National Concrete Masonry Association
America
American Wood Council
Industry statement on reslilience | 7
ACH I E V E M E N T S
A N D M I L ES TO N ES
awareness and application of new
issues or resources, compared to 64% of 2020
one-third in 2016 who believed the
Since its inception in 2014, the Building statement had created a strategic focus
on resilience within the organizations.
respondents
Industry Statement on Resilience
has focused attention and spurred
action on resilience across signatory
64% of 2020 respondents said the
statement had provided support and
said the
statement
organizations. In November 2016, the validation for taking action on resilience
Resilience Building Coalition released initiatives, compared to 40% in 2016.
a progress report at a White House The statement was also credited by
Conference on Resilient Building
Codes. Along with chronicling the
more than one-third of respondents
with helping to create a new strategic
had provided
work of Coalition members, the report
featured results of a periodic survey of
partnership with another signatory,
up from one-fifth in 2016. But while support and
the numbers tell a compelling story,
validation for
signatories on their accomplishments
and experiences since signing on to the on-the-ground work of Coalition
the statement. Responses to the RBC’s members demonstrates how those
most recent survey, conducted in 2019-
2020, highlight a sustained and often
numbers are translated into tangible
accomplishments in the five core
taking action
accelerated commitment: Half of the
survey respondents reported a significant
categories laid out by the Building
Industry Statement on Resilience. on resilience
initiatives,
increase in the issue of resilience as
an organizational priority since joining,
compared to 27 percent in 2016.
Survey respondents also cited the
compared to
continued role of the statement in
changing their organization’s objectives 40% in 2016.
and policies. For instance, 59 percent
of respondents said it had led to
Framework for proactive resilience | 8
02
Framework for
proactive resilience
As leaders of the built environment industry, signatories
committed to significantly improve the resilience of the
nation’s buildings, infrastructure, public spaces, and
communities. Five actionable commitment areas are
identified in the statement:
RESEARCH codes, and smarter investment in the
materials, design techniques, construction construction and maintenance of our
procedures, and other methods to nation’s buildings and infrastructure.
improve the standard of practice.
RESPOND
E D U C AT E alongside professional emergency
the profession through continuous managers when disasters do occur.
learning. Through coordinated Industry experts routinely work in
and continuous learning, design, partnership with government officials
construction, and operations to survey damage, coordinate recovery
professionals can provide their clients efforts, and help communities rebuild
with proven best practices and utilize the better and stronger than before.
latest systems and materials to create
more resilient communities. PLAN
for the future, proactively envisioning
A D V O C AT E and pursuing a more sustainable
at all levels of government for effective built environment.
land use policies, modern building
A B O V E : IBHS research has recently focused on topics such as improving the performance
of asphalt shingles against hail, wildfire home protection and defensible space, and the wind
resistance of garage doors. Source: Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety
Framework for proactive resilience | 9
• National Ready Mixed Concrete Urban Resilience, Life Cycle Costs project. The project has led to the
Association and Portland of Hazard Resistant Buildings, development of the Fire Risk Analysis
Cement Association and Break Even Mitigation MATRIX, a web-based application
NRMCA members, through its Percentage Dashboard. used for quantifying fire risk in
Research and Education Foundation existing buildings.
and with the Portland Cement NRMCA also joined a coalition
Association, have supported launched by the National Association • The American Institute
R ES E A RCH
groundbreaking exploration of of State Fire Marshals Fire Research of Architects
concrete science, application, and and Education Foundation to AIA’s Upjohn Research Grant
• National Institute of Building
economics working through the study how fire and life safety are program dedicated $100,000 to four
Sciences – The American
MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub. impacted in structures equipped projects, led by both architecture
Institute of Architects – Insurance
Key findings, tools, and metrics with multiple layers of fire-protection firms and academia, that address
Institute for Business and Home
are published in City Texture and features through the FAIL-SAFE specific resilience and climate change
Safety – International Code
Council – National Fire Protection
Association
NIBS, AIA, IBHS, ICC, and NFPA
supported an update and expansion
of the Natural Hazard Mitigation
Saves Study conducted by NIBS.
The study examined the economic
benefits of multiple mitigation
strategies across five hazards.
Among the study’s findings was that
just adopting the latest building code
requirements could save on average
$11 for every $1 invested in mitigating
riverine floods, hurricane winds, and
earthquakes.
A B O V E : The Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves: 2019 Report represents the most exhaustive benefit-cost analysis of natural hazard mitigation,
from adopting up-to-date building codes and exceeding codes to addressing the retrofit of existing buildings and utility and transportation
infrastructure. Source: National Institute of Building Sciences
Framework for proactive resilience | 10
issues. These include developing Mold and Dampness in Buildings to enter the enclosed areas of a • International Code Council
and using carbon-reducing materials, provides help in understanding some of structure to reduce the loads imposed ICC, with code development
creating a framework and how-to the complex interactions and decisions on a structure during a flood, which and research organizations from
guide for resettlement from the that can cause indoor dampness, may greatly reduce the likelihood Canada, Australia and New
effects of sea-level rise and climate which can lead to severe health risks of structural damage. The project Zealand, established the Global
change, enhancing adaptive building and cost billions of dollars in repairs. aims to provide a model for the Resiliency Dialogue to research
envelope design, and updating a free wet floodproofing efforts needed at strategies for incorporating climate
embodied carbon calculator. • EPDM Roofing Association hundreds of U.S. ports. risk and resilience in codes
ERA recognizes that the roof of a and standards.
• American Society building is a first line of defense, and • Insurance Institute for Business
of Interior Designers thus plays a critical role in resilience. & Home Safety ICC has contributed to research
ASID published the ASID Resiliency As such, the roofing industry is IBHS research has recently focused by the Department of Energy’s
Report, the first of a multi-phase focusing on two key aspects of creating on topics including improving the national labs on energy efficiency
study investigating interior design a resilient roof: durable components, performance of asphalt shingles benefits and how energy efficiency
resilience. The report examined and a robust design. ERA has against hail, wildfire home protection contributes to resilience.
the experiences of interior design conducted research and issued reports and defensible space, and the wind
professionals during the COVID-19 on roof temperatures and reflective resistance of garage doors. • National Association
pandemic, and expected changes in roofing, hail performance, and of Home Builders
the design of the built environment, performance of various types of roofs. • Illuminating Engineering Society NAHB worked with researchers at
including a greater emphasis on IES established a Resilience Texas A&M University to determine
health and wellness considerations in • Flood Mitigation Committee to research and develop how building codes impacted
interior spaces. Industry Association best practices for lighting that must the amount of damage homes
The FMIA worked with the US Army absorb, recover from, and more sustained during Hurricanes
• ASHRAE Corps of Engineers (USACE) on a successfully adapt to hazards Harvey and Irma in 2017 in parts
ASHRAE (American Society of pilot project for the wet floodproofing such as storms and earthquakes. of Texas and Florida. The study
Heating, Refrigerating and Air- of port buildings as part of the The Committee’s scope includes found that homes built later and to
Conditioning Engineers) currently has Southcentral Coastal Louisiana identifying suitable materials, more stringent codes, such as the
more than $6.8 million invested in Flood Risk Reduction Study. As design techniques, and construction International Residential Code or
resiliency through 49 active research opposed to dry floodproofing, which procedures for improving the standard similar, performed much better than
projects. For example, ASHRAE’s prevents the entry of flood waters, of practice for lighting in anticipation of older homes.
Position Document on Limiting Indoor wet floodproofing allows flood waters adverse events.Table of Contents | 11
• National Fire increased transparency and the Firebreak introduced strategies to
Protection Association promotion of more informed financial enhance wildfire resilience through
NFPA’s Fire Protection Research decision-making. building design, planning and land
Foundation has worked with use strategy, drawing from the
researchers to produce findings on • Urban Land Institute expertise and insight of wildfire
community wildfire risk reduction ULI’s Urban Resilience program experts and the ULI membership.
as well as models for the design produces reports on climate risk
and practice of safer evacuation and resilience which draw from
systems. In particular, the NFPA’s the expertise and insight of the
WUI-NITY report highlights the need ULI membership. Over the past 5
for a simulation framework that can years, the program has addressed
more accurately assess contributing topics including extreme heat, green
factors in wildfire evacuation and infrastructure, wildfire resilience
their interactions by integrating fire, and more. Scorched, for example,
pedestrian, and traffic domains. presents case studies on short-
In March 2020, NFPA convened and long-term solutions in the
the first-of-its-kind Wildland/Urban built environment to extreme heat,
A B O V E : Firebreak: Wildfire Resilience
Interface Fire Resilience Workshop. which now causes more deaths in Strategies for Real Estate, which explores
U.S. cities than any other weather- how the real estate industry is responding to
• Royal Institution of related event. Climate Risk and increasing wildfire risks with building design,
land use policy, and community resilience
Chartered Surveyors Real Estate, shows that investors
solutions. Source: Urban Land Institute
RICS became the first professional are increasingly considering climate
body dedicated to the built risk and resilience solutions at
environment to sign on as an official the regional level. Among other
supporter of the Task Force on recommendations, the report
Climate-related Financial Disclosures advocates developing strategies to
(TCFD). TCFD’s recommendations measure market-level climate risk
enable financial markets to address and resilience considering physical
the impact of climate change through risk, resilient infrastructure, and
public policy. The research reportFramework for proactive resilience | 12
medium-size design firms develop conducting training on its Living
their own capacity to withstand Guide to the Principles of Climate • ASHRAE
disruptions. Change Adaptation across many ASHRAE has over the past several
sectors, including the building sector. years developed nearly 100 courses
• American Institute of These trainings teach practitioners and webinars that can help improve
Building Design and applied researchers how to resilience of the built environment.
AIBD’s conference on resilience identify field-spanning best practices In the past year, ASHRAE
E D U CAT I O N
planning in design and construction for quality climate change adaptation delivered a total of 385 courses
featured real-world education and climate resilience. to over 13,000 attendees. These
• The Alliance for National &
components including tours of a courses, such as “How Smart,
Community Resilience
precast concrete modular building ASAP hosts the Climate Adaptation Efficient, Sustainable Systems
ANCR’s executive director edited
system manufacturing plant and an Learning Exchange peer learning Lead to Improved Resilience,”
Optimizing Community Infrastructure:
award-winning 6,000 square foot group, which highlights innovative are accessible globally and can
Resilience in the Face of Shocks
home built using insulated concrete case studies and practices on be tailored to specific audiences,
and Stresses. The book, aimed at
forms. AIBD also partnered on adaptation and resilience in the built organizations, and companies.
both emerging and experienced
member education initiatives with environment via bi-monthly webinars.
professionals, is focused on building
multiple organizations, including • American Society of
understanding of the intersections
fellow signatories the Insurance • American Society Landscape Architects
across community systems and how
Institute for Business & Home Safety of Civil Engineers ASLA convened an interdisciplinary
their interactions and a holistic vision
(IBHS) and the National Ready Mixed ASCE released a manual of practice group to research a bottom-up
support resilience.
Concrete Association (NRMCA). for civil engineers, Climate-Resilient approach to climate change resilience
Infrastructure: Adaptive Design and through landscape planning and
• The American
• American Society of Risk Management. This manual site design. The group developed
Institute of Architects
Adaptation Professionals provides guidance and solutions for professional practice guidance and
AIA developed a nine-course
ASAP completed a pilot project civil engineers to help them design associated case studies, as well
Resilience & Adaptation Certificate
to educate firms—particularly infrastructure that is more resilient, as Smart Policies for a Changing
series for architects and design
architecture, engineering, and develop methods for infrastructure Climate. These retrofit guidance
professionals to holistically address
planning firms—on using best- analysis, and meet societal needs as materials are intended to help
growing hazard and climate risk.
available climate data and information changing risk profiles require a new communities recover more quickly
Additionally, AIA developed business
in their client services. ASAP is design philosophy. from adverse events including
continuity guidance to help small- and
drought, extreme heat, fire, flooding,Framework for proactive resilience | 13
landslides, and biodiversity loss. They • Building Owners and
stress that related policies should Managers Association
be incentive-based, promote holistic BOMA International produces
planning, address environmental education and training each year
justice and racial and social equity covering a range of resilience topics.
issues, adopt broad goals, engage Industry experts present the programs
community, and be regularly via online webcasts or at the annual
evaluated. BOMA International Conference &
Expo, and webcasts are archived in
• Associated Builders BOMA’s learning portal.
and Contractors
ABC has emphasized
apprenticeships as a key part of its
commitment to developing a safe,
skilled and productive workforce
that meets the current and future
needs of the construction industry,
which, by some estimates, may
experience a loss of 80 percent of
its existing workforce by 2034. In
2018, ABC signed the Pledge to
America’s Workers at the White
House, promising to educate and
develop at least 500,000 construction
workers by 2023. In 2019, ABC
members invested $1.5 billion to
provide craft, leadership, and safety
education to more than 1.1 million
A B O V E : Building Safety Month is an
A B O V E : ASLA developed professional practice guidance and associated case studies course attendees.
international campaign celebrated in May
for tackling shocks and stresses. This example, the Gary Comer Youth Center Roof Garden, to raise awareness about building safety.
provides healthy food access while reducing the impact of extreme heat events. Source: ASLA Source: International Code CouncilFramework for proactive resilience | 14
• Federal Alliance for Safe Homes community through an interactive, • Insurance Institute for Business and the International Wildland
FLASH developed No Code. No color-coded map based on verified and Home Safety Urban Interface Code contribute
Confidence at Inspect2Protect.org national data. Phase II of the program IBHS conducts a series of webinars to resilience.
to increase community resilience was completed with funding from and Disaster Dynamics Academies
through greater transparency on the FEMA and the Systems Engineering for its members to improve their • National Association
status of building code adoption. The and Standards Division of the understanding of resilience. Topics of Home Builders
initiative features a digital look-up Department of Homeland Security’s have included suburban wildfire NAHB developed a series of two-
tool allowing users to identify current Technology Directorate. adaptation, hurricanes, and page guidelines for homeowners to
residential building codes in their commercial hazards. illustrate retrofitting techniques to
improve protection against natural
• International Code Council hazards. Each guide highlights the
ICC regularly provides building code- hazards addressed, considerations to
related education and training to discuss with a builder or remodeler,
code officials, designers, and other and the benefits and incremental
building industry practitioners. The costs of implementing the practice.
organization also supports Building In many cases, these practices
Safety Month, an international effort are cost-effective, especially when
to improve public understanding of incorporated as part of routine
the importance of building safety maintenance or a planned home
and the role of building safety improvement project.
professionals in their lives.
NAHB provided resources to
ICC has highlighted resilience- members to support community
focused messages in external outreach efforts on emergency
publications, including The Hill and preparedness and response,
Domestic Preparedness, and in including scripts for community public
a series of white papers on how service announcements on rebuilding
codes such as the International and choosing qualified contractors.
Building Code, International
Energy Conservation Code,
A B O V E : Solution for Vented Attics to prevent ice dams is just one retrofit detail in
guidelines for homeowners. Source: Home Innovation Research Labs, a subsidiary of NAHBTable of Contents | 15
• National Association of Mutual better utilize concrete for resilient senior staff with leading practitioners
Insurance Companies applications. These programs include and academics engaged in climate
NAMIC is conducting a series of its Build with Strength campaign resilience issues.
events through the BuildStrong featuring resilience-related courses
Coalition to educate stakeholders on such as Pathway To Resilience,The • Urban Land Institute
the Federal Emergency Management Balanced Design Approach to Fire ULI launched “Developing Urban
Agency (FEMA)’s Building Resilient Safety, and Concrete Innovations. Resilience,” a platform for ULI
Infrastructure and Communities Many of these programs are members to learn about real
(BRIC) program. The program also offered through professional estate development projects
supports states, local communities, organizations such as the American showcasing best practices in
tribes, and territories as they Concrete Institute, AIA, Structural resilient design. Featured projects
undertake hazard mitigation projects, Engineers Association of California, and policies address climate
reducing the risks they face from and USGBC. shocks and stresses at the site
disasters and natural hazards. scale, proactively considering
• U.S. Green Building Council environmental vulnerabilities such as
• National Fire USGBC offers a number of resilience sea level rise, storms, heat, drought,
Protection Association education opportunities, including and earthquakes. ULI has also
NFPA’s Fire & Life Safety Policy continuing education courses on increasingly incorporated resilience
Institute has developed a number the RELi Rating System (resilient education into national conferences,
of reports and white papers on fire buildings), PEER (resilient power including its Resilience Summit on
resilience and safety, including infrastructure), and SITES (resilient climate risk and resilience for real
community wildfire preparedness, land development) rating systems, as estate and land use leaders.
minimizing fire risk on building sites, well as on the unique needs of cities,
and fire and life safety codes. local communities, and schools.
USGBC also sponsors resilience-
• National Ready Mixed focused sessions at the Greenbuild
Concrete Association Conference Resilience Summit, and
NRMCA delivers numerous education is a co-host of the Resilient Cities
programs for members, specifiers, Summit, which brings together
and decision-makers to help them elected local government officials andFramework for proactive resilience | 16
• The American Institute of • The American Institute of
Architects – International Code Architects – International
Council – National Association of Code Council
Home Builders AIA and ICC advocated for best
AIA, ICC, and NAHB worked practices for building safety
with FEMA, the National Institute assessments, including adding
of Standards and Technology architects, engineers, and building
A DVO CACY
(NIST), and other stakeholders officials to the National Incident
on a Functional Recovery Management System (NIMS)
• The Alliance for National &
Report mandated by the 2018 resource types, as part of the DRRA. Post-disaster Building
Community Resilience – The
reauthorization of the National The two organizations helped draft Safety Evaluation
American Institute of Architects
– American Society of Civil
Earthquake Hazards Reduction the new NIMS definitions, recognizing Guidance
Program (NEHRP). The legislation building design professionals as a Report on the Current State of Practice, including Recommendations
Engineers – ASHRAE – EPDM Related to Structural and Nonstructural Safety and Habitability
required FEMA and NIST to resource to assist with post-disaster
Roofing Association – International FEMA P-2055 / November 2019
convene experts representing building evaluation in states and
Code Council – National
federal agencies, nongovernmental territories under federal disaster
Association of Mutual Insurance
organizations, and relevant declarations. AIA and ICC also
Companies A B O V E : Resilience Building Coalition
industry and professional groups assisted in producing FEMA members contributed to this report under the
ANCR, AIA, ASCE, ASHRAE,
“to assess and recommend options P-2055: Post-disaster Building Disaster Risk Reduction Act requirement for
ERA, ICC, and NAMIC supported the federal government to work with architects
for improving the built environment Safety Evaluation Guidance, under
development, passage and and engineers to develop best practices
and critical infrastructure to reflect the DRRA requirement for the for building safety assessments focused on
implementation of the Disaster
performance goals stated in terms of federal government to work with structural integrity and post-disaster livability.
Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) in Source: FEMA
post-earthquake re-occupancy and architects and engineers to develop
2018. Within its 56 provisions, the
functional recovery time.” The final best practices for building-safety
law “acknowledge[s] the shared
report, “Recommended Options for assessments focused on structural
responsibility for disaster response
Improving the Functional Recovery integrity and post-disaster livability.
and recovery, aim[s] to reduce the
of the Built Environment,” was
complexity of [the Federal Emergency
published in September 2020.
Management Agency (FEMA)], and
build[s] the nation’s capacity for the next
catastrophic event.”Framework for proactive resilience | 17
• American Society of Resilience Policy Message Toolkit to ASHRAE’s Epidemic Task committee’s recently published report.
Interior Designers empower members to advocate for Force has conducted significant
ASID includes resilience as one inclusion of adaptation and resilience government outreach to promote • International Code Council
of its core public policy positions, measures in COVID-19 relief and healthy buildings and provide ICC has supported the incorporation
emphasizing its support for “policies stimulus bills. the most up-to-date expertise to of minimum design criteria in all
that promote pre-disaster mitigation, minimize indoor environmental risks, federally funded infrastructure
resilience, adaptability, and historic • American Society of including a briefing for the House programs, federal codes and
preservation in the built and Landscape Architects of Representatives Energy and standards guidance updates, energy
rebuilt environment.” ASLA targets legislation that Commerce Committee. ASHRAE’s and water efficiency policy, and
encourages resilient and sustainable COVID-19 guidelines have also been housing affordability measures.
• The Alliance for National & building as well as more mitigation cited by the Centers for Disease
Community Resilience using green or natural infrastructure. Control and Prevention (CDC) and • National Association of
ANCR testified before the House Multiple ASLA-supported bills have the Environmental Protection Agency Home Builders
of Representatives Committee on become law, including legislation on (EPA). ASHRAE plans to build upon NAHB advocated for various resilience
Science, Space and Technology parks, transportation, and water and this outreach with more information policies and programs, the National
on the importance of the National stormwater management. on how indoor air quality—a key Flood Insurance Program, and
Windstorm Impact Reduction component of building resiliency— climate change response through
Program—a cooperative program • ASHRAE can influence productivity, learning, Congressional testimony, agency
between federal agencies, other ASHRAE co-authored with and health outcomes. meetings, grassroots activities, and
levels of government, academia, Chartered Institution of Building comment letters.
and the private sector—focused on Services Engineers (CIBSE) a • Insurance Institute for Business
better understanding windstorms position document on resiliency in and Home Safety • National Fire
and developing cost-effective the built environment that provides IBHS helped to advance the inclusion Protection Association
mitigation measures to reduce loss context, supporting documentation, of requirements for sealed roof NFPA is working to advance safety
of life and property. and analysis on resiliency for decks—which can reduce water entry by focusing on the top causes of fire,
policymakers. The statement by as much as 95 percent—in the addressing emerging issues, and
• American Society of also makes recommendations for International Residential Code and the meeting the needs of underserved
Adaptation Professionals increasing resiliency, including cross- Florida Building Code. IBHS testified areas. Some key advocacy efforts
ASAP’s Policy Practice Group disciplinary collaboration, research, before the House of Representatives include the Fire Sprinkler Initiative,
collaborated to create a Climate and education. Special Committee on the Climate Firewise (Wildfire) Program,
Change Adaptation and Climate Crisis and provided input to the Alternative Fuel Vehicle SafetyFramework for proactive resilience | 18
Training Program, and Energy • National Society of
Storage Systems Safety Training Professional Engineers
Program. NFPA also addresses fire NSPE advocated for state and federal
protection through media and public legislation encouraging the use of
outreach, strategic partnerships, and sustainable and resilient design and
educational efforts. construction. Its Committee on Policy
and Advocacy developed a position
• National Ready Mixed statement speaking both to the role
Concrete Association played by professional engineers
NRMCA helped reintroduce the in sustainability, and to their ethical
Disaster Savings and Resilient responsibility to use resilience
Construction Act, bipartisan federal and sustainability best practices in
legislation that established a tax credit their work.
for resilient construction to incentivize
higher standards of building or • U.S. Green Building Council
rebuilding after a disaster. USGBC has supported federal
proposals including the continuation
NRMCA and its affiliate in Mississippi of the EPA WaterSense program, the
authored, advocated for, and helped Congressional Climate Crisis Action
pass into law Senate Bill 2709. The Plan, and the 2020 infrastructure bill.
bill was the first of its kind in the USGBC also supports resilience at
U.S. to allow an insurance rebate the state and local levels, including
for compliance to the IBHS Fortified providing relevant potential policy
program for commercial construction. options, such as how states can
The legislation followed a successful support schools with post-disaster
expansion of Mississippi’s residential recovery plans, and how cities can
construction program. NRMCA also address resilience shortcomings.
supported passage of Mississippi
A B O V E : NRMCA advocated for, and helped pass into law, a bill allowing an insurance rebate House Bill 887, which extends the
for compliance to the IBHS Fortified program for commercial construction. Comprehensive Hurricane Damage
Image credit: NRMCA Build With Strength Mitigation Program.Framework for proactive resilience | 19
and states in the aftermath of occupancy assessment tool, and ASHRAE is continually updating
disasters. Architects have responded building type-specific guidance. its materials and sharing these
to hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, resources worldwide, including
earthquakes, and wildfires across • American Society of through a webinar targeted at
the country including recent events Adaptation Professionals emerging economies. All of this work
in Texas, Louisiana, California, ASAP created two new staff- has been provided free of charge to
Iowa, Alaska, and Tennessee. supported, member-led groups, one help communities fight the spread of
D I SAS T E R R ES P O N S E
Lessons learned have informed focused on what climate resilience this pandemic.
building design guidance and policy professionals can learn from
• The American
initiatives. pandemic recovery, and another • Building Owners and
Institute of Architects
focused on supporting members Managers Association
AIA’s Disaster Assistance Program
AIA responded in 2020 to who lost their jobs due to economic BOMA coordinates closely with
provides training in post-disaster
COVID-19 with its Reopening impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. affected local associations during
building safety assessments to
America: Strategies for Safer each major hurricane by participating
architects, engineers and building
Buildings Initiative, which included • ASHRAE on Federal Emergency Management
officials so they can provide
a risk management process, a re- ASHRAE established an Epidemic Agency (FEMA) conference calls
volunteer services to municipalities
Task Force in March of 2020, related to critical infrastructure,
released leading-edge statements sharing daily Department of
in April about the possibility of Homeland Security (DHS) situation
COVID-19 spreading via airborne reports, promoting the FEMA online
routes, and provided thousands of “dashboard” resource when activated,
pages of free online guidance for and coordinating emergency requests
building systems to minimize the risk for building space. In addition to
of viral transmission through HVAC hurricane response, BOMA has also
systems. ASHRAE participated in worked closely with DHS to promote
numerous webinars in partnership the Crisis Event Response and
with external organizations, and the Recovery Access (CERRA) program
Task Force has answered hundreds among local associations and
of questions submitted by facility worked with them to advocate for the
managers and other stakeholders. program in their areas.
A B O V E : Architects perform building safety assessments after Hurricane Harvey.
Source: The American Institute of ArchitectsFramework for proactive resilience | 20
BOMA responded in 2020 to the can leverage to mitigate downstream risk. communities get up and running of case studies from around the
Source: Building Owners and Managers.
COVID-19 public health crisis by as quickly as possible after a world—focusing on such issues as
Association International
producing nine new education major disaster. The DRA maintains “using data to inform remote working
programs and seven guides • Federal Alliance for Safe Homes a national database of trained strategy and culture” and “leveraging
addressing the pandemic’s impact FLASH’s Strong Homes Initiative architects, engineers, inspectors, technology to keep essential workers
on commercial real estate and the provides resources and training and building officials willing to assist safe in the U.S.”—to share best
industry’s response and recovery necessary to incorporate best with post-disaster activities, including practices, innovative solutions, and
strategies, including re-entry practices and beyond-code rapid safety assessments, detailed lessons learned for built environment
procedures for commercial and construction methods into post- safety assessments, inspections, and response to COVID-19.
industrial properties. disaster rebuilding and repair projects other code-related functions in the
for low-income survivors. The homes aftermath of a disaster. The DRA’s
are built and repaired using FEMA national database is available to local
guidance and the Insurance Institute and state jurisdictions as well as
for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) federal government agencies for pre-
FORTIFIED construction standards, and post-disaster assistance.
BOMA INTERNATIONAL
COVID-19 COMMERCIAL providing society’s most vulnerable
• National Fire
REAL ESTATE IMPACT STUDY populations with stronger, safer
homes. The projects also advance Protection Association
resilience practices by validating NFPA’s Firewise USA recognition
resilience upgrade costs, providing program has approximately 1,700
opportunities to investigate roof participating communities across the
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: FALL 2020 shingle performance, delivering country. During significant wildfires,
Insights from a nationwide survey of 3,010
innovative training for approximately NFPA monitors the fires’ proximity to
office space decision-makers & influencers
two dozen nonprofit rebuilding these sites, and provides messaging
organizations, and showcasing best and information around evacuation
practices for local officials. and recovery.
• International Code Council • Royal Institution of
A B O V E : The findings of the COVID-19
Commercial Real Estate Impact Study provide ICC co-created the Disaster Chartered Surveyors
a clear picture as to the pandemic’s broader Response Alliance (DRA) to help RICS collected and shared a series
transformational effects on the office sector
and what measures owners and operatorsFramework for proactive resilience | 21
in the design and construction system, a holistic, resilience- on opportunities for improved
of buildings and lifeline systems based rating system that includes environmental performance,
to support a community’s social a robust integrative process, acute economic development, and quality
stability, economic vitality, and hazard preparation, adaptation, and of life. ULI’s Resilient Land Use
environmental sustainability. mitigation of chronic risks at the Cohort is another project providing
building and neighborhood scale. technical assistance on land use and
• Green Building Initiative USGBC conducts training workshops resilience to a network of cities over
PL A N N I N G
GBI released ANSI-GBI 01-2019 on RELi, aiming to encourage a two-year period.
Green Globes Assessment Protocol innovative design criteria with the
• The Alliance for National &
for Commercial Buildings as an latest in integrative design processes
Community Resilience
ANSI Standard, which includes for next-generation neighborhoods,
ANCR has been engaging
language on resilience, lifecycle cost buildings, homes, and infrastructure.
communities to pilot its first two
analysis, moisture-control analysis, USGBC recently outlined an
Community Resilience Benchmarks
and health and effectiveness. GBI expanded suite of tools and
(CRBs), in buildings and housing. The
is also developing a new ANSI resources to guide building industry
CRB system will help communities
Standard, Green Globes Assessment professionals in planning, designing,
assess resilience and undertake Waterfront Resilience
Protocol for Existing Buildings. The and operating resilient and reliable Miami, Florida
practical actions to become more
standard will feature language on buildings and infrastructure.
resilient. Pilot communities will
resilience (including multi-hazard
receive support to further their A ULI Advisory Services Panel Report
risk assessment), renewable • Urban Land Institute
resilience initiatives while assisting
and alternative energy, water ULI provides technical assistance June 2–7, 2019
ANCR in advancing the CRB system
conservation, and cycle renovations. for cities to increase resilience. Its
as a whole.
It will also address economic Resilience Advisory Services panels
Advisory Services
and social resilience, including bring together ULI member experts
• American Society of
social benchmarks, cleaning and in the real estate and development
Civil Engineers
disinfection, and health and wellness. fields with community stakeholders
ASCE published Resilience-Based
for two- to five-day workshops.
Performance: Next Generation
• U.S. Green Building Council These workshops propose resilient
Guidelines for Buildings and
USGBC harmonized its recently land use solutions to decrease A B O V E : ULI provides technical assistance
Lifeline Standards which focuses
revised LEED Resilient Design community vulnerability to climate- for cities to increase resilience.
on the enhancements needed Source: Urban Land Institute
pilot credits with the RELi rating related risks, and to capitalizeFuture endeavors | 22
03
Future Endeavors
The imperative to move toward more resilient buildings
and communities continues to grow, providing the impetus
and opportunity for signatories to work both individually
and collaboratively as the Resilience Building Coalition.
In our two-year report, signatories work, particularly at the federal level.
reported plans to focus on topics The complex and systemic challenges
including code development, high our built and natural environment
performing buildings, climate data- face demand the kind of wide-ranging
informed design standards, existing and multidisciplinary collaboration
building retrofits and regulations, embodied by the Resilience Building
financial incentives for resilience, Coalition. Working together, we can
To learn more about the Resilience Building Coalition, the
and business continuity in the built fulfill professional obligations to public
Building Industry Statement on Resilience, and the vital
environment. At the five-year mark, health, safety, and welfare, and find
role the design and construction industry plays in building
signatories have reported plans creative, integrated, and ever-evolving
safer communities, visit aia.org/resilience-building-
to expand upon those priorities to solutions to address a multitude of
coalition.
include social equity and justice, ongoing stresses and potential shocks.
the long-term impacts of COVID-19, Our collective efforts in research,
Contact:
affordable housing and its connection education, advocacy, disaster response,
Rachel Minnery, FAIA, Senior Director,
to community resilience, system-wide and planning will amplify our ability to
Resilience, Adaptation and Disaster Assistance,
resilience against wildfires, using natural improve resiliency at the local, state,
The American Institute of Architects
systems to better mitigate and adapt to national, and global levels, and help
rachelminnery@aia.org
climate change, and greater advocacy communities be prepared to thrive.You can also read
