Infrastructure
A look at building codes and standards . By Joe Sollod
Building codes and standards that support resilient infrastructure are more important than ever due to the increasing frequency and severity of disasters and other environmental hazards . Buildings should be built with regard to the surrounding natural areas . Striking this balance is a challenge , but it is possible .
Creating a resilient world will require diligent planning and innovative thinking , with building codes at the core of all strategies .
Why turn to building codes ?
Resilience in the built environment starts with strong , regularly adopted and properly implemented building codes . Effectively utilizing modern building codes throughout all phases of a building ’ s lifecycle increases the efficacy of new technologies and offers a cost-effective path toward community resilience and sustainability . Building resilience has effects that go well beyond strong foundations and walls . Code-based strategies to enhance community resilience must be coordinated across all building codes – including energy , plumbing , mechanical , electrical and fire codes . While energy codes have been primarily developed to reduce energy costs , energy use and emissions , they are also an important contributor to enhancing community resilience . 1 . Codes provide resiliency under extreme conditions Buildings that are constructed to be energy efficient through the implementation of modern energy codes maintain temperatures longer and require less energy to provide heating or cooling , resulting in less usage of a community ’ s power grid . This may allow the
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