grid to remain functional during a hazardous event such as extreme heat or cold , resulting in a decreased overall impact to the community .
Energy efficient measures supported by codes can also contribute to the ability to remain resilient during hazardous weather events . For example , highly efficient windows can reduce the impact of projectiles , some insulation applications can enhance building strength and stiffness , controlled ventilation strategies can reduce the infiltration of outdoor contaminants and pipe insulation can reduce the need to run water to achieve the desired temperature .
Overall , energy codes can play a critical role in improving building resiliency under extreme conditions , reducing energy consumption and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather hazards .
2 . Recovery efforts can be improved through implementing codes Extreme weather events can trigger the loss of power within an impacted community , causing them to be vulnerable to extreme temperatures and other conditions . Energy codes implemented during the design and construction of buildings and infrastructure , and maintained in the current operations , support both community and facility-level resilience .
Energy efficiency extends the supply of onsite power generation by reducing the overall energy needed to provide essential functions to buildings and infrastructure . This extended operating time can reduce the burden on emergency shelters and emergency planners to implement contingency plans .
Further , energy codes can encourage the use of energy-efficient building materials and systems , reducing the need for energy-intensive repairs and replacements in the aftermath of a disaster .
3 . Energy codes support passive sustainability in buildings Energy codes play an important role in supporting passive survivability in buildings , which refers to the ability of a building to remain habitable in the face of a hazardous event resulting in the loss of energy , water or sewage services . The need for passive survivability may arise during extreme heat or cold events when a community ’ s power grid is stressed .
Multiple provisions within energy codes contribute to conditions that support passive survivability . Enclosure
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