Understanding Resilient Cities and Homes

Resiliency has become a primary consideration in the design and construction of homes, buildings, and critical infrastructure, primarily due to the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters.

Much has been written about the numerous challenges that local officials and state or national legislators face in developing and implementing resilience strategies. These challenges are real and often difficult to overcome. However, that should not deter homeowners or property developers from taking action to create more resilient cities, one dwelling at a time.

Several strategies can be employed to build resilient homes and cities.

Key Strategies for Building Resilient Homes

Resilient cities are designed to withstand and recover from shocks and stresses, including climate change and population growth. This involves planning for future risks and ensuring the built environment can cope in the long term. Resilient homes are a crucial component of this, designed to withstand disasters and long-term shifts resulting from climate change. The goal is to minimize risks from natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, fires, and tornadoes.

Several factors influence the decision to include resilient strategies:

Financial and Regulatory Considerations

1. Siting Considerations: Proper siting can enhance a home’s ability to withstand extreme weather events and flooding.

2. Construction Techniques: Utilizing specific construction techniques can simplify and expedite the repair and rebuilding process following a severe event.

3. Above-Code, Voluntary Resilient Strategies: Incorporating “hardening” strategies, such as those that meet or exceed local building codes, can significantly improve a home’s resilience. These strategies can include features like impact-resistant windows, reinforced roofs, and elevated foundations.

4. Building Codes: Local building codes are a starting point for resilient construction and may already include provisions to help homes withstand damage from the most likely events in a given location.

5. Material Selection: Using durable, quality materials is essential. For example, in Pittsburgh, modular homes are being built with long-lasting materials. Holcim offers solutions, including low-carbon building materials and innovative design, to help build resilient cities.

Community and Government Initiatives

1. Hazard Risk: The type and likelihood of hazards in a specific location are critical.

2. Local Codes: Current local building codes provide a baseline for construction.

3. Consumer Demand: Consumer preferences for resilient features are on the rise.

4. Return on Investment (ROI): Weighing additional construction costs against potential repair or rebuild costs is essential.

5. Incentives: Incentives like lower insurance rates, favourable mortgage terms, and tax credits may be available for incorporating resilient strategies. In some markets, a hardened home may have a higher resale value.

==Building Codes and Zoning Regulations: While resilient construction is gaining attention, building codes and zoning regulations may be slow to adapt to new climate realities. That is why building to standards higher than the prevailing codes can pay significant dividends in the long run.

Key Elements of Successful Resiliency Projects

1. Collaboration: Effective collaboration among builders, municipal leaders, product manufacturers, and nonprofits is crucial for addressing housing needs.

2. Government Support: The federal government can support resilient construction through programs such as the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) initiative, which funds projects aimed at mitigating hazards and enhancing community resilience. The U.S. government can also designate “Receiving Cities” and allocate funds and tax incentives for affordable housing in anticipation of population inflows.

3. Investment in Resilient Solutions: Financial institutions need to develop funding mechanisms that support investments in resilient solutions.

4. Public-Private Partnerships: Partnering with risk managers and insurers can help builders navigate the new terrain of climate-resilient construction.

5. Long-Term Vision: Anticipating tomorrow’s risks requires rigorous planning and projection beyond the short-term interests of projects.

By implementing these strategies, cities can build resilient homes and communities that are better equipped to face the challenges of the future.

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