We often gear the grandmotherly advice “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
This is true in many dimensions of modern life, including taking measures to prevent or minimize damage from natural or man-made disasters.
Sophisticated models have been developed that calculate the per-dollar benefits of resiliency investments today compared to probable savings in remedial costs in the wake of future extreme weather events or other disasters.
These models confirm substantial economic savings resulting from upfront investment in disaster resiliency programs and resources, preserving millions of jobs and household incomes, reducing the number of people displaced from their homes, and maintaining production to help local economies rebound faster.
Homeowners and state and local governments often find it challenging to marshal the resources needed to design and build more resilient structures and infrastructure despite the proven benefits in cost avoidance and lives saved.
However, designing buildings and communities with climate resilience minimizes risk and damage from extreme weather events. It offers a range of additional benefits that legislators and property developers might consider.
Economic Benefits are the most prominent factors to consider. These include the likelihood of less costly damage during natural disasters and the avoidance of long-term repair, maintenance, and reconstruction expenses.
Structures built to resist extreme conditions can also qualify for lower premiums and more favourable insurance terms. This has become critically important in areas that have suffered disastrous floods or wildfires, where insurance providers have ceased to provide coverage or charge prohibitive fees.
Also, more resilient properties attract buyers and investors, potentially increasing their market value. Similarly, resilient infrastructure helps maintain operations during and after disruptive events, minimizing economic downtime and protecting livelihoods.
The Pscific Northwest experiences many climate-related disasters, including wildfires, floods, wind storms, earthquakes and extreme temperatures. Recovery costs from these events are rising each year.
Social and Community Benefits are equally important. Buildings designed for resilience offer safer environments, reduce injury and fatality risks, and ensure quicker access to essential services.
Similarly, Well-planned, resilient communities recover faster from disasters, helping maintain social cohesion and reducing the long-term social disruption resulting from significant events. When infrastructure continues to function under stress, residents experience fewer disruptions in daily life—from transportation to utilities—which supports overall well-being.
Environmental and Sustainability Benefits are equally important considerations. Climate-resilient construction often incorporates sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Green roofs, permeable pavements, and natural water management systems support ecosystem health and mitigate environmental degradation. Reflective materials, green spaces, and energy-efficient designs can reduce heat absorption in urban areas, making cities more comfortable and reducing energy needs.
There are longer-term Strategic Benefits as well. Resilient designs help communities adapt to a changing climate, reducing the need for expensive retrofits or rebuilding. As building codes and zoning regulations increasingly incorporate resilience standards, forward-thinking designs help ensure compliance and mitigate legal and financial risks.
The push for resilient infrastructure drives technological advancements and creates opportunities for new industries and skilled jobs in sustainable construction and green technology.
These multifaceted benefits highlight how resilience is not merely about surviving extreme events—it’s also a proactive investment in a sustainable, thriving, and economically robust community.
Timelines are Critical
The benefits of designing for resiliency are reduced risks, cost savings, improved quality of life, and enhanced economic stability, and have short-, medium-, and long-term horizons. For policymakers and those who must find the resources to undertake resiliency measures, understanding the relevant timelines can make planning more effective.
Here’s a breakdown of the timelines and associated benefits:
The benefits of designing and constructing resistant buildings cannot be .understated. In addition to reducing potential structural damage, thousands of lives could be saved.
Short-Term Payoffs (0–5 years)
Immediate Risk Reduction: Resilient designs (e.g., flood barriers, and fire-resistant materials) reduce the likelihood of damage from climate-related disasters. Early warning systems and preparedness measures save lives and minimize injuries during extreme events.
Cost Savings: Avoiding or minimizing disaster damage reduces emergency response and recovery costs. Insurance premiums may stabilize or decrease for properties with resilience measures in place.
Economic Stability: Businesses and communities experience fewer disruptions, maintaining productivity and economic activity. Investments in resilience create jobs in construction, engineering, and related sectors.
Improved Public Confidence: Communities feel safer and more secure, fostering trust in local governments and institutions. Property values may stabilize or increase in areas with demonstrated resilience.
Medium-Term Payoffs (5–20 years)
Enhanced Adaptive Capacity: Resilient infrastructure and ecosystems are better equipped to handle changing climate conditions, reducing the need for costly retrofits. o Communities develop a culture of preparedness, making them more adaptable to future risks.
Long-Term Cost Avoidance: Investments in resilience prevent recurring losses from disasters, saving money over time. Reduced reliance on emergency aid and disaster relief frees up public funds for other priorities.
Ecosystem Benefits: o Nature-based solutions (e.g., restored wetlands, urban green spaces) improve biodiversity, water quality, and air quality. Healthy ecosystems provide additional benefits, such as carbon sequestration and recreational opportunities.
Insurance Market Stability: Reduced claims from climate-related disasters help maintain affordable and accessible insurance options. Insurers are more likely to offer coverage in resilient areas, reducing the risk of market withdrawal.
Long-Term Payoffs (20+ years)
Sustainable Development: Resilient designs align with long-term sustainability goals, ensuring communities thrive despite climate change. Infrastructure and ecosystems are better prepared for future climate scenarios, reducing the need for costly overhauls.
Climate Change Mitigation: Resilient designs often incorporate low-carbon technologies and practices, contributing to global emissions reduction efforts. Nature-based solutions enhance carbon sinks, helping to combat climate change.
Intergenerational Equity: Investing in resilience ensures that future generations inherit a safer, more stable environment. Reduced climate risks mean fewer burdens on future economies and societies.
Global Competitiveness: Regions prioritizing resilience become leaders in climate adaptation, attracting investment and talent. Businesses in resilient areas are more likely to thrive, contributing to long-term economic growth.
Cultural and Social Resilience: Communities with strong resilience measures develop stronger social bonds and collective problem-solving capabilities. Cultural heritage and community identity are preserved in the face of climate challenges.
Summing Up
While designing for resilience requires initial investments, the long-term payoffs often far outweigh these costs. Ensuring that resilience benefits are distributed fairly across all communities, including marginalized groups, is critical. Resilience strategies should be scalable and adaptable to evolving climate risks.
By designing for resilience, the Pacific Northwest and other regions can achieve a safer, more sustainable future while reaping economic, social, and environmental benefits across all time horizons.
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The Pacific Northwest Building Resilience Coalition represents thousands of private companies committed to improving planning, development, and the construction of homes, buildings, communities, and associated infrastructure capable of surviving, recovering from, and adapting to the growing impacts of natural disasters, climate change, and an ever-evolving urban and physical environment.
In partnership with the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER), the Coalition is working on a multi-year Designing for Resilience initiative that will help create a more resilient and sustainable infrastructure by protecting the lives, property, and economic well-being of Pacific Northwest residents against potential hazards, both natural and man-made. Disaster risk reduction and the protection of insurance affordability are significant elements of this initiative.
