The economic case for investments in resilience just got a lot stronger.
Kim Slowey shares news of a report from the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) that accounts for the benefits of investing in resilience.
According to Slowey's explanation of the study's finings, "every federal grant dollar spent on disaster resiliency and mitigation can save the U.S. an average of six dollars." Moreover, "every dollar spent on building to a higher standard than select building codes require could save the nation four dollars." Another key finding of the report touts the benefits of resilience investments to long-term jobs and demand for American-made construction materials.
The study examined standards for wind, water, earthquake, and fire resistance—covering multiple angles from which the natural environment can assault the built environment. Attention to matters of resilience is clearly reflected in new building standards. For instance, in November, the U.S. Green Building Council released a new resilient construction standard called RELi.
Read the full story: Report: Resilient design saves an average of $6 for every $1 spent
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
Nation's most wind-powered state turns to coal as data centers increase energy demand
For the first time in decades, Iowa has increased its generation of coal power.
NYC cools commuters with city's first rain garden above a bus stop
New York City officials say the plants in the rain garden can absorb 16 gallons of rainwater during heavy storms.
Brightline West’s future may rely on $6 billion federal loan
The company has until Nov. 2 to make a $400 million equity investment into its proposed high-speed rail line.
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Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association