Study Finds Big Pay Off for Resilient Buildings Investments

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.