For some coastal communities damaged by flooding, retreating from the shoreline is a better option than rebuilding, argue some scientists in a new research publication.
Global warming and rising sea levels make the concept of rebuilding, even with more stringent codes, a futile effort for areas of high risk, they say. For example, the billions of dollars spent to rebuild the Jersey Shore and the creation of dunes after Superstorm Sandy in 2012 could be wasted resources if sea level rise inundates the coastline again.
The researchers suggest that a “strategic, managed retreat” is not a sign of weakness, but rather the smart option that provides an opportunity to build new communities. The researchers recommend better access to climate-hazard maps so communities can make informed choices about risk. These maps should be updated regularly, they add.
In the U.S., coastal communities are home to nearly 40% of the population.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 15, 2021
LEED-certified offices earn higher rents than non-sustainable properties
Are also more resilient to dips in real estate market.
Codes and Standards | Sep 7, 2021
Boston turns to developer fees to fund flood protection infrastructure
Assessments on commercial properties will help build seawall and other protective measures.
Codes and Standards | Sep 3, 2021
Low-cost methods can have substantial impact on reducing embodied carbon
Whole-building design, material substitution, and specification strategies can slash carbon by up to 46%.
Codes and Standards | Sep 2, 2021
Case for power resiliency in buildings grows with more disaster and outages
Essential businesses like data centers, hospitals are first adopters of new storage systems.
Codes and Standards | Aug 31, 2021
UK industry group wants mandatory whole-life carbon assessments of buildings
Aims to address hidden emissions embedded in supply chains.
Codes and Standards | Aug 31, 2021
Home electrification will require code upgrades
Residential electric panel capacity must be increased.
Codes and Standards | Aug 30, 2021
Facebook’s new $800 million Arizona data center to save big on water
Will restore more than 200 million gallons of water per year to river basins.
Codes and Standards | Aug 26, 2021
California may require solar on new high-rise residential and commercial buildings
State energy commission approves proposal; Could become law in 2023.
Codes and Standards | Aug 25, 2021
Study finds racism, discrimination common in construction industry
NIBS to share best practices with industry leaders to improve worker treatment.
Codes and Standards | Aug 24, 2021
White paper addresses insulated metal panel specifications for roofs and walls
Pertains to provisions of the National Building Code of Canada.
