Building Energy Codes: A Vital Shield Against Climate-Induced Extreme Weather
As the impacts of climate change intensify, the significance of building resilience against extreme weather events becomes increasingly evident. In a recent article, the focus turns to the crucial role of building energy codes in safeguarding lives during power outages caused by extreme heat or cold.
Originating from lessons learned after the 1978 Miyagi earthquake in Japan, building codes have evolved globally to address the risks posed by natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, and floods. However, a new perspective is emerging, emphasizing the role of energy codes in combating the challenges brought on by climate change.
Extreme weather events, including record-breaking heat in 2023, pose a substantial threat, not only in terms of temperature but also in their potential to disrupt power supply. The article underscores the concept of 'passive survivability,' indicating a building's ability to sustain habitable conditions without power. Here, energy codes play a pivotal role by mandating features like insulated windows, wall or roof insulation, and built-in shading to keep buildings cool.
A compelling example from Atlanta, Georgia, showcases the impact of adhering to the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code. Buildings constructed to this standard demonstrated the ability to maintain habitable conditions for 2.3 days during a cold event, compared to 1.4 days for those not built to code. Overall, the study revealed that buildings meeting code requirements remained liveable for extended periods during extreme weather conditions.
Several regions have already embraced building codes as a strategy for enhancing resilience and addressing climate change. Brussels, in 2011, enacted the Passive House Law, requiring passive cooling in all buildings constructed from 2015. British Columbia and the United Kingdom have also integrated guidelines into their building energy codes to tackle overheating and improve air quality.
While acknowledging the challenges of overhauling building codes, especially in diverse climates like those in the United States, the article stresses the cost-effectiveness of constructing buildings to code compared to retrofitting or dealing with the consequences of extreme heat. The author, along with colleagues and the International Energy Agency, aims to chart pathways toward globally accessible building efficiency and resilience, particularly in low- and middle-income countries facing the impacts of extreme heat.
In conclusion, building energy codes emerge not only as a tool for reducing energy emissions but also as a crucial component in enhancing safety and resilience against the challenges posed by climate change.
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