Morrison Hershfield’s Post

Climate Resilient Buildings: Why should #buildingowners focus efforts on climate resilient buildings in their #commercialrealestate portfolio? Tim Rubesh attempts to answer this question in the attached whitepaper. “The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) noted in a recent report that for every $1 that the U.S. government spends on resiliency projects, such as elevating buildings in flood zones and improving water management systems, society saves $6 on the future costs of natural disasters.” #institutionalinvestors #realestatefinance #realestateinvesting

Over half of high-risk U.S. cities are inadequately prepared for climate-related flooding, despite the urgency, according to a study co-authored by our Assistant Professor Shirley Simiao Lu. 🌊 Find out why and what steps need to be taken to mitigate the risk in this article: https://lnkd.in/ebkkXPuB

And not a minute too soon! "The plan, the first of its kind for metro Atlanta, will identify areas in the region’s transportation system that are particularly vulnerable to natural hazards influenced by climate change, such as flooding, extreme temperatures, and drought, and recommend specific mitigation measures. The findings will guide strategic planning and transportation investments across the Atlanta Metropolitan Planning Organization, which covers 20 counties." https://lnkd.in/ectUvNhW

Good to see climate science being incorporated into policy and policy-related financing in my home state. No doubt we will see more and more of this. #climatechange #climateimpacts #climatepolicy #climatefinance

🌧️ As climate change intensifies, urban areas are facing escalating risks from flooding, with anticipated costs running into billions. A recent report highlighted how Los Angeles County alone could face up to $12.5 billion in climate-related costs by 2040 (Los Angeles Times). At SaferPLACES (www.saferplaces.co), we are dedicated to transforming how cities enhance their flood resilience. Our platform leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver precise flood risk assessments, incorporating advanced climate data, satellite imagery, and AI-driven analytics. By providing detailed, actionable insights, SaferPlaces empowers city planners and policymakers to implement effective mitigation strategies, ultimately reducing potential economic impacts and safeguarding communities. In the face of growing climate challenges, the capacity to anticipate and mitigate flood risks is more critical than ever. Explore how SaferPLACES can support your city in building a resilient future. 🔗 Learn more about our solutions and impact at [www.saferplaces.co](www.saferplaces.co). #ClimateResilience #FloodRiskManagement #SustainableCities #ClimateChange #UrbanPlanning #ResilienceBuilding https://lnkd.in/dQUke5bc

Check it out ➡️ U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's HUD Exchange resources: 1️⃣ New Interactive Natural Hazard Map This map combines data from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI) and the Build for the Future Funding Navigator to showcase information for 18 hazards and related funding opportunities to build community resilience. 🗺️ Map: https://lnkd.in/eXnG7zKT 2️⃣ Extreme Heat Guide and Resources This resources provides guidance to evaluate a community’s vulnerability to extreme heat events, plan for such events, and implement mitigation strategies and best practives. There are also further recommendations for extreme heat planning, including opportunities for resilience funding. 🔥 Extreme Heat Quick Guide: https://lnkd.in/eZUYaBz7 3️⃣ Build for the Future Guidance Series This guidance series includes information related to the Build for the Future page and the Funding Navigator. Check it out for information on energy efficiency, benchmarking, climate resilience, and more. 📚 Guidance Series: https://lnkd.in/ewfKWzCu 📰 Read more: https://lnkd.in/eKxEa_Xz #HUDnew #HUDupdate #HUDexchange #hazardmap #extremeheat #HUDguidance #HUDwebinars

It's often difficult for local communities to access the resources needed to accurately identify current and future climate-related risks. Fortunately, more resources are becoming available all the time, including this one from Argonne National Laboratory. Its online Climate Risk and Resilience Portal allows users to generate reports showing how climate hazards could impact vulnerable populations or infrastructure, such as retirement communities, hospitals and fire stations. #climateaction #riskmanagement #community #municipal #climatemodeling

There is of course a deep irony at work here. The Building Resilience Coalition is essentially the cement industry whose primary product - concrete - is responsible for 8 per of global carbon emissions. These carbon emissions are driving climate breakdown which in turn leads to the Building Resilience Coalition arguing for more infrastructure to be built with ... you guessed it ... concrete! It's akin to the cigarette industry arguing that people with lung cancer, caused by smoking, can reduce the stress caused by their condition by smoking cigarettes. Time to call out the hypocrisy. Time to use less concrete and instead build more with timber. Find the full argument here: https://lnkd.in/e27HFtkJ

I spend some time earlier today to read The London Climate Resilience Review which focuses on ensuring London's readiness for floods, storms, extreme heat, and drought—an imperative not only for national security but also as an opportunity to foster a more equitable society, thereby enhancing the lives and livelihoods of all Londoners. I strongly believe the government, local authorities, the community and voluntary sector across the world need to arise like never before to plan, prepare and map out strategies to develop a sustainable environment to enhance the lives of people leaving no one behind. Active participation from everyone is essential to brace the capital for the escalating frequency and severity of climate risks such as flooding, heatwaves, and drought. Unfortunately, the stark reality is that the heightened occurrence and intensity of these events, coupled with governmental inaction, have rendered our city and nation susceptible to the impacts of extreme weather.   "United we stand, divided we fall. Let's join forces to prepare for the challenges of climate change, ensuring a resilient and fair future for all. #Thetimeforclimateactionisnow. "As we face the harsh reality of climate risks, it's clear that waiting for change is not an option. Let's come together and demand action from our leaders, ensuring a secure and equitable future for every. #ClimateActionNow #sustainablecities #healthpromotion

🌧️ As challenging as this week's mass flooding across the UK has been, we're pleased to see experts start to weigh in on the benefits of adopting a climate risk informed perspective to infrastructure planning. “When it comes to planning our infrastructure, we need to do less of what we’ve always done,” says Kevin Collins, of Open University, according to this article by The Guardian. “We now need to be thinking about the systemic risks to our communities and economy and act to build resilience to these kinds of floods by accepting and adapting with the new normal of climate change.” Adopting an environmental risk perspective on infrastructure planning means taking into account aspects like not building on flood plains or protecting peatland and marshes, which are naturally designed to absorb flooding. At VIDA, our software supports infrastructure investors to understand climate and other risks for any location. This means building more resilient, more effective infrastructure, with a long term sustainability view to its surroundings. Read more on the UK floods here → https://lnkd.in/e4NXJ5tf Explore climate and other risks on VIDA → https://lnkd.in/dWa_EZbY 📷 The Guardian (@Leon Neal)