White House announces resilience initiatives

On 12 May, the White House announced several initiatives aimed to make homes and buildings across America stronger, thereby recognising the need for more resilient construction.

Announced at the Conference on Resilient Building Codes, the new federal actions include incorporating resilient building codes into the US Department of Housing and Urban Development housing programmes, updating the 2005 Multihazard Mitigation Council Mitigation Saves Study and establishing a resilient building codes resource website through the US Army Corps of Engineers.

To demonstrate the importance of resilient construction, PCA, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), and other allies will rebuild a home destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. The home will be built beyond current code requirements with concrete to withstand any future storms.

“This represents a major step in keeping the American public safe during any kind of storm or natural disaster,” said Donn Thompson, senior director of market development at the Portland Cement Association (PCA). “We look forward to working with the White House and many of our partners in providing resilient resources across the country.”

Adapted from press release by Rebecca Bowden

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/13052016/white-house-announces-resilience-initiatives-95/