Once upon a time, three little pigs set out to build their homes. We know the tale: the big bad wolf blew down the houses of straw and sticks, but the brick house stood strong. This classic story serves as a metaphor for the importance of sustainable building practices. Just as the third pig's investment in a solid home protected him, today’s structures must be designed towithstand challenges, and there are many.
According to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), in 2024, there were 27 confirmed weather/climate disasters with losses that exceeded $1 billion. As more severe weather events and other climate related incidents are increasingly common, constructing and reconstructing buildings that can endure such challenges is more important than ever.
Sustainable building practices enhance a structure's ability to withstand these events, while at the same time offering property owners potential cost savings and other benefits.
Long-term benefits
Sustainable building practices may initially appear more expensive due to the costs associated with implementing specialized materials and technologies. According to the , green buildings typically have an initial cost that is 2–3% higher than traditional buildings. However, when considering lifecycle costs, they often end up being more cost-effective in the long run resulting in significant operational savings, reduced maintenance needs, and potential increased property value. The USGBC suggests that sustainable constructions can lead to operational cost savings of up to 20% over time.
Where do the savings come from? Sustainable buildings often have reduced energy costs, resulting in lower utility bills over time. The found that green-certified buildings save almost 25% on energy costs. Sustainable buildings often incorporate energy-efficient technologies, such as solar panels, high-performance insulation, and energy-efficient HVAC systems. If a building owner reduces energy consumption by 20% in a 100,000-square foot property, paying $2.50 per square foot, the savings would be about $50,000 in Net Operating Income (NOI).
Properties constructed with sustainable practices also tend to have a higher market value, partly because they cost less overall to operate and partly because these buildings are more resilient in weather events.
Added value
Properties constructed with sustainable practices also tend to have a higher market value, partly because they cost less overall to operate and partly because these buildings are more resilient in weather events. Increasing physical damage caused by extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and heavy rainfall has become more common globally.
Resilience in the built environment is defined as the ability to prepare for, recover from, and adapt to adverse events. This includes proactive design, healthy site development, maintenance to reduce wildfire risks, and community support during catastrophic events.
, an international standards organization, and its committee on building performance is working to create tools that help commercial real estate stakeholders address these challenges, including property resilience standards and assessment guides. In September 2024, they shared a to help stakeholders make informed decisions regarding resilience investments.
Low maintenance
Resilient materials and construction techniques tend to reduce maintenance costs due to their durability and longevity, translating into substantial savings for property owners over the building's lifecycle.
Lastly, resilient buildings are often designed to withstand environmental changes, reducing the economic impact of disasters and enhancing the long-term resilience of investments in real estate. Overall, these economic advantages underscore the importance of adopting sustainable building practices in today's market.
A commercial property built using sustainable and resilient building practices is generally considered more likely to withstand natural catastrophes due to the emphasis on durability and resilience inherent in sustainable design, which often includes features like stronger materials, better structural integrity, and consideration of environmental factors.
Build back better
When disaster strikes—whether from fire, flood, wind or earthquake—the rebuilding process presents a unique opportunity to integrate resilient materials and practices. This includes planning for future property loss by using resilient building materials that can withstand such catastrophes.
For example, rebuilding efforts after wildfires focus on fire-resistant construction materials, such as concrete and stucco exteriors, tempered glass windows, and metal or clay tile roofing. Noncombustible decks and fencing will replace traditional wooden designs to reduce fire risk.
Zoning changes are also emphasizing the creation of creating defensible spaces by maintaining buffer zones around homes and businesses to keep flammable vegetation at bay.
色多多视频’s role
色多多视频 plays a vital role in these efforts, enabling individuals and businesses to prepare for potential losses while supporting sustainable initiatives through investment strategies.
After an incident, businesses often prioritize speed over sustainability, but there's still an opportunity to choose reclaimed wood or recycled steel. Property owners may overlook Green Building coverage options in their commercial property insurance policies, which can fund more resilient materials or technologies in rebuilding efforts.
The urgency to resume operations can shift focus to readily available materials, prompting essential discussions with insurance carriers about the reparability of existing structures and locally sourced supplies. These conversations allow insureds to weigh the potential for reusing materials against repair timelines and cost implications.
As rising costs and supply shortages become more prevalent, discussions about repair methodologies are increasingly critical to address property damage quickly and cost effectively. Insurers drafting endorsements that emphasize the right to repair must balance expediency with sustainability.
While property owners may wish to expedite the rebuilding process, this can lead to added, unnecessary waste. A careful approach to repairs—evaluating salvageable materials—can mitigate waste and speed up recovery. By fostering open discussions between insurers and property owners, stakeholders can collaboratively ensure that rebuilding not only meets immediate operational needs but also supports long-term sustainability goals.
Building resilience
Attention to sustainable building practices is increasingly recognized as a vital component in enhancing resilience, particularly in the face of challenges such as more extreme weather events.
While the upfront costs associated with adopting sustainable methods may be slightly higher than traditional construction, the long-term financial benefits often outweigh these initial investments. Sustainable buildings are designed to be energy-efficient and health-promoting, translating into reduced operational costs and increased property value over time.
More importantly, integrating sustainable, resilient building practices ensures that structures and ecosystems can effectively absorb and respond to various disturbances, including natural disasters and economic shifts. By promoting sustainable development, we build environments that meet present needs without compromising future generations. This interconnectedness of sustainability and resilience enables businesses, and the communities in which they operate, to thrive, being better equipped to handle shocks and bounce back to business as usual.
About the Authors
Cheri Hanes is Head of Sustainability and Innovation, North America Construction and Mark Evans is Head of Property, Energy and Construction Claims, Americas.
