Resilient Design
Resilience is the ability of a building to respond to and bounce back from a disaster.
Resilient design involves the use of passive systems, energy production and storage, and other strategies to help ensure a building can (literally) weather the storm. It is increasingly important as our climate changes but also can help buildings respond to other risks such as earthquakes and cyberattacks.
Resilient Design
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
-
An Advocate’s Guide to Resilience Regulations
Feature Article
Resilience is finding its place in city zoning and building codes. Here are some ideas to bring to your local government.
-
When Hurricane Harvey Hit, the Texas Medical Center Stood Ready
Feature Article
At the Texas Medical Center, hard-won lessons learned from Tropical Storm Allison kept Hurricane Harvey at bay.
-
Focus on Resilient Housing
Feature Article
A broad look at the opportunities and challenges in providing resilient multifamily housing.
-
Affordable Housing and Sustainable Design: The Goals Are Aligned
Feature Article
Green building is not just for those with means.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
-
DC Power Supply Integrates AC and Renewables
Product Review
Nextek PhD provides AC-to-DC power at the building scale, integrates renewable energy, and can even save on first costs.
-
SIREWALL: The Next Generation of Earthen Walls
Product Review
Made from local earth, rebar, and polyiso, SIREWALL rammed earth walls are beautiful, durable, and are stronger than concrete with less portland cement.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
-
State-by-State Climate Summaries Can Aid Resilient Design
News Brief
A new climate readiness tool from NOAA includes all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
-
Future Climate and Professional Liability: AIA Weighs In
News Brief
Not accounting for future climate in your designs? Legal troubles may await you, says the American Institute of Architects.
-
The Future of Designing with Future Weather Data
News Analysis
Energy models that use future weather files instead of historical ones could become the norm as industry standards fall into place.
-
USGBC to Drop Its Resilience Rating System, RELi
News Analysis
With a plan to integrate resilience into future versions of LEED, USGBC is leaving RELi behind.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
-
How to Help Ukraine Now … and in the Future
Op-Ed
What can the green building and resilience communities do to help the people of Ukraine?
-
Bouncing Forward from Disasters
Op-Ed
Finding opportunities in the spate of recent devastating natural disasters.
-
Pete’s Product Puzzle: VersaDry
Blog Post
Simple folded metal solves a common moisture problem
-
How Nature Creates Green Jobs—If We Listen
Blog Post
Biomimicry experts explore resilient design from environmental, social, and economic perspectives.
Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
-
The Four Core Issues to Tackle for Resilient Design (And the Programs That Can Help)
Feature Article
As rating systems from LEED to RELi lay out key design steps for resilient design, it’s still up to project teams to bring critical perspective.
-
Resilient Design-Smarter Building for a Turbulent Future
Feature Article
Resilience is the new green. With decades of green building experience, we are ready to face climate change.
-
An Advocate’s Guide to Resilience Regulations
Spotlight Report
For decades, designers have fought for sustainability to be incorporated into building codes and standards. Is it time to do the same for resilience?
Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
-
Passive Survivability Standard Modified for Post-Pandemic Office Buildings
April Fools
The LEED Passive Survivability pilot credit just got a lot easier for office buildings in the post-pandemic era.
-
Resilient Design Is a Big Load of Crap
April Fools
Why are you taking survival advice from a bunch of pencil jockeys? It’s time to start listening to the pros.
-
Bewitching Designs Snag Coveted Resilience Awards
April Fools
Self-propulsion wins the night at this year’s Rizzies, but a controversy brews.
