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.
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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.
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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.
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Focus on Resilient Housing
Feature Article
A broad look at the opportunities and challenges in providing resilient multifamily housing.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Washington D.C. Releases Resilient Design Guidelines
News Brief
Designers in the District are being encouraged to design for extreme heat, flooding, and power outages.
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A Resilience Toolkit for Affordable Housing
News Brief
“Ready to Respond” helps affordable housing organizations set up an emergency business continuity plan to aid leadership, staff, and residents. -
New Resilience Tool, RiskFootprint, Gets Nod from USGBC
News Brief
RiskFootprint automates resilience risk assessment, covering sea-level rise, winds, flooding, wildfires, and more.
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Post Earthquake, Microgrids Supplied Power to Empty Schools
News Analysis
Microgrids installed in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria kept power on in ten schools, but doubts about structural integrity stopped class anyway.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Bouncing Forward from Disasters
Op-Ed
Finding opportunities in the spate of recent devastating natural disasters.
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Pete’s Product Puzzle: VersaDry
Blog Post
Simple folded metal solves a common moisture problem
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How Nature Creates Green Jobs—If We Listen
Blog Post
Biomimicry experts explore resilient design from environmental, social, and economic perspectives.
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Introducing the Resilient Design Institute
Op-Ed
BuildingGreen announces the formation of the Resilient Design Institute.
Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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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.
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An Advocate’s Guide to Resilience Regulations
Spotlight Report
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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.
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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.
Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
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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.
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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.
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Bewitching Designs Snag Coveted Resilience Awards
April Fools
Self-propulsion wins the night at this year’s Rizzies, but a controversy brews.
