Defending Against Mother Nature: Insights from IBHS Building Research€¦ · In coming years,...
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Defending Against Mother Nature: Insights from IBHS Building Research 2015 PCS Catastrophe Conference Julie Rochman, IBHS President & CEO
Defending Against Mother Nature: Insights from IBHS Building Research€¦ · In coming years, additional types of roofing material will be tested. \爀屲We are fo對cused currently
Defending Against Mother Nature: Insights from IBHS Building Research
2015 PCS Catastrophe ConferenceJulie Rochman, IBHS President & CEO
IBHS Mission:“To conduct objective, scientific research to identify
and promote effective actions that strengthen homes, businesses, and communities against natural disasters
and other causes of loss.”
IBHS Priorities are Insurers’ Priorities
• Lower loss exceedance curve• Better understand (reducing) vulnerabilities • Accurately assess weather - built environment
interaction• Improve Cat models• New claims tools• Reduce contractor fraud
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IBHS is focused on providing value to members – by dealing with the things that keep them up at night. � 1. Lowering the loss exceedance curve (both high frequency-low severity and low frequency-high severity events … all points on the curve) �2. For underwriters, IBHS is providing a better understanding of various types of vulnerability and how to reduce those vulnerabilities. �3. On the pricing front, IBHS will make it possible to more accurately assess the interaction between weather and built environment �4. IBHS data is already feeding into and improving Cat models by helping close the gap between theoretical and real building performance �5. IBHS is providing new tools for claims teams and helping to reduce loss adjustment expenses. Sub-points: IBHS resources are pushed to policyholders and policymakers at all levels of government (insurance regulators are big fans of IBHS). IBHS materials are also being used to improve relationships with – and services of – preferred contractor networks.
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The unique, multi-hazard IBHS Research Center gives mitigation advocates an incredibly powerful tool to vividly demonstrate what does and does not make buildings stronger and safer. Only IBHS can test full-scale, one- and two-story residential and commercial structures. Only IBHS can look at buildings as the systems that they are. Only IBHS can create highly realistic windstorms, wind-driven rain, hailstorms, and wind-driven wildfire ember storms in a controlled, repeatable fashion. Even though the Research Center has been fully operational for only a couple of years, our work is already directly improving the design, construction, retrofitting, repair, and rebuilding of residential and commercial structures across the U.S. IBHS also has an ever-increasing impact on building industry practices and public policy at all levels of government – and reaches millions of consumers each year with mitigation education information through aggressive digital and traditional earned media work.
HAIL
WIND
RAIN
WILDFIRE
Protection from the Top: Focus on the Roof
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Our initial research focus is on roof systems. Why are we obsessed with roofs? Well, you have to start somewhere – can’t expect industry and consumers to swallow the concept of more resilient buildings in one bite. It is a lot to deal with. Also, the roof is a building’s first line of defense against the elements, making it one of the most vulnerable points on a home or commercial building. IF WE COULD JUST GET RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ROOFS RIGHT IN THIS COUNTRY, WE COULD SAVE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN INSURED PROPERTY LOSSES ANNUALLY. ANNUALLY – AND THAT WAS BILLION, WITH A “B”. Roof cover damage occurs in the vast majority of wind-related claims. As a result, insurers replace millions of roofs and pieces of rooftop equipment each year, and spend countless claims dollars on interior water damage. Moreover, because roof covers are replaced more frequently than any other building component, improvements in roofing products and installation requirements can produce significant cost savings in a relatively short period of time.
IBHS Roof Aging Farm
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Insurance claims data show that older buildings suffer more damage than newer ones. This phenomenon is not well understood - or well-accounted for in risk models. To learn more about how aging affects roofs, IBHS built the first “roof farm” at the IBHS Research Center in South Carolina. The 2nd roof farm is being built by American Family in Madison, WI, and the third will be in Cincinnati at American Modern. As a result, we’ll have specimen aging in two different climate zones and one right on the line between those two zones. IBHS will continue constructing small specimens with different roof covers and allow them to age naturally for 5, 10, 15 and 20 year periods. The first group of specimens includes 6 different types of asphalt shingles. Over time, both wind uplift and impact resistance of these products will be tested repeatedly. Comparisons then can be made, using each roof's performance when new as a baseline. In coming years, additional types of roofing material will be tested. We are focused currently on 6/12 roof slop, and as you can see, we are using similar colors. These first specimens have either 3-tab asphalt shingles or architectural shingles. We are also looking at traditional impact-rated shingles and polymer modified shingles. The specimens are designed with multiple test panels for each age, and the roof slopes are north- and south-facing. We monitor temperature and humidity and other weather data on a constant basis, and are enclosing (and venting) the roofs to replicate a typical attic.
Working to get product performance and installation right!
IBHS and the Roofing Industry
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Robust relationships between IBHS and several segments of the roofing industry will accelerate progress. �In 2013, IBHS had a breakthrough with respect to the posture of leaders in the roofing industry. The IBHS Research Center captured their interest in ways that echo automakers’ response to the advent of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) vehicle crash testing program in the early 1990s. Roofing industry representative now are coming to IBHS, actively interested in working with us to solve problems associated with wind, hail, wind-driven water, and fire. Sub-points: IBHS has non-disclosure agreements in place with the top five roofing companies (CertainTeed, GAF, Malarkey, Owens Corning and Tamko) – enabling frank, open exchanges of data and information related to product improvement. IBHS also is engaging on the installation side of the equation, by working with the National Roofing Contractors Association on issues from inspections to fighting fraud and storm-chasers together.
Sealing Shingles: Observations & Takeaways
• Supply chain matters
• Current test standard needs work
• High temps needed for seal
• Polymer modified shingles
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Effects of handling and storage detrimental to sealant (supply chain matters) Difficult to achieve good seal at 135˚F - 140˚F --- aven at 155˚F - 160˚F, = physical obstacles to seal Indication = that waiting a week or more to test after high temperature exposure improves seal Polymer modified shingles perform well Only 1 off-the-shelf product of 11 passed ASTM D3161 when all protocols were followed Conditioning limited to between 135 and 140 deg. F. Product subjected to supply chain handling & storage Most products passed ASTM D3161 (110 mph for 2 hrs) when conditioned at higher temperatures and poorly sealed tabs were eliminated by face nailing Some passed only 110 mph Several survived 120-130 mph A few passed 150 mph for 2 hrs When sealed well, many 3-tab products stayed on in windw > 120 mph for 2 hours Physical obstacles to proper sealing include: - Large granules embedded in the sealant - Fine particles (lubricant in production) between sealant and shingle surface Bumps and dents consistent with normal construction practices Polymer modified shingles performed well as a class of products – even after going through the usual supply chain.
Possible Real World Solutions
• Option 1: Validation of seal
• Option 2: Treat roof as a system (resilient shingles + sealed roof deck)
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Option 1: Verify robust sealing of shingles Protocol for verification needed Protocol for retrofitting to seal any shingles that remain partially or completely unsealed after installation needed More work on length of time that the indicator would remain valid (due to shingles unsealing over lifetime)� Option 2: Ensure that loss of seal does not affect roof performance or require roof replacement Shingle is not damaged if it loses seal; and, Water damage does not result from shingle lifting Polymer modified asphalt shingles with sealed roof deck
Photovoltaic Systems
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IBHS is examining the effects of wind on roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar panel arrays. This is an area of high priority, especially for commercial insurers and reinsurers. The focus of our research will be to determine whether panels are being attached properly to structures so they are able to withstand high winds. Detached solar panels and arrays can cause extensive damage to roofs, weakening a building’s protection against severe weather; they also can become flying debris, which becomes a hazard to anything in the vicinity. No general solar panel array attachment guidance is currently available to the construction industry relating to wind loads, such as that in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7 Standards for Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures. Rather than use real photovoltaic panels, mock panels were constructed out of wood to match the geometry of real panels as closely as possible. Mock panels were necessary to allow installation of instrumentation. A total of 304 pressure sensors were used in these experiments. On the right, outlined in blue, you can see how we’ve installed 3 pressure sensors (black boxes) inside the panels. These measure wind forces on each panel. Sensors also were installed to measure pressures on the roof surface under the panels, so that we can see how wind loads on the roof are affected by the presence of solar panels. The small gaps between the panels and roof surface are often difficult – sometimes impossible – to correctly model in smaller scale wind tunnel experiments.
High Wind CommercialConstruction Test
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[Cut from slide: Full-scale, strip mall-type structures | Test was designed to demonstrate that building performance can be significantly improved in several key areas with relatively modest increases in costs.] In July 2012, IBHS completed a unique, full-scale study of how commercial building resiliency is affected not only by the construction design and the material selection but also by installation practices. It’s not just “What” you build, but also “How.” The test successfully demonstrated that building performance can be significantly improved in several key areas through relatively low-cost mitigation techniques.
Result: $44,769 vs. $4,660
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The property loss estimates assembled by an experienced claims adjuster found almost 10 times more physical damage to the “common” building than to the “stronger” building. And that estimate was only for physical damage - it does not include business interruption or other losses from a longer shut down – or worse – a business failure due to significant damage and a long period of inactivity. This test clearly demonstrated that small business owners who want to stay in business and quickly recover from catastrophes should lease, buy or build stronger, safer structures. Key message from the test: use the right products and install them correctly for the best results against high winds. PROTECTION DOESN’T HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE Flashing & membrane enhancements: $850 Roll-up door w/ wind locks: $350 Wall reinforcing and concrete: $1,250 Anchorage of roof top equipment: $650 TOTAL $3,100�
Hail Prone Counties (Inland)
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Next up from IBHS will be a FORTIFIED Home – High Wind & Hail standard. We expect to premier that standard this year, and it will apply in the vast inland area of this country, away from the coasts, where winds still blow with destructive force every year.
IBHS Hail Research:Pushing the Boundaries of Building Science
Lab Field Full-scale
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Small roof / panel impact testing Field work to validate lab findings & improve forecasting / radar hail detection Full-scale hailstorm simulations] The property insurance industry has a huge interest in hail, because it is really a property damage issue, and rarely leads to injuries or fatalities. We are reviving the research interest in hail to benefit you. We are taking a multi-faceted approach to look at this hazard, combining full-scale and small component testing with field work to understand the relationship between the peril itself and the resulting damage. This program is complex and present many challenges, requiring forward and creative thinking to solve the engineering problems associated with this kind of work. From developing the right ice balls, creating a full-scale cannon system, to developing unique and custom instrumentation to measure things that have never been measured before, IBHS is taking strides to push the boundaries of building science when it comes to hail.
Hailstone Characteristics Field Project
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Loss Reduction: Accurately delineate hail swath using improved radar data Predict which hailstorms = damaging Reduce “neighboritis” and claims at fringe of swath In addition to providing guidance for our laboratory work, our field study which measures the characteristics of real hail right after the storm can provide data with actionable results to the insurance industry. Our data are being used by other researchers as validation data in developing more accurate radar hail detection algorithms, which will ultimately narrow the damage swath by more clearly defining those areas which saw damaging hail vs. those that did not. As these algorithms from the base radar data are improved, the swath data that are marketed by numerous weather firms will improve as well. By understanding which storm environments produce large, small, hard, or soft hail, we can better predict which storms or where within a storm, damage could be expected. This will especially reduce the seemingly endless neighboritis phenomenon at the edges of hail swaths.
Wildfire
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[Slide 1 of 2]
IBHS Full-Scale Wildfire Testing
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Climate change-induced droughts will certainly mean more wildfires. Already, wildland fires are becoming an increasing threat to people and property – because there is an increasing amount of people and property in the wildland-urban interface (WUI). Today, more than 1/3 of all homes in the contiguous U.S. are in the WUI. Significant wildland fire risk exists in 38 states. …and the Fire services have limited ability to defend property (in the wildland areas, they are trained to fight vegetative fires, rather than structural fires), and their budgets are being cut. Also, risk modeling related to wildfire – particularly with respect to structural ignition – still has a very long way to go to get to where it needs to be. Our wildfire research agenda derives from our own field research – and other leading researchers’ field work - looking at how mega-fires destroy residential, agricultural and other commercial structures. We know that it is the ember, rather than the wall of flame that forms the perimeter of the fire, that should be feared by property owners. IBHS partnered with the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Forest Service, and Savannah River National Laboratory to evaluate / demonstrate dangers associated with approximately two dozen potential wildfire ignition points found in typical residential construction.
IBHS has partnered with the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Forest Service, and Savannah River National Laboratory to evaluate / demonstrate dangers associated with approximately two dozen potential wildfire ignition points found in typical residential construction. Whether sparked by lightning, or man-made causes, wildland fires are becoming an increasing threat to people and property – because there is an increasing amount of people and property in the wildland-urban interface (WUI). Today, more than 1/3 of all homes in the contiguous U.S. are in the WUI. Significant wildland fire risk exists in 38 states. …and the Fire services have limited ability to defend property (in the wildland areas, they are trained to fight vegetative fires, rather than structural fires), and their budgets are being cut. Risk modeling related to wildfire – particularly with respect to structural ignition – still has a very long way to go to get to where it needs to be. Our wildfire research agenda derives from our own field research – and other leading researchers’ field work - looking at how mega-fires destroy residential, agricultural and other commercial structures. We know that it is the ember, rather than the wall of flame that forms the perimeter of the fire, that should be feared by property owners.
Finding Solutions
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Shown here are some of IBHS’ wildfire resources, to the left are 3 introductory pamphlets about preventing wildfire losses and to the right we show nine region specific retrofit guides, which are much more comprehensive and include property assessment checklists.
Codes are Minimum Standards
“Building code” = The minimum acceptable standard
used to regulate design, construction, and maintenance of buildings to protect
the health, safety and general welfare of the building’s users.
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Many people think that if a house is built to code, it must be terrific. Actually, building codes are the legal minimum standard for a home to be occupied. …and there are 13 states in this country that do not have a code – no minimum standard at all. Other states have codes, but do not enforce them. Codes address basic things RELATED TO LIFE SAFETY, including plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems. Building codes literally ensure that your house won’t spontaneously combust, or fall down around your ears.
Rating the States
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The full 2015 Rating the States report, along with the original and midterm reports and other background material, is available on IBHS’ website, DisasterSafety.org. Further information is available on our website about the importance of building codes, additional recommendations for strengthening properties in hurricane-prone areas, and a variety of other resources on disaster risk reduction and our building science research. Countless storms have proven the effectiveness of strong construction practices and building codes, which is why IBHS decided to produce a research report focusing public attention on the need for strong codes and the inconsistencies in adoption and enforcement among states. The report, which we call Rating the States, was first produced in 2012, with a mid-term update issued in 2013. The study evaluates and compares the quality of regulations and processes governing residential construction in the 18 states most vulnerable to hurricanes along the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico, from Maine to Texas. We have seen many positive results from the reports, with increasing awareness among the states and a better understanding of how they can improve their code systems. Now three years later, in sync with the model code adoption schedule, we are releasing our 2015 edition of the Rating the States report.
Methodology
ASSESSMENT CATEGORY POINTSCode adoption and enforcement 50Building official certification and training 25Contractor licensing 25TOTAL 100
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Focused on residential codes only. Looked at 47 data points to create a 100-point scale, where 100 is the best possible score; the 47 data points fall into three general areas: Code adoption and enforcement - Has the state adopted one of the most recent codes and does it prohibit “opt outs,” especially in high-risk areas. Another thing we looked at in evaluating the substance of the code was whether there had been any weakening of the wind provisions. Because these issues are central to each state’s code system, this section constituted 50 points of the total score. Building official certifications and training - Are the building code officials who enforce the code certified and subject to continuing education requirements and disciplinary procedures? These questions made up 25 points of the total score. Contractor licensing - What are the licensing and education requirements for the contractors and subcontractors who translate the requirements of the codes into the homes that people live in? These questions made up the final 25 points of the score.
2015 Scores
VA 95FL 94SC 92NJ 89CT 88RI 87
NC 84LA 82MA 79MD 78GA 69NY 56
ME 55NH 48TX 36MS 28AL 26DE 17
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These are the final scores for the states assessed in the current report. Although no state achieved a perfect rating based on IBHS’ 100-point scale, several states again received high scores, with Virginia receiving the highest and Florida the second highest. These states also were the top two in the previous report, because of their strong and comprehensive building code programs. Those two and the other states with ratings above 70 points benefitted from strong statewide residential building codes and regulatory processes for building officials, homebuilders and residential construction contractors. The states that received below 70 points either have no mandatory statewide codes or have not yet adopted the latest model residential codes, among other things.
IBHS Research → Improving Codes
• Models: 2015 ICC’s Int’l Residential Code• States: CT, FL, MD, MS• Local/County: Baldwin County, AL; Mobile
County, AL; Moore, OK; Colorado Springs, CO
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MISSISSIPPI - enacted state code; gaps in coverage and enforcement remain. Rating the States score will improve (not dazzle). State = unlikely to qualify for Safe Building Code Incentive Act. IBHS messaging = positive on progress, and urging commitment to enforcement.
How Are Structures Designed?
• Gulf and Atlantic Coasts
• Inland design standards
• “Non-engineered” structures
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Along the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts, hurricane winds govern design standards. Thunderstorm winds control climate & design standards across the rest �of the country. We don’t account for hail or tornadoes in “non-engineered” structures (e.g. residential, low-rise commercial, etc.).
a suite of systematic, inspection-based, resilience programs developed by IBHS.
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IBHS IS A STONG SUPPORTER OF MODERN, WELL-ENFORCED BUILDNG CODES, BUT AWAY FROM THE COASTS, EVEN THE NEWEST CODES DO NOT REALLY PROTECT HOMES AND COMMERCIAL STRUCTURES AGAINST HIGH WINDS. So, IBHS created a set of science-based, voluntary building standards known collectively as FORTIFIED. A FORTIFIED DESIGNATION IS AN INDIVIDUAL INDICATOR OF A PROPERTY’S RESILIENCE TO A PARTICULAR HAZARD. Fortified is increasingly be used by our industry, as well as builders at all price points. Holistic, system-based approach Third-party inspections & validation of required elements (design / construction)
Hurricane Ike - Before
USGS
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Hurricane Ike struck here in Texas in 2008. This is a photo of the Bolivar Peninsula, located north of Galveston, before the storm. Real world test of FORTIFIED…
Hurricane Ike - After
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This is the same area after the hurricane. The peninsula was ground zero for Ike in terms of highest surge levels and wind conditions, with virtually all structures located within a few hundred feet of the water along the Gulf Coast side of the peninsula completely destroyed by storm surge. The photo shows how well the 13 FORTIFIED homes survived Hurricane Ike’s eye wall – which slammed into them along with a nearly 20 ft. storm surge. Our FORITIFED homes were the only structures left standing on the Bolivar Peninsula for miles around, precisely because they were specifically designed and built to withstand extreme wind and water damage. This level of destruction is what happens when communities don’t have strong building codes or hurricane-resistant building practices. Communities in hurricane-prone areas need the minimum “life safety” benefits of strong building codes. In fact, IBHS supports going above the minimum requirements and increasing “property safety” and resilience through stronger construction standards. The homes you see here were built using IBHS’ science-based, voluntary, code-plus building standards known collectively as FORTIFIED. FORTIFIED is increasingly being recognized as the national standard for resilient construction. It is being cited by policymakers at all levels of government, used by many homeowners insurers, as well as builders at all price points. --Holistic, system-based approach --Third-party inspections & validation of required elements (design / construction) There were 13 FORTIFIED homes on the Boliver Peninsula before Ike hit, 10 of which remained standing, including the ones you see here. All of the houses surrounding the FORTIFIED homes were destroyed and swept away by storm surge. Ironically, the 3 FORTIFIED homes that were destroyed were swept away after being struck by debris from traditionally-built homes. As our cornerstone program, IBHS is continuing to expand FORTIFIED. In fact, we held a FORTIFIED training session here yesterday.
Continuous Load Path to Resist Uplift Forces
Severe Storm Protection Systems
Location and Design Wind Speed are key determining factors in deciding which standard(s) apply.
Roof and Attic Vent System
Openings, Gables and Attached Structures
Structure (CLP) and Chimney
Hurricane
FORTIFIED Critical Elements
• Documentation
• Involvement of licensed (design, construction, inspection) professionals
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For the FORTIFIED program, we define success as a truly more disaster resilient home – a home that is more likely to remain standing when storms inevitably come. There are several critical pieces to the program, which make it less simple than some would like. But these pieces are essential quality control measures. We will not compromise on the program, because a promise is being made to a family – that their home is stronger and safer FORTIFIED than it otherwise would have been. And we want to be sure that promise is kept. So, we require extensive documentation of compliance with the pieces of the standard. We want to be sure that builders and contractors actually do everything that they are supposed to do to meet the standard. That documentation includes photos, and product-related information (e.g., labels, data sheets, independent testing reports); it also requires completion of compliance forms by someone with a license on the line. That means that there has to be a licensed contractor and/or engineer, who submit letters affirming that the retrofit or new construction meets our requirements. We want to be sure that things like gable end bracing, attached structures (porches), chimneys and the continuous load path are all in order.
Narrowing the Path of Damage
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FORTIFIED is a powerful tool that can help reduce both the frequency and severity of damage from wind and wind-driven water. Just by “getting the roof right” in this country – by following IBHS FORTIFIED guidance related to roofs in high wind areas (both coastal and non-coastal) – we could all but eliminate EF-0 and Ef-1 level damage from convective storms, as well as tropical storm and Category 1 hurricane wind damage. � Repetitive losses from easily predictable, more common straight line windstorms can be substantially reduced or eliminated. As a storm’s damage path narrows, insurers are able to more efficiently allocate and apply post-event claims-related resources (reducing “loss adjustment expenses” or LAE). [NOTE: On the larger graphic on this slide, imagine that storm path through Atlanta reduced to only the small orange areas; on the graphic to the left, imagine eliminating the blue and green areas…]
Attached Structures (Carports)
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Attached structure testing is applicable to site-built homes as well. Meeting Moore, OK Tornado Requirements �is Possible! Zone III exposure D manufactured home (open water exposure wind design) = site-built home design for ~140 mph in open exposure Permanent foundations or anchorage conditions that severely limit displacement are required Foundation Requirements are Critical�- No Dry Stack Allowed -
Evaluator TrainingProvides certification for qualified building and inspection professionals to conduct evaluations to ensure FORTIFIED Home™ designations are:
consistent,accurate, and,technically rigorous.
Associate Training
• Product manufacturers• Insurance professionals• Real estate professionals
*Prerequisites: none; credential valid for two years
Provides solid understanding of FORTIFIED building principles, construction practices and verification requirements for:
• Building officials• Students
Professional Training
• Builders• Trade contractors• Building officials
Provides advanced knowledge of FORTIFIED Home™ for:
• Building inspectors• Design professionals• Engineers
*Prerequisites: FORTIFIED-Wise Associate credential or exam; credential valid for two years.
Who is using FORTIFIED?
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Federal users: FEMA (their wind retrofit guide is 99% FORTIFIED material), DHS (RSTAR pilot – to emulate ENERGY STAR), HUD (Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Strategy recommendation #31 = FORTIFIED) State users: AL (statute), GA (rating bureau), MS (statute), NC (rating bureau) D.R. Horton, largest homebuilder in the US, has committed to build several hundred homes each year in Mississippi and Alabama to IBHS FORTIFIED standards – and is doing so.� The Alabama Department of Insurance actively promotes FORTIFIED with insurance agents and consumers; they distribute IBHS’ “Is Your Roof FORTIFIED” brochure and IBHS’ High Wind and Hail Pocket Guide. � Truland Homes (an Alabama homebuilder) committed to building 100% of their modestly priced homes to IBHS FORTIFIED standards – and has begun doing so. US Department of Energy incorporated FORTIFIED standards into their Zero Energy Ready Home program. GAF, one of the top manufacturers of residential and commercial roofing products, trained in-house contractors in FORTIFIED as part of the company’s commitment to align their “Golden Pledge” roof warranty and installation inspection program with IBHS’ FORTIFIED standards for roofs. To meet demand from roofing industry representatives, IBHS created a general training program about the FORTIFIED program and standards for contractors across the country.
• Economic growth / continuity• Smarter pre- and post-disaster $$$• “Build forward”• Personal responsibility
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RESILILEINCE / ADAPTATION / MITIGATOIN IS A NON-PARTISAN, APOLITICAL ISSUE. There is not enough money in the private sector insurance mechanism to get people to do what we want them to do. Need to pull other financial and emotional levers. And these levers need to resonate with public policymakers and citizens at all points on the political spectrum. We have to successfully frame our arguments to survive from administration to administration and from Congress to Congress. Currently working with the White House, FEMA, NIST, NOAA, DHS, DOE, HUD, CEQ to identify federal incentives that can be applied to resilient construction (tax breaks, grants, loans, preferential mortgage or mortgage insurance terms from the housing agencies, etc. – expanding on incentives for energy efficiency.
IBHS Allies
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We are very proud to have established productive alliances with a wide variety of influential allies, some of which are highlighted here. These allies include federal and state government agencies, private associations and professional organizations. All of these groups interact with IBHS on a variety of issues and disseminate our information and materials to their stakeholders. This further broadens IBHS’ outreach by conveying our key messages to a wider audience, which helps raise our public profile. Most importantly, these organizations provide another outlet for people to learn how to build stronger, safer communities. Some other allies that are not shown include the National Severe Storm Center, National Hurricane Center, several universities, the American Meteorological Society, the Department of Energy (Savannah National Lab / Oak Ridge National Lab), the US Department of the Interior, the US Department of Agriculture (Forest Service), the US Fire Administration, and the National Volunteer Fire Council. …and we sit at several tables where building materials and systems performance tests and standards are set, including ASTM, ASCE… NOTE: LOGOS SHOWN = National Association of Insurance Commissioners, National Weather Service, NOAA, National Institute of Building Sciences, National Institutes for Standards and Technology (NIST), National Fire Protection Association, American Institute of Architects, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, CALFIRE, IAFC, State Departments of Insurance, International Code Council, State Departments of Emergency Management.
Drones: IBHS and the PDC
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[The Property Drone Consortium was created by EagleView (which now owns Pictometry). The Consortium is a collaboration among insurance carriers (including several IBHS members), construction industry leaders and others who have agreed to work together to promote research, development and the establishment of regulations for drone use across the insurance and construction industries. Among other things, the Property Drone Consortium is focused on: A. Obtaining regulatory approval for drone use by the insurance and construction industries IBHS does not lobby, but is making connections between the PDR and federal agencies with whom we work (by partnering with federal agencies with common interests, such as FEMA and NOAA, approval for insurance-related uses may be accelerated). IBHS is looking at conducting some unique science to provide insights into how various types of drones operate in turbulent conditions and when out of the direct line of sight of the operator. This also could help overcome current limitations that insurers would find troublesome, such as only operating within the line of sight of the operator. �B. Facilitation of property data gathering through drone usage IBHS is interested in both pre- and post-cat images that can help us gather more data about structural attributes than insurers currently capture – mainly involving roofs, but including other features, such as openings (garages). C. Use of drones to collect data for property condition and damage assessment IBHS is very interested in working with the aerial imaging providers to explore how imaging (including hyper-spectral / multi-spectral) could help us get to the heart of thorny issues such as roof age/useful remaining life; cosmetic v. functional damage from hail impact or high winds; type of roof cover (oxidized asphalt shingle v. polymer modified).
