Translating Knowledge to Translating Knowledge to On-the-Ground ResultsOn-the-Ground Results

Henry L. Green, Hon. AIANational Institute of Building Sciences

202-289-7800hgreen@nibs.org

Congressional BriefingBuilding Safety in the Face of Disasters

October 5, 2011

Public Law 93-383, Sect. 809

Develop and maintain performance criteria for maintenance of life, safety, health, and public welfare for the built environmentEvaluate and prequalify building technology and productsConduct related and needed investigationsAssemble, store, and disseminate technical data and related information

Congress directed the Institute to “exercise its functions and responsibilities in four general areas………..”

Mission

“. . . to serve the nation and the public interest by supporting advances in

building sciences and technology to improve the built environment.”

3

Attributes for High Performance

Institute Programs & Councils• Multihazard Mitigation Council

– Provide a focal point for the dissemination of credible information and counsel on major policy issues involving multihazard disaster resilience.

– Promote increased all-hazard (man-caused and natural) disaster resilience in homes and commercial buildings.

– Promote a whole building strategy that incorporates sustainability, security, and use of GIS and other technological tools.

– Address building systems and software applications that play a critical role in disaster resilience and sustainability.

Institute Programs & Councils• Building Seismic Safety Council

– Promote development of seismic safety provisions suitable for use throughout the U.S.;

– Recommend, encourage, and promote adoption of appropriate seismic safety provisions in voluntary standards and model codes;

– Assess progress in the implementation of such provisions by federal, state, and local regulatory and construction agencies;

– Identify opportunities improve seismic safety regulations and practices and encourage public and private organizations to effect such improvements;

The Building Seismic Safety Council (BSSC) 2012-13 Code Resource Support Committee (CRSC) focuses on the International Code Council’s next update cycle and identifying CRSC proposed changes for the International Building Code (IBC) or International Existing Building Code (IEBC)

Institute Programs & Councils

• Building Seismic Safety Council– Promote the development of training and

educational courses and materials for use by design professionals, builders, building regulatory officials, elected officials, industry representatives, other members of the building community, and the public;

– Advise government bodies on their programs of research, development, and implementation; and Periodically review and evaluate research findings, practices, and experience and make recommendations for incorporation into seismic design practices.

Overview of Codes and StandardsOverview of Codes and Standards

AdoptionAdoption

EnforcementEnforcement

Education Education & Training& Training

Overview of Codes and Standards

• Minimum requirements to protect health, safety and welfare in communities

• Generally adopted and enforced at state and local level

• Model codes developed to make use of vast array of building knowledge, efficient process and facilitate commerce

• Developed through openness and consensus engaging stakeholders and experts

Improved Model Codes and Standards

“The speed, magnitude and scope of the changes to building and fire codes, standards and practices in response to or consistent with the recommendations of the WTC investigation have been truly remarkable, Beyond changes to model codes and regulations, the industry itself has made significant advances in practice to improve the robustness and resilience of tall buildings. . .”

Dr. Shyam Sunder, Sc.D., Director, Engineering Laboratory at NIST.

From Lessons to CodesFrom Lessons to Codes

Government should endeavor to better understand the role of design and construction in infrastructure resilience. Application of this understanding will help to shape policy, R & D Funding, and incentives that can spur technological innovation as well as the robust design and construction of critical infrastructures needed for resilience.

The National Infrastructure Advisory Council, September 2009

Benefits of Codes and Standards at Benefits of Codes and Standards at the National Levelthe National Level

• MMC report for FEMA– On average, $1 spent on hazard mitigation

provides the nation about $4 in future benefits– Mitigation is most cost effective when carried

out on comprehensive, community-wide, long-term basis

• Resilient communities can better respond to hazards and remain economically and socially viable following an event

Reaching the CommunityReaching the Community

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