Climate change is rapidly reshaping our world, bringing more and more natural disasters, whether it’s the wildfires in California or hurricanes on the Gulf Coast, we must adapt the built environment to tackle these challenges. Contractors are positioned to create safer, more resilient structures through the use of innovative materials, smarter planning, and tighter building standards.
So what are some of the lessons we’ve learned?
1. A Greater Need for Fire-Resistant Materials, Defense, and Planning in Wildfire-Prone Areas
The wildfires that have swept through California in recent years have been devastating, highlighting the need for change.
Traditional materials like wood siding and asphalt shingles are highly flammable. Fire-resistant materials such as adobe, cob, and fiber cement siding can significantly reduce fire risks. According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), homes built with non-combustible materials are up to 40% more likely to survive wildfire. Furthermore, Marialyce Pedersen, an advocate for natural building techniques, says: "These methods offer a chance to construct homes that are not only more resilient but also healthier for occupants."
The space surrounding buildings must be prioritized during the construction process, so we have the best possible defense ready for this type of natural disaster. An example of this is strategically using fire-resistant plants to slow the spread of fires. Architect Greg Chasen notes, "Incorporating defensible spaces and double-glazed windows can significantly enhance a building's resistance to wildfires."
Those in charge (local authorities and government organizations) need to ensure their building codes include fire-resistant materials and designs. For example, the town of Paradise, CA, after the 2018 Camp Fire, implemented tighter building guidelines, resulting in more resilient structures. As of 2023, over 2,500 new homes have been built with these improved standards.
2. Adapting to Flooding and Rising Sea Levels
Flooding is now the most common and costly natural disaster in the U.S., affecting both coastal and inland communities. So what can construction do?
In cities like Miami and New Orleans, new building codes require raised foundations and floodproof materials. For example, Miami's "resilient infrastructure" initiative includes elevated roadways and water-absorbent pavement to reduce the risk of urban flooding. Similarly, New York City is investing in storm surge barriers and wetlands restoration to fight against rising sea levels.
Shimmick is part of a joint venture undertaking a $114.4 million contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to improve the Folsom Main, Left Wing, and Right-Wing Dams. This project focuses on flood risk management and structural enhancements, exampling Shimmick's commitment to adapting infrastructure to better withstand flooding and rising sea levels.
3. Hurricane-Resistant Building
With hurricanes becoming more frequent and deadly, construction methods must prepare for extreme wind and storm surges.
The Florida Building Code now states that new structures must use impact-resistant windows and reinforced roofs. According to FEMA, homes built to modern hurricane codes can withstand winds up to 150 mph. As well as this, the use of concrete blocks, steel-reinforced walls, and aerodynamic designs reduces storm damage. The use of "safe rooms" – small, reinforced areas designed to withstand extreme weather – is also on the rise.
PCL Construction uses its own technology JSI™ which monitors the humidity and moisture levels to ensure concrete foundations can withstand extreme weather events such as hurricanes.
4. Sustainable Construction as a Solution
Beyond building with more resilience, advocating for sustainable construction plays a large role in mitigating climate change.
According to Carbon Trust, the construction industry accounts for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. Switching to materials like cross-laminated timber (CLT), recycled concrete, and green steel can significantly reduce the carbon footprint. LEED-certified buildings use 25% less energy and 11% less water than conventional buildings, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. Then we can look at smart cities, utilizing solar panels, battery storage, and energy-efficient HVAC systems, to achieve sustainability goals.
How can the Construction Industry Help?
Contractors, developers, and decision makers must work to implement smarter building practices and invest in research to tackle climate-related challenges. Embracing fire-resistant materials, flood-adaptive designs, hurricane-proof structures, and sustainable building methods, best set up our communities for survival in a changing climate.
The Construction Specifier reports that Skanska USA, Clark Construction, DPR Construction, and Ryan Companies are founding members of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Task Force on Decarbonization and Carbon Reporting. This nationwide committee aims to standardize decarbonization reporting and reduce carbon emissions in construction. The group is developing an industry guidebook on decarbonization best practices. As part of AGC’s climate change initiative, the committee works to influence policies and reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry. Contractors in this group set a strong example of how the industry can contribute to climate solutions.
The efforts of industry leaders like Skanska USA (skanska.com), Clark Construction (clarkconstruction.com), DPR Construction (dpr.com), Ryan Companies (ryancompanies.com), Shimmick (shimmick.com), and PCL Construction (pcl.com) demonstrate the construction sector’s commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable future.
This year we’ve been reminded of the severity of climate change with the California wildfires. Several charities have been hugely involved in providing relief and support to those affected by the wildfires. If able, here are some recommendations if you wish to donate:
1. California Fire Foundation: cafirefoundation.org
2. California Community Foundation's Wildfire Recovery Fund calfund.org
3. Direct Relief: directrelief.org
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