Weathering the Storm: Resilience in the Built Environment By Jutta Berns, Founder and Director, Ecocentric
May 30, 2023
In a world grappling with the escalating threats of climate change and natural disasters, the need for resilient infrastructure has become increasingly crucial. Recognizing this imperative, Green Building Council South Africa has taken a significant step forward by introducing a ground-breaking Resilience category in its next iteration of the Green Star New Buildings tool. The tool is under development and poised to be released to the market later this year. By emphasizing resilience, the new Green Star tool paves the way for transformative changes in the construction and design industry, encouraging stakeholders to prioritize long-term sustainability and weather the storms of uncertainty.
Bolstering Infrastructure Against Climate Change and Enhancing Preparedness
South Africa is no stranger to extreme weather events, having experienced first-hand, and with increasing frequency, the devastating impacts of climate change: from prolonged droughts to unprecedented floods and storms, wreaking havoc on communities and infrastructure. The Resilience category in the Green Star tool presents an opportunity to rethink infrastructure development with resilience as a core principle. By integrating climate adaptation measures, such as flood-resistant designs, the use of robust materials, and energy-efficient systems, the new tool enables the construction of buildings and infrastructure that can withstand future climate challenges. This approach not only mitigates risk but also reduces the need for costly repairs and rebuilding in the aftermath of disasters, ultimately saving both resources and lives.
Future-Proofing Investments: Mitigating Risk and Ensuring Business Continuity
Investing in resilient infrastructure offers a long-term solution that maximizes return on investment. The Green Star tool’s Resilience category is poised to compel investors and developers to consider the long-term viability of their projects, taking into account the potential impacts of climate change and natural disasters. By prioritizing durability, adaptability, and sustainability, the new tool shifts the focus from short-term gains to the creation of assets that can weather both economic and environmental uncertainties. This paradigm shift benefits all stakeholders, as resilient buildings and infrastructure can withstand changing market dynamics and provide safer environments for occupants and communities.
Fostering Innovation and Collaboration
The inclusion of the Resilience category in the Green Star tool creates fertile ground for innovation and collaboration within the construction and design industry, by challenging developers, policy makers and design teams to think outside the box and explore cutting-edge solutions that enhance resilience. This category promotes interdisciplinary cooperation and the exchange of ideas, driving forward advancements in sustainable construction practices and technologies. The emphasis on resilience also opens doors for partnerships between private and public entities, encouraging shared responsibility in creating a more resilient built environment.
Enhancing Liveability and Social and Community Well-Being
Resilient infrastructure goes beyond protecting physical assets; it also contributes to the overall well-being of communities. The Resilience category emphasizes factors such as accessibility, social cohesion, and health and safety provisions. By prioritizing these aspects, the tool can support the creation of sustainable communities that are better equipped to handle the impacts of climate change. It encourages the integration of green spaces, efficient transportation systems, and community-centric design principles, which improve quality of life and support the physical and mental well-being of residents.
The GBCSA’s new Green Star tool, with its pioneering Resilience category, is set to spur the construction and design industry by prioritizing sustainability, adaptability, and long-term thinking into early design decisions. By encouraging stakeholders to invest in resilient infrastructure, the tool ensures that buildings and communities can withstand the mounting challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters. The market will witness a paradigm shift towards a more sustainable and secure future, where innovative solutions, collaboration, and long-term value creation can and must take centre stage.
