Features of the climate adaptation plans

Features of the climate adaptation plans, these plans have now been released and include agency vulnerabilities and the steps agencies will take to

These plans have now been released and include agency vulnerabilities and the steps agencies will take to increase the resilience of their facilities and operations. The plans specifically include how agencies will ensure their facilities are climate-ready, including any planned energy and water efficiency improvements.

Climate information: Many agencies have committed to updating climate risk data and incorporating the information into property decisions. This includes integrating climate risk assessments into building siting, leasing and acquisition decisions. For example, in its climate change risk management plan, the General Services Administration (GSA) has committed to screening processes such as leasing agreements for ways to include climate risks. GSA will also add new questions to its Building Assessment Tool to provide a more complete assessment of building liabilities.
Risk assessments: Agencies will conduct risk assessments at existing sites to identify vulnerabilities and develop resilience plans based on each site’s specific risks. As a first step in promoting resilient built and natural infrastructure, the plan from the Department of Defense (DOD) emphasizes that all installations complete comprehensive assessments and develop installation resilience plans based on identified risks.
Mitigation strategies: Mitigation measures are included in many of the plans to reduce sites’ contributions to climate change. For example, the Department of Education plan includes implementing energy and water efficiency and conservation measures at their facilities, prioritizing HVAC, lighting and control system updates.
Building codes and standards: Some plans mention updating building codes and standards for agency construction and renovation projects as methods to further promote efficiency. The Department of Energy (DOE) plan involves developing a requirement that all new construction and major renovation projects meet current ASHRAE 90.1 standards and codes. The agency will also review new federally adopted building codes and energy standards to determine the feasibility of making those codes mandatory for all new DOE buildings.
Assistance and incentives: Agencies will offer financial incentives and technical assistance to support federal, state and private sites in their efforts to improve resilience. For example, the plan from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) includes an option to use reduced mortgage insurance premiums to incentivize property owners to adopt higher building standards. HUD is also working to create a series of residential resilience guidelines for developers and to build a publicly accessible tool and webinar series on the need to incorporate resilience measures and stronger building codes when rebuilding after a disaster.

The plans from both DOE and the Department of Education include references to LEED certification specifically. Not only does DOE cite LEED certification as a method for designing and constructing resilient buildings, but the department also has an existing requirement that all its new construction and major renovation projects be certified to LEED Gold standards.

The Department of Education leases all its properties, working with GSA and an environmental and social management plan to select resilient sites. Its plan notes that all new lease construction is required to be LEED-certified, ensuring that leased buildings promote health and recognizing that efficient buildings are more prepared to handle impacts from a changing climate.

USGBC welcomes these plans and supports federal agencies in addressing climate change risks, as well as mitigating carbon emissions to reduce global warming.