As climate changes increase the occurrence and severity of natural disasters, the construction industry has had to adjust. Better materials, more secure construction methods, and coastal-specific designs all play an important role in creating resilient communities. This guide reviews a few ways in which construction techniques are evolving as a result.
More Energy Efficient Designs
The construction industry as a whole has been shifting toward more green-friendly practices in an attempt to pursue more climate resilience. 3D printing helps minimize project waste while creating sturdier, better-built buildings. The use of carbon and recycled materials helps minimize the environmental footprint while still creating structures that are safe in inclement weather.
Certain environmental designs can also help Georgia cities respond to environmental risks. For example, exterior paint that reflects sun rays or bricks made out of algae can help minimize the impacts of power loss following hazardous weather.
Sustainability as a goal will also become a priority in many coastal cities. The ability to complete construction projects using fewer materials and resources will help the country adapt better and minimize costs following severe threats. Sustainability in the form of better-prepared homes and businesses will also be necessary. Whether it’s building a sustainable garden to produce food following climate change, adding green-friendly products to city buildings, or designing lifted homes to account for greater flood activity, more energy-efficient designs are a requirement.
Ever-Changing Regulations
City, state, and federal regulations are constantly evolving to help minimize the impact of coastal events. Limits on the number of tourists in an area are just one way that cities are helping to prepare for emergencies. Requiring higher-rise properties in low-sea-level areas to practice flood-prevention techniques helps minimize flood impact. Many state-specific regulations help account for the individual threats to different geographical areas.
For example, Georgia has specific rules and regulations to help offset damages from natural disasters, mostly tropical storms. Weather-resistant barriers of at least 14 pounds per 100 square feet are just one requirement. Flashing, sealing, and insulation are all also covered in updated construction regulations.
In some regions, lawmakers are also putting liability rules in place. Construction workers and city planners are expected to be up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations. If they’re not, they could be held liable when injuries occur as a result.
Climate Change Materials
Climate change-resistant materials are being used more frequently in today’s construction projects, especially in low- and moderate-lying areas of Georgia. For example, using flood-resistant materials in cities further away from the waterways will be important as sea levels rise. Noted flood zones will continue to change and move inland, requiring a long-term planning and remodeling approach.
Floating structures, water-resistant batteries, and waterproof building materials are all examples of ways that climate change will affect the future of materials used in the construction industry.
The materials the world uses in today’s construction projects will also continue evolving. The same structures that were built many decades ago wouldn’t withstand the severity of storms we experience in the world today. It’s crucial that the industry continues to keep up with this need for change and ongoing adaptation. Weather systems will likely continue to get stronger and more damaging, and the right materials will help protect Georgia’s cities.
Demand for Industry-Specific Skills
As the construction industry adjusts to new climate standards, there will be even more demand for specific skills. For those currently searching for how to get a contractor’s license in Georgia or other U.S. states, choosing a program that properly prepares you for the various job duties is important. Skills in building inspection will also become more important. A RocketCert preparation class ensures you have the necessary knowledge and study skills to successfully obtain your Georgia license.
Collaboration will also become even more important in certain high-risk states, including Georgia. Having a wide skill set in various areas of knowledge and a team of trustworthy professionals will become a need when moving forward.
Additionally, while specialized training in green or environmental practices or disaster response builds will become important, the first step is creating a construction foundation through licensing. Learning the basics of general contracting in Georgia helps workers adapt and evolve skills based on changing needs. Ongoing education classes can also help with learning new construction techniques.
Faster Responses
A focus on faster emergency response is also necessary. Limiting tourists in highly populated areas or ensuring proper egress and evacuation routes allow for the faster rebuilding of damaged cities. Better materials and specialized skills will also be important when it comes to disaster recovery and repairs. Additionally, it’s important to note that some regions will need more detailed response plans, including those near the oceanfront.
Climate change-resistant architecture will play an important role in handling ongoing weather threats in Georgia and beyond, and construction workers will still need to continue adapting.
Climate changes will bring more floods, storms, droughts, and heat storms to most U.S. cities. Coastal cities are especially prone to an increase in weather-related damages, and construction workers need to be prepared.
