RESILIENT DESIGN Building and Operating for the next 50 years

Michael Levinson Rachelle Macur Principal / Multifamily Housing Team Leader Senior Sustainability Advisor Impacts of Climate Change

Extreme Heat Flooding Ave temperature expected to 25-50% increase in Flash flooding expected rise 2-5 degrees F in next 50 water withdrawal over to triple over the next years next 50 years 100 years in Rocky Mountain range

Severe Hail Storms Winter Storms More than $5 billion in Fire frequency and Severe storms can cause power damage in CO in past intensity increases with outages and closures of streets, decade rising greenhouse gas schools, and businesses emissions EXTREMEEXTREME HEATHEAT DROUGHT FLOOD SEVERE STORMS Average temperature is likely to increase by 2-5 °F by 2050

Vulnerable Populations Extreme heat episodes in much of the region disproportionately threaten the health and well-being of individuals and populations who are especially vulnerable… Communicable diseases, ground-level ozone air pollution, dust storms, and allergens can combine with temperature and precipitation extremes to generate multiple disease burdens. US Fourth National Climate Assessment – 2018

Mortality rates expected to increase to annual average of 13,000 by 2050. – Natural Resources Defense Council EXTREMEEXTREME HEATHEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS Contributors to Heat Vulnerability

• “Heat Island” effect • Shading vegetation • Neighborhood demography • Vehicle ownership • Income levels

Heat is one of the biggest climate-related public health threats, according to the CDC EXTREMEEXTREME HEATHEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS US Water Demand in 2050 EXTREME HEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS Effects of Drought on the Built Environment

- Water scarcity - Sinking and shifting of land

CO River Compact allocated water rights - Expanding and shrinking soil based on river flow from 1897 -1922 - Flash floods Recent river flow has been 1/3 of the 17 million acre feet allocated

Likelihood of a “megadrought” happening before 2100 at 70% (35 yrs) EXTREME HEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRESWILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS Wildfire and Air Quality

“In the last few years, we’ve seen enormous spikes in episodes where wildfires contribute to pollution,” said Janice Nolen [American Lung Association]. “It doesn’t have to be a continuous problem every day to be unhealthy. It can be that a spike happens for a few days of difficult breathing that shorten lives.” EXTREME HEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS

DENVER EXTREME HEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS

17% • FEMA flood maps based on historicalDENVER data only of homes hit by the 2013 • Takes 2-3 years to update a region floods were outside of the mapped floodplain • Study shows actual risk is 3x higher than what is shown in FEMA flood maps EXTREME HEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS 70% of Major Power Outages Caused by Severe Storms Critical Mission Risks

Fresh air that doesn’t impede lung function

Space temperatures within safe parameters

Access to potable water

Ability to evacuate to safety “Investors acknowledge that using insurance as Real Estate Risk Factors the main protection for asset value is not an effective solution to mitigate the risk of • Catastrophes devaluation, particularly because premiums currently are largely based on historical analysis • Increased Insurance Premiums and are not likely to consider future climate risk.” • Capital Expenditures • Higher Operating Costs “A plus-4-degree C world is not insurable” • Decrease in liquidity and value of – ULI, Climate Risk and Real Estate Investment buildings Decision-Making • Transitional Risks • Locational decrease in value • Obsolescence of assets

Resiliency Principles

 Redundancy and diversity  Simple, passive, flexible  Durability  Locally available, renewable, and reclaimed  Social equity and community DESIGN STRATEGIES Heat Intensity Heat Waves, Heat Intensity, Extreme Temperatures EXTREMEEXTREME HEATHEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS Envelope Insulation • Continuous insulation around building’s envelope. • Air handler and ductwork also be within the thermal envelope.

Windows • Small windows that minimize the heat gain, particularly on the west side of a building. • The main windows of a building, for both light and ventilation, should face north and south. • Double pane argon filled in non-metal framing.

Shading • Shading over windows subject to heat gain. Awning works well on east and west-facing windows where the sun strikes lower. Overhangs are effective on the southern face with the sun is at its highest. • Install exterior shades, interior blinds and curtains, and provide shade near windows with vegetation. EXTREMEEXTREME HEATHEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS Cooling Systems • Consider sizing cooling systems with higher design temperatures in mind • Portable evaporative cooling systems may be a good back-up solution, especially for vulnerable populations EXTREMEEXTREME HEATHEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS In-Unit Control

Providing control for residents of their home so that they can be comfortable even during power outage, extreme heat, and peak energy use times. Strategies include: • Ceiling fans: Moving air evaporates moisture from our skin, cooling the skin surface • Interior shading and drapes – black out shades • Operable windows to provide for natural ventilation – consider cross ventilation through unit layout and building shape. EXTREMEEXTREME HEATHEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS Spaces of Respite

• Spaces in building for heatwave respite and survival. Highly insulated, well- shaded cool rooms with little window areas and effective cooling system – preferably with backup electricity supply. DROUGHT EXTREME HEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS Drought Mitigation: Water Efficiency

1 Reduce indoor water consumption

2 Greywater reuse

3 Rainwater harvesting & on-site water Install low-flow equipment storage . Low flow faucets & showers . Low flow or composting toilets . Waterless urinals . Water efficient appliances EXTREME HEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS Site Water Management

4 Green infrastructure to allow stormwater to replenish ground water

5 Xeriscape to reduce need for watering Permeable Providing shade, Install bioswales landscape paving allows especially for to collect and precipitation to riparian areas, filter stormwater replenish ground helps reduce the from impervious 6 Plant drought-tolerant native plants water supply rate of evapo- areas and instead of being transpiration. gutters, allowing and trees to provide shade funneled into Use water- stormwater to storm sewer. recharge the efficient, native groundwater species of trees. supply. EXTREME HEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS Foundation Considerations

When soil undergoes dramatic changes in moisture, such as extended periods of dryness followed by a period of moisture, the shrinking and expanding of the soil can cause foundations to shift, crack, and sink.

Some smart decisions can help minimize the effects: 1. Plant trees a safe distance away from foundation, to reduce unevenness of the ground due to future tree root systems. 2. Plant smaller plants, such as flowers and shrubs, around the base of the foundation to help retain moisture and keep the area shaded. 3. Avoid building on areas with a high slope or known to have shifting land. High clay content soils are also more susceptible to shifting due to moisture loss. 4. Inspect the foundation regularly for damage. 5. Investigate non-traditional foundation options that are more resilient to shifting soil. WILDFIRE & AIR QUALITY EXTREME HEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS Wildfire Mitigation

MITIGATION EFFORTS

Primary determinants of a home’s ability to survive a fire are roofing material and surrounding defensible space.

- Break up continuity of horizontal and vertical fuel sources - Replace wood shingled roofs with non- combustible material - Prescribed fire control (burns)

Homes with 30’ defensible space and non-combustible roofs have a 85% survival rate in the event of a wildfire. EXTREME HEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS Indoor Air Quality

• Check filters for dust and debris buildup at least every month during heavy smoke seasons, consider pre-filter.

• Mechanical Supply or Balanced Ventilation with minimum MERV 8 filters

• Educate occupants about when to use natural ventilation in emergency situations – run AC with fresh air intake closed off, keep windows and doors closed, close fireplace dampers EXTREME HEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS Indoor Air Quality EXTREME HEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS Commissioning Floods EXTREME HEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS Flood Mitigation

Dry floodproofing: Wet floodproofing: Seals buildings to keep Allows unoccupied water out portions of building to be flooded EXTREME HEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS Wet Floodproofing for New Construction

Stormwater management Permeable paving, green roofs and bioswales infiltrate excess stormwater

Elevate living spaces Floodwater vents Reserve sub-DFE for parking, storage, entryways Allow water to flood lower levels

Elevate mechanical equipment Boilers, furnaces, water heaters, fuel storage tanks, elevator machine rooms, ductwork, electrical systems.

If not on roof, on raised platform. EXTREME HEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS Low-cost Retrofit Floodproofing Measures

Sump pumps Backwater Protect mechanical Remove water that accumulates valves equipment at lowest point in building Prevent sewage backflow Build barrier around critical systems if it can’t be elevated EXTREME HEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS Flood risk measures = lower insurance premiums

25% DISCOUNT

15% DISCOUNT Winter Storms EXTREME HEAT DROUGHT WILDFIRES FLOOD SEVERE STORMS Passive Survivability

3 Strategies to address winter storm occurrences:

Backup power + disaster preparedness plan 1 Fuel-fired backup generators, solar with battery storage, micro-grid Snow removal plan for building ingress/egress

2 High performance building enclosure in case of power outage Passive solar strategies (orientation, , high SHGC windows) Tighter, higher performance envelopes (durability for hailstorms)

3 Provide access to potable water Rooftop storage, gravity-fed

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT MANUAL

CREATING COMMUNITY RESILIENCE • Site details Prepare for anticipated hazards, adapt to changing conditions, and • Vulnerabilities assessment withstand and recover rapidly from disruptions • Contacts and Communication plan • Emergency procedures • Roles & Responsibilities Resident Education & Engagement Stakeholder Incentives to Invest in Resilience Measures

Home / Building Owner: Reduced insurance premium, tax reduction, later building owners may pay more for resilient buildings. Reduced repair costs, accelerated recovery, reduced chance of mortgage default Occupant: Enhanced safety Builder: Increased market value of building Insurer: Reduced portfolio risk Loan Provider / Financer: Increased loan security, increased financing opportunities, asset risk reduction Benefit-Cost Ratio of Mitigation Strategies Resilient Design in Green Building Certification Standards

• LEED ReLi credits • Institute • Army Corps of Engineers • Enterprise Green Communities • International Green Construction Code (IgCC)

Resilience starts with strong, regularly updated, and properly implemented building codes. - International Code Council (ICC)

Q & A

Rachelle Macur Michael Levinson Senior Sustainability Advisor Principal Group14 Engineering, PBC Group14 Engineering, PBC (720) 382-1758 (720) 221-1077 [email protected] [email protected]