LEED credits on resiliency expected to influence future of building design

New LEED pilot credits focused on resiliency are expected to influence future building designs. One new pilot credit, the Passive Survivability design credit, is aimed at preparing building designs for functionality during emergencies.

The pilot credits were inspired by a study in New Orleans that found that older homes fared better for residents after Katrina in the days with no power than new homes designed for air conditioning. The older homes were designed with vernacular architecture, with wrap-around verandas and natural ventilation keeping them cooler.