Enforcing Mandatory Robust Building Codes for Steel Windows
In this article, Eneref Institute examines the benefit—cost ratio of code-compliance enforcement and above-code construction for windows and doors, including strategies for reducing property and casualty (P&C) losses.
Improvements made to homes and buildings to protect them from hazardous winds pay $5 in savings for every $1 spent, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). A 2017 study by the National Institute of Building Science (NIBS) shows that every $1 spent on designing and consturcting new buildings to exceed the provisions of the 2015 model building codes developed by the International Code Council (ICC) saves $4 in future disaster costs. A study by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) found a 60% reduction in the severity of hurricane-related damage to homes built to stronger building code standards.
Therefore, Eneref Institute calls for stronger enforcement of mandatory codes and “above-code” construction to ensure windows and doors are properly tested to protect against weather events.
Research by Global Market Insights projects that door and window sales will grow to $260 nillion by 2024, of which 60% will stem from the residential hom emarket and 40% from the commercial building sector. Relying on mandatory building codes, the leading US window manufacturers (such as Andersen, Pella, Velux, Marvin, Jeld-Wen and Hope’s) test the integrity and durability of their product lines.
Eneref Institute is a research and advocacy organization focused on environmental and social responsibility opportunities as a catalyst for change. The mission of Eneref Institute is to launch initiatives that raise awareness for clear, specific solutions that put forward an efficient use of natural resources, demonstrate social responsibility and foster a peaceful, earth-friendly economy.
