The ABCB participates in a number of international initiatives that support the facilitation of improved building outcomes, increased confidence in the building and construction industry, public trust in the safety of the industry, and a more efficient, internationally competitive industry through reforms to regulation nationally.
To support this, the ABCB is working in collaboration with Canada, New Zealand and the United States through the establishment of a global initiative to improve the resilience of buildings and communities.
Why?
Buildings and people are facing increasingly severe natural hazards caused by extreme weather. This increased risk is felt by countries around the world. International collaboration can lead to deeper understanding, shared research and better building outcomes.
How will this be achieved?
Whilst building codes already provide for a significant level of occupant and building safety, this global initiative, supported by the ABCB, International Codes Council, Canadian National Research Council and the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, will contribute further to improve the resilience of buildings from weather-related natural hazards.
This will be achieved by working collaboratively to:
- identify strategies for future risks
- develop international building resilience guidelines
- support research initiatives to better understand climate science
- enhance understanding of building codes
- analyse risk and undertake impact analysis to recognise the economic and social benefits.
Full details can be found in the publicly released statement of outcomes Findings on Changing Risk and Building Codes.
What’s next?
The leaders of this initiative are encouraging other governments and non-governmental organisations to join in endorsing the collaborative work. Organisations can endorse the initiative through an online submission process.
Further information
Further information about the initiative is available from the ABCB’s international relations initiative.