Press Releases
04/22/2016
Gov. Malloy Signs Order Strengthening State Building Code to Limit Storm Damage as a Result of Climate Change
(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that - with Connecticut facing more frequent and severe weather events as a result of global warming - he is directing state agencies to develop new building code standards that will better protect residential and commercial structures from damage caused by flooding and high winds.
Through an executive order issued on Earth Day, the Governor is instructing the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and the Insurance Department (CID) to work with the State Building Inspector to ensure that the next revision to the State Building Code contains standards that increase the resiliency of new and renovated homes and buildings.
"The science could not be more clear - global warming is real. Knowing what the science says, we should plan and be prepared as we take steps to mitigate our carbon footprint," Governor Malloy said. "Over the past several years, revisions to the state the building code have incorporated higher energy efficiency standards to help reduce demand for electricity, heat, and water. We believe it is now time to strengthen building codes to help protect buildings from damage caused by the high winds and flooding that come with severe weather conditions. Experts say that every dollar invested in more resilient construction can save $4 in insurance claims, which is a significant return on investment. This is a commonsense step to help plan and prepare for the future."
Many of these measures are relatively inexpensive when compared to the significant damage to homes and businesses they can prevent or mitigate.
Some examples include:
- Requirement to seal seams in the roof deck to eliminate or reduce the volume of water that can seep in if shingles are blown off in a storm
- Stronger tie-down of roofs to the building structure and gable end vents
- Require impact resistant glass in areas of state subject to high winds
DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee said, "Strengthening our state building code offers an effective way to help protect our residents and their property from the impacts of climate change. This approach will help make certain that homes and commercial structures people invest in can better withstand the strong winds and flood waters we are likely to face in the future as a result of changes in the climate."
"With the Governor's actions today, Connecticut takes another important step toward building resilient communities," Insurance Commissioner Katharine Wade said. "These are the type of effective mitigation measures that help to keep insurance coverage available and affordable for homeowners."
"With our state remaining vulnerable to dangerous weather events, we have an obligation to ensure the safety of our citizens through the preservation of our infrastructure," State Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. (D-Branford), co-chair of the legislature's Environment Committee, said. "As a resident of a coastal community, I applaud the Governor for recognizing the need to strengthen the resiliency of Connecticut's buildings against the threat of storms and flooding."
State Representative James Albis (D-East Haven), co-chair of the legislature's Environment Committee, said, "Ensuring that Connecticut's building codes recognize the reality that weather patterns are changing and our state faces increasing vulnerability is a vital step forward to maintaining long-term resilience and coastal viability. I want to thank Governor Malloy for recognizing the importance of this initiative."
**Download: Governor Malloy's Executive Order No. 53
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