2013 EERI Annual Meeting Session: Linking Performance-Based Seismic Design with Sustainability

1. The US Resiliency Council
Principles of Formation
Evan Reis, PE, SE
Senior Principal Engineer
AIR Worldwide Corporation
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2. Prioritizing Resilience
Presidential Policy Directive
Department of Homeland Security, 2011
“This directive is aimed at strengthening the security
and resilience of the United States through
systematic preparation for the threats that pose the
greatest risk to the security of the Nation...”
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3. ATC 71-2 Workshop / SEAONC EPRS
Earthquake Building Performance Rating
System Workshop (FEMA, SEAONC)
Over 40 participants representing
Owners
Universities Banking
Architecture Insurance
Engineering Real Estate
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4. What is Lacking?
There are many ways to quantify risk…
…but no easily interpreted, consistently
applied system for comparing risk
estimates.
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5. ATC 71-2 Identified Needs
An objective way to measure resilient engineering
Industry credibility
A single, independent rating body
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6. Key Elements of a Rating System
ATC 71-2 Workshop
Multiple dimensions Communicative ratings Credibility of system
Peer review Appropriate cost Initially voluntary
structure
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7. The Problem: Office Tenant
Information Provided:
• “Designed to Code”
• Level 1 PML: 18%
• Class A office space
Information for Decisions:
• Will employees be injured?
• Will our data be secure?
• How long until we can serve our
clients?
• Might the landlord breach
contract?
(repair costs > liquid funds)
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8. The Problem: Condo Buyer
Information Provided:
• “Not a landslide zone”
• “Not a liquefaction zone”
• “Not a fault zone”
Information for Decisions:
• Will I be safe?
• Will I be able to keep living
here?
• Will I be able to retrieve my
possessions? My car?
• Should I buy EQ insurance?
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9. The Problem: Owner - Emergency Plan
Information Provided:
• ASCE 31: “Meets LS”
Information for Decisions:
• What will happen to
systems?
• How much required cash
after the event?
• How much operational
downtime?
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10. USRC Structure – 501(c)3 non-profit
Operations Board of
Committee Advisors
Stillwell
Engineers
Mayes Executive
Owners
Von Berg Director
Lenders
Reis
Insurers
Tenants
Member Regulators
Peer Organizations Contractors
Reviewers
Accredited Users of
Professionals Ratings
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11. Example of the USGBC® and LEED®
Founded in 1993 to promote sustainability.
Standard for achieving sustainable design.
Chapters, member organizations and accreditation.
Self sustaining revenue model.
Voluntary and mandatory standard.
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12. Target Users
Risk Management, Real Estate Transactions,
Due Diligence Risk Modeling
Building
Owners Lenders
Tenants Insurers
Implementation Long Term Resilience
Planning
Institutions
Engineers
Governments
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13. The Credibility Challenge
No clear definition of PML
ASTM standards are not uniformly followed
Assessments by non-engineers
Minimal peer review
Buyer pay rating systems subject to abuse
Result: Minimal confidence in the industry
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14. Technical Standards
The USRC relies on existing
technical standards
The USRC is a system of
classification and validation
STAKEHOLDERS
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15. Accreditation / Peer Review
Establish confidence in ratings.
Accreditation requires licensing and training.
Independent, expert peer review.
“Audit of the audits” process
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16. USRC CoRE® Rating Table
Earthquake
CoRE Rating Safety Reparability Functionality
Occupiable Immediately
 Life Safe Loss <5%
Functional < 72 hours
Occupiable Immediately
 Life Safe Loss <10%
Functional < 1 month
Occupiable < 1 month
 Life Safe Loss <20%
Functional < 6 months
Certified Life Safe Not estimated Not estimated
Life Safety
Not Certified Not estimated Not estimated
Hazard
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17. Types of Perils to be Considered
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18. Being Realistic
Establishing the USRC is a long-term effort
Challenges in promoting to stakeholder groups
Bias toward better buildings
Marketplace must absorb cost of ratings
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19. Next Steps
Develop pre-final rating system
Stakeholder review
Fundraising
CoRE rating system launch (earthquake)
Rate high profile buildings
Develop accreditation program
Public awareness
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