Ocean Thermal Energy Corp. (CPWR)

[Ocean Power]

Resilient Design

USGBC is further refining the program to synthesize LEED Resilient Design credits with RELi Hazard Mitigation and Adaptation credits.

Last fall, USGBC and GBCI announced the adoption of the RELi rating system (RELi). RELi takes a holistic approach to resilient design. With more than 50 requirements and credits spread throughout eight categories, including panoramic design, hazard mitigation, materials used in construction and community vitality, RELi encompasses a wide variety of strategies and techniques. RELi also overlaps with other rating systems, particularly LEED.

First developed by the Institute for Market Transformation to Sustainability (MTS) and its Capital Markets Partnership coalition in 2012, RELi includes a robust integrative process, acute hazard preparation and adaptation, along with chronic risk mitigation at the building and neighborhood scale.

USGBC is now leading the further refinement of RELi to synthesize the LEED Resilient Design pilot credits with RELi’s Hazard Mitigation and Adaptation credits.

The increasing frequency of dramatic weather events has brought an even greater urgency to create buildings and communities that are better adapted to a changing climate and better able to bounce back from disturbances and interruptions.

Unlike other resilience rating systems now available, RELi combines hazard-specific design criteria, such as tornado preparedness, with general resilience strategies, like energy efficiency. Instead of functioning merely as a benchmarking system, RELi’s system of requirements and credits, in addition to the third-party certification provided by GBCI, improves the resilience and accountability of a project at every level, including facility planning, design, operations and maintenance. ... http://www.gbci.org/reli-rating-system-improves-project-resiliency-every-level

Think that’s it, and today I can attest to its validity, having just ridden out a 7.0 EQ North of Anchorage. OTEC ECO Village on St. Croix employs top designers and urban planners, such that it may also be an excellent place to live, as a way to reap the rewards of what I hope remains a worthy investment.

According to the OTE project page, the Philippines too, are one of several projects planning to get underway!