Integration of the disaster risk reduction (DRR) and disaster resilience mechanisms into the green building rating systems-case study on the green SL Rating system of Sri lanka

Abstract

The rapid growth of global human population necessitates the facilitation of increased number of buildings and other infrastructure. Primarily in economically developing nations, these buildings are designed only complying with local level regulations and standards which are outdated and not carrying allowance for disaster risk reduction and climate changes such as global warming. In the context of Sri Lanka, unplanned developments and expansions due to urbanization has made the community and their assests and resources vulnerable to natural hazards like floods, landslides, tsunami, droughts, coastal erosion and cyclones. Out of them, floods, landslides, heavy winds and Tsunamis have caused the highest number of damages to buildings and loss of human lives during the period of 1965 to 2019 and hence can be considered as significant in providing action. Since anthropogenic natural hazards have kicked off to occur more frequently, it is vital to erect buildings, especially community shelters, in a way that they can withstand strains and pressures that will be imposed by changing future trends. Striving to achieve its vision, the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka (GBCSL) is playing a commendable role in maximizing Sri Lanka’s greener practices and sustainability through the development of green rating tools for buildings and infrastructure, recognition of green materials to be used as construction materials and conducting professional training programs, green talks, workshops and many CSR activities. It has inculcated sustainability and resilience in their rating systems and practices, through enhancing the usage of locally manufactured and less energy consumed material and reducing resource and energy consumption in buildings, it has not yet been properly recognized the need to inculcate the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) mechanisms in to their rating systems. Therefore, to ensure an economically viable, environmentally-friendly and socially recognized growth in Sri Lanka, it’s high time that the sustainable disaster risk reduction and mitigation measures are incorporated in the design, construct and operation phases of buildings. Thus, this study was carried out to incorporate the DRR and disaster resilience structural and non-structural mechanisms for floods, landslides and heavy winds into the existing categories of the rating tools for buildings, cities and transportation infrastructure of the GREEN SL Rating System for Built Environment in Sri Lanka in transforming the existing construction industry of Sri Lanka into a disaster resilient and a sustainable one.