Guide for California Wildfire Rebuilding Released
In collaboration with Arup, as well as a group of volunteers, the U.S. Green Building Council of California (USGBC California) is proud to introduce their California Wildfire Rebuilding Guide, a comprehensive resource created to help communities rebuild after the devastation of these wildfires. This guide can be an essential resource for homeowners looking to make critical decisions on their rebuilding journey and for professionals who will be needed to support these rebuilding efforts.
The guide offers practical, step-by-step support for homeowners, community leaders, building professionals and recovery teams as they work to rebuild with resilience, sustainability and safety at the forefront. Focusing on climate resilience ensures that future structures can withstand changing weather patterns and natural disasters, protecting lives and property.
According to the guide, The January 2025 wildfires were not the first time Angelenos lost homes, and it won’t be the last. The decision of how – and whether – to rebuild is complex and personal. For those who do decide to rebuild, this guide is intended to make you aware of design concepts that could enhance the safety of your home and reduce your future risk.
The aim of this guide is to clarify resilient, sustainable, and cost-effective options, helping you make informed choices during the rebuilding process.
This document is tailored to address the specific challenges faced in Southern California, including recurring droughts, fires, floods, and earthquakes. “Building back better” involves making strategic design choices at the property level and seizing opportunities to collaborate with your community to enhance overall preparedness.
Rebuilding offers a pivotal opportunity to set both your property and community up for long-term safety and livability. Not all upgrades cost more than standard options. Where the enhancement does come at cost, it’s important to consider how choices can be investments. These can pay over time through benefits like more durable materials, lower operational costs, less risk of water damage, and healthier living environments. Throughout, co-benefits and resources for more green building design guidance are highlighted.
