Pew Research Highlights Support for Hazard-Resistant Building Codes

A recent Pew Research Center survey report sheds light on public support of stricter building standards in regions vulnerable to extreme weather events. With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of these events, such as hurricanes, floods and wildfires, the push for more resilient infrastructure is gaining momentum across the U.S. 

The survey found that a significant majority of Americans (73 percent) support implementing more stringent building standards in areas prone to extreme weather. This broad consensus cuts across political, geographic and demographic lines, highlighting a strong national desire for action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance community resilience. 

Key takeaways from the study reveal that the public sees resilient building standards as a necessary defense mechanism. Respondents emphasized that strengthening building codes is essential for protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure. This concern is particularly pronounced in coastal regions and states already grappling with the destructive impacts of climate-driven events. Communities in these areas understand firsthand the devastating consequences of insufficient planning and are increasingly advocating for proactive measures to mitigate future risks. 

The survey report also indicates that even those who may be skeptical of climate change are often in favor of tougher building standards. This suggests that the practical implications of extreme weather—rising insurance costs, rebuilding expenses and safety concerns—are driving the conversation beyond environmental activism alone.  

The call for resilience is now seen as a pragmatic issue of public safety and economic protection, rather than solely a climate issue. 

Strong Public Support for Improved Resilience Measures

The study explored several dimensions of public opinion on building standards beyond overall support. A large majority of respondents agreed that stricter building codes would effectively reduce damage from extreme weather events, highlighting widespread belief in the practical benefits of tougher regulations.

In addition to supporting new construction, many respondents advocated for applying these standards to renovations and repairs of existing structures, showing an understanding of the broader resilience needed across the housing sector.

The survey also revealed strong confidence in local and state governments to implement and enforce these codes, while recognizing a potential role for federal oversight, particularly in areas frequently impacted by extreme weather. Moreover, there was substantial support for integrating climate adaptation measures into zoning laws and urban planning, indicating that the public sees building standards as part of a larger, community-wide strategy for addressing climate risks and enhancing overall resilience.

The Importance of Building Resilience

As public support for resilient infrastructure strengthens, policymakers must now focus on navigating the complex economic and logistical challenges to make these new standards a reality. With climate change set to continue exacerbating extreme weather, there is little time to waste in creating safer, more resilient communities. 

Further research shows that building to modern building saves $11 dollars for every $1 dollar invested through earthquake, flood and wind mitigation benefits while retrofitting 2.5 million homes in the wildland-urban interface to wildfire codes could provide a nationwide benefit-cost ratio as high as $8 dollars for every $1 dollar invested.  

Additionally, the Department of Energy has found that modern energy codes, like the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code®, can reduce deaths due to prolonged weather-induced power outages coupled with extreme weather events by 80 percent during extreme heat and 30 percent during extreme cold. 

Learn more about the hazard mitigation benefits of modern building codes here.