Built to code does not mean built to last

Building codes are important; they ensure everyone, rich or poor, can be assured of the same minimum levels of safety in their homes. With hurricanes and other destructive weather patterns becoming a regular part of our lives, however, building to code may not be enough. Today, best practices mean doing more than just what's required, and building with both resilience and sustainability in mind. Whether it's a single-family home or a towering apartment complex, there's no sense in building - or rebuilding - unless you're going to build it to be able to withstand extreme weather. But building something to last comes with its own responsibilities. How will your building interact with the environment? Will it be a part of the problem, or a part of the solution? Fortunately, it's now easier than ever to minimize your building's impact on the planet and, maximize its resilience, all while improving your bottom line. Bamboo flooring is a perfect example. Bamboo, which is technically a grass, can be harvested after as little as four years, whereas hardwood species need as much as sixty. So bamboo is far more sustainable than traditional hardwood flooring. But it's also denser, so it lasts longer and requires less maintenance, which saves money in the long run. Of course, it also doesn't hurt that it looks great, too. Windows are some of the most vulnerable points on any building. Historically, single-pane windows were the low cost option, but how much are you saving if they need to be replaced after every storm? Double and triple-pane windows are much more weather-resistant. Glazing boosts the glass another step higher in durability, and improves resistance to high winds. These windows also greatly increase energy efficiency, lowering your monthly heating bill. Of course, floors and windows are just the beginning. As the chief sustainability officer of Rapid Realty NYC, I've had the opportunity to launch a wide range of green initiatives and partnerships designed to bring sustainable solutions to New York area landlords and developers. Alternative energies, retrofits, green and white roofs, and building material recycling, are some of the ways we're helping people make smart building choices that end up benefiting them in the long run, all the while reducing their carbon footprints. Rapid Realty CEO Anthony Lolli, who owns over a dozen multifamily buildings in Brooklyn, was happy to lead the charge by getting his own properties energy certified. "We work with thousands of landlords," Lolli said. "I wanted to show them firsthand that making their properties eco-friendly is a lot easier and more cost-effective than you might think." Stephanie Barry is the chief sustainability officer of Rapid Realty NYC, Brooklyn, N.Y.