also play a role in flood protection. Plant native vegetation and create swales or rain gardens to help to absorb and filter storm - water runoff and reduce the risk of flooding. • Install a sump pump. A sump pump removes water accumulating in your basement or crawl space during floods. Install a battery backup system to ensure the sump pump continues working even when the power goes out. GUTTERS A properly working gutter system can be crucial in protecting your home during heavy rain. Have your gutters inspected by a home professional to ensure that all rainwater is efficiently collect - ed and moved away from your home to protect siding and other external features. Gutters can also prevent soil erosion, which occurs when rain- water falls on your roof and runs unchecked. Soil erosion can easily lead to foundation damage, requiring costly repairs. To ensure that your gutter system is functioning properly, it’s important to maintain your gutters regularly and address any issues immediately. This may include cleaning your gutters of debris, repairing leaks or other damage, and ensuring that the gutters are correctly sloped and con- nected to downspouts that direct water away from your home’s foundation. By taking care of your gutters, you can help to protect your home from the effects of heavy rain and prevent water damage. CLIMATE CHANGE AND HOUSE SHOPPING Home improvements are a great way to mitigate climate change’s effects if you own a home. For prospective homebuyers, consider climate change during the house shopping process for further control. You can look for homes with these measures in place and consider these addi- tional factors. LOCATION A home’s location can significantly impact its vul - nerability to the effects of climate change. For example, homes in low or coastal areas may be
at greater risk of flooding or storm damage. Similarly, homes in regions prone to wild- fires or extreme heat may be more vulnera - ble to these risks. Consider the climate and weather patterns in the area where you are looking to buy a home and evaluate the risks in that location. Even if you can’t change the location you’re moving to, you can think crit- ically about where you would be at the least risk or best advantage if you were to experi- ence flooding, fires, and other disasters. ENERGY EFFICIENCY Energy-efficient homes can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize the impact of climate change. Look for homes built or renovated with energy-efficient features like quality insulation, energy-effi - cient windows and doors, and efficient HVAC systems. You may also want to consider homes with solar panels which can reduce your dependence on fossil fuels. LANDSCAPING AND YARD FEATURES A home’s landscaping and outdoor features can also impact its resilience to climate change. For example, homes with drought-re- sistant landscaping may be better equipped to withstand periods of drought or extreme heat. Homes with adequate drainage systems, such as rain gardens or swales, can also help to prevent flooding and water damage during heavy rainfall. Building materials Building materials that are resistant to climate change are those that are durable, sustain- able, and able to withstand the impacts of extreme weather conditions. Homes built with sustainable and resilient materials, such as brick, stone, or concrete, may be better able to withstand extreme weather events and other impacts of climate change. When selecting building materials for a home, it’s important to consider the specific climate and weather conditions in the area where the home will be built.
117 VOL 23 ISSUE 2 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
116 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 23 ISSUE 2
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online