BCEGS - Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule
The Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) is a classification system used to evaluate the effectiveness of building codes within specific geographic regions, focusing mainly on the enforcement and adequacy of these codes. This grading is crucial for understanding how well areas are prepared to mitigate losses from natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes.
Purpose
The primary aim of the BCEGS system is to provide insurance companies with a precise measure of the preemptive steps taken by different localities to enforce building regulations and reduce potential damages caused by natural disasters. Communities with more robust, effective policies receive a better grade, which often translates into lower insurance premiums for within that area due to lower expected claims.
How It Works
- Assessment of Building Codes: The schedules analyze areas based on the comprehensiveness and enforcement of the adoption local building codes compared to standard model building codes. Remedial strategies are incorporated depending upon the historical natural disaster trends of the area.
- Impact on Insurance Rates: Insurance companies use BCEGS ratings (from 1 to 10; 1 being the highest rating, reflecting strong building code enforcement scheme) to gauge the potential risk and likely stability of buildings. Areas with higher grades generally benefit from reduced insurance premiums due to expected reduced damage levels in case of disasters.
- Community-focused Risk Reduction: Improved BCEGS scores can also serve as a benchmark for local governments attempting to improve their overall disaster preparedness by enhancing building regulations enforcement and construction practices.
Benefits
- Enhanced public safety through improved infrastructural resilience.
- Possibilities for communities to gain lower insurance premiums.
- Motivates communities for ongoing improvement of building regulations for disaster preparedness and adaptation.
External References
For more details or guidance on how these assessments impact communities and building practices, reference can be made to detailed guides like FEMA’s ‘Building Code Tool Kit’ or directly consulting responsible local regulatory bodies managing building safety codes. Standards and regulations can also be cross-referenced with the ‘Insurance Services Office (ISO)’ publications.
