Arup and USGBC-CA Launch New Guide to Rebuild California Communities After Wildfires

10:04 am UTC April 9, 2025 Apr 9, 2025 | by: Arup | Civil engineering

(Photo by: Arup)

In a strategic response to the growing threat of wildfires, Arup and the U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC-CA) have jointly released the California Wildfire Rebuilding Guide—a resource aimed at helping affected communities rebuild homes and infrastructure with resilience, safety, and sustainable engineering practices at the core.

Following the catastrophic wildfires that struck Los Angeles in January 2025, sustainable development firm Arup partnered with the U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC-CA) to co-author the "California Wildfire Rebuilding Guide." This newly launched guide is designed to support homeowners, architects, engineers, contractors, and civic leaders in rebuilding efforts with a focus on long-term resilience and climate adaptation.

Engineered with accessibility in mind, the guide presents a structured framework for decision-making across critical areas including site placement, building envelope design, outdoor landscaping, mechanical systems, green technology integration, and community-scale infrastructure. By translating complex resilience concepts into practical steps, it aims to empower individuals and communities to reconstruct stronger, smarter, and more sustainably.

“We work around disasters all the time, but these fires were personal for us. So many of our friends and colleagues were impacted directly. We’ve heard from so many people who lost their homes that they don’t know where to start or what decisions really matter,” said Heather Rosenberg, Americas Resilience Skills Leader. “This guide is designed to be a resource for people who want to have safer and healthier buildings and lower the risk that they will burn again in the future.”

Recognizing that wildfire is only one hazard among many in Southern California, the guide adopts a comprehensive, multi-hazard approach. It addresses concurrent risks such as earthquakes and extreme heat events, advocating for integrated, systems-based design strategies. Additionally, it emphasizes strengthening both physical infrastructure and social networks to improve community resilience.

“We’ve all been deeply affected, and building back better requires us to consider entire communities,” noted Ben Stapleton, USGBC-CA Executive Director. “This guide—with easy-to-follow steps and choices to consider—focuses on rebuilding in a way that prepares for the multiple hazards faced by those of us in California and beyond, highlighting resiliency and sustainability opportunities and co-benefits while making minimizing costs a priority. We are here as an ongoing resource for all.”

Looking ahead, Arup and USGBC-CA plan to expand the guide further. An updated version, expected in summer 2025, will include new sections on incentive programs, detailed municipal rebuilding guidelines, prefabrication and modular construction approaches, and access to a curated materials marketplace to streamline sustainable rebuilding efforts.