Beyond the 'C' Grade: ASCE's Call for Resilient Infrastructure and Modern Building Codes

I've compiled a comprehensive report—a special report by The Building Code Forum—based on the latest insights from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) regarding the critical state of U.S. infrastructure and the escalating threat of climate change. As many of you are aware, ASCE's quadrennial Report Card for America's Infrastructure serves as a vital benchmark, and their 2025 assessment assigned an overall grade of 'C'. While this reflects some positive momentum, it also highlights a staggering $9.1 trillion investment gap needed to bring our infrastructure to a state of good repair. This report delves into ASCE's policy positions, emphasizing the urgent need for updated engineering design standards, robust research, and proactive strategies to build truly resilient infrastructure that can withstand increasing climate impacts. Understanding these challenges and ASCE's recommendations is paramount for anyone involved in developing and enforcing the building codes that will shape our resilient future. I've attached the full PDF for your review and welcome your thoughts and discussion on how we can collectively advance climate-resilient building practices.