US government buildings must now consider climate risks when choosing new sites

The US General Services Administration plans to update its rules for federal buildings. This means agencies will have to factor in climate change risks, like flooding and extreme heat, when deciding where to build or lease new facilities.

For decades, the US government built and leased properties without formally considering future climate risks. This often put federal assets and employees in harm's way, leading to costly repairs and disruptions. This rule change means that new federal buildings will likely be located in safer areas, reducing long-term costs and making operations more resilient.