Deferred Maintenance: a Climate Mitigation Service?
In today’s rapidly changing climate landscape, communities around the globe are facing unparalleled challenges. Amid these, the issue of deferred maintenance emerges as both a pressing concern and a promising solution. When we speak of deferred maintenance, we’re pointing to the delays in vital repairs and renovations for infrastructure, including roads, bridges, buildings, utilities, and more. As we push these maintenance tasks down the line, the resulting backlog only grows, amplifying vulnerabilities in our infrastructure systems.
Critical infrastructure, such as stormwater systems, roadways, and buildings, has seen a significant amount of deferred maintenance. These aging systems become increasingly susceptible to extreme weather events brought about by climate change. For instance, many storm drainage systems in the U.S. have been operational for decades, and their deteriorating condition leaves them ill-equipped to handle the intense rainfall patterns we’re witnessing today.
Culverts, for example, are designed to channel water under roads and railways. These mundane structures are pivotal to ensuring that people and goods continue to move but they often overlooked. Built based on historic rainfall data, many culverts are now misaligned with the changing precipitation patterns. Data from NOAA’s Atlas 14 , indicates that precipitation frequencies have escalated. Such outdated culverts can’t cope with the volume, resulting in overflows that cause significant damage, disrupt transportation, and even obstruct emergency services.
Rehabilitating and upgrading infrastructure can address these vulnerabilities. Consider roads and bridges: proactive repairs can enhance their resilience against intensified weather impacts. Incorporating new technologies, such as flood sensors, can further bolster these systems. Buildings too stand to gain from a systematic maintenance approach. Whether it’s fixing roofs or enhancing insulation, such steps not only reduce emissions but also shield these structures from climate adversities.
However, these necessary renovations and upkeep come with a hefty price tag. Estimates suggest a staggering $1 trillion is required for roads, bridges, and transit systems alone. The cumulative costs, considering other sectors, is overwhelming. But deferring these is not a sustainable or economically sound solution. Immediate repairs are invariably more affordable than emergency interventions or complete reconstructions.
To address this, innovative financing strategies, including public-private partnerships, bonds , and infrastructure-as-a-service models, are making headway. These mechanisms provide the required capital for infrastructure rehabilitation, ensuring a consistent flow of funds for future maintenance. Additionally, organizations can also opt to follow more traditional financing routes and choose to value engineer out costly aesthetic items.
The reality is clear: in an era marked by climate unpredictability, deferring maintenance is no longer just a fiscal concern — it’s a matter of community resilience, safety, and sustainability. Turning a blind eye to the burgeoning maintenance needs is akin to overlooking a viable strategy to combat climate change. By investing in our infrastructure, we not only enhance community resilience but also accrue economic, emissions reduction, and societal benefits. Given the urgency of the situation, transforming our approach to maintenance is not just an opportunity — it’s an imperative.