In order to make the construction of seismically safe buildings economically possible, the ICSSC drafted Executive Order 12699 to mandate that a building should be designed to prevent:

Executive Order 12699, initiated by the Interagency Committee on Seismic Safety in Construction (ICSSC), specifically mandates that buildings associated with the Federal Government should be designed to prevent collapse, not merely to limit damage.

The ICSSC’s involvement in drafting Executive Order 12699 highlights its pivotal role in national seismic safety efforts. By concentrating on the prevention of collapse, the ICSSC aligns its mission with the broader objectives of emergency management and disaster preparedness, where the primary goal is to protect lives.

From the perspective of emergency management professionals and first responders, the emphasis on preventing collapse rather than merely limiting damage is a crucial strategy for reducing the overall impact of earthquakes.

Furthermore, the directive to prevent collapse influences the broader construction and real estate sectors, encouraging the adoption of seismic safety standards that go beyond the minimum requirements. This approach not only enhances the safety and durability of federal buildings but also sets a benchmark for private sector construction, promoting a culture of resilience across all types of infrastructure.