Reducing Seismic Vulnerability of Non-Structural Elements to Support Sustainable Development Goals

This paper presents an approach to risk mitigation strategies through seismic vulnerability of buildings’ non-structural elements (NSEs) proposing practical and accessible strategies for risk reduction aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) framework. NSEs play a crucial role in the overall safety and resilience of built environments during seismic events. However, their vulnerability is often underestimated, despite their potential to cause significant human, economic, and social losses. Moreover, NSEs remain widely overlooked in both seismic risk assessments and mitigation strategies, including risk education. This issue directly impacts multiple SDGs. NSE damage exacerbates poverty by increasing financial burdens due to repair and recovery costs. It also affects access to quality education, not only by disrupting school infrastructure but also by limiting access to knowledge, which is essential for strengthening the coping capacity of communities. Furthermore, seismic risk mitigation must be inclusive to reduce inequalities, ensuring that safety is not a privilege but a right for all. Lastly, NSE vulnerability directly influences the resilience and sustainability of cities and communities, affecting urban safety and disaster preparedness. Simple mitigation actions, such as proper anchoring, reinforcement, or improved design guidelines, could drastically reduce their vulnerability and related consequences. Raising awareness of this underestimated issue is essential to foster effective policies and interventions.