Climate change risks in building - an introduction (C638)

It is widely agreed that the world’s climate is changing and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The UK is not immune to the consequences of global climatic change, as recent extreme weather conditions have shown. Rainfall and flooding have caused significant damage to buildings and transport infrastructure over the past few years. Climate change poses risks to construction projects in other ways too, through:

delay to construction programmes

mould growth in dwellings

subsidence and heave

slope instability

damage to the building fabric, particularly cladding

wind-related damage

effects on roof drainage.

There is little evidence that UK construction companies are implementing or considering adaptation strategies or mitigation measures to reduce these impacts. Construction clients (both public- and private-sector), engineers, contractors and other interest groups will therefore benefit from this up-to-date review of the implications of climate change and the practical guidance it contains on assessing and managing the associated risks, such as ground movement, rain penetration and wind loading.

Key words: environmental good practice, housing, risk and value management, facilities management, climate change, flooding.

ISBN: 978-0-86017-638-1

Author: S Vivian, N Williams, W Rogers

Number of pages: 84 (paperback)

Publisher: CIRIA

Date of Publication: March 2005