Climate adaptation of existing buildings

Bringing nature into the city by climate adaptations

Climate adaptation of our existing buildings is primarily about arranging terrain and drainage conditions, so getting rid of the water sensibly when it rains is possible.

Clogging of sewage systems, not designed for violent storms, causes devastating floods and pollution with wastewater that penetrates basements and houses, floods roads and technical facilities. All over Denmark, municipalities and wastewater supply companies are therefore expanding and converting sewers and drainage systems, in many cases, to two-line systems. Here rainwater is handled and diverted separately so that it does not strain the regular sewer systems, reducing the risk of surface water becoming contaminated with wastewater during heavy rains.

Low-lying urban areas are particularly vulnerable to flooding. However, there will often be limits to the possibilities for local problem-solving due to high groundwater levels and densely built-up areas. Therefore, it is essential to prevent the inflow of rainwater from higher-lying areas, either by finding ways to direct it away from the exposed urban areas or by building retention basins and relief areas that can hold the water back. In coastal areas, it may be necessary to construct or reinforce dykes.

In more and more places, in the process, it has become clear that rainwater is not just a problem but can also add new qualities to buildings and the urban environment. Clearing previously piped streams and creeks reveals a small piece of nature in the city. In so-called LAR solutions, local rainwater use can nourish green oases in the city.

With sedum planting, flat roofs and decks can become green rainwater magnets, which retain rainwater and evaporate it locally. Pools and systems for collecting rainwater can serve other recreational purposes, such as a skating rink, which is the case in Rabalder Park in Roskilde.

In urban renewal, when transforming residential areas and future-proofing buildings, where climate adaptation is a central focus area in the future, a creative approach to the solutions can thus turn climate protection into an asset.

Changed business and settlement conditions mean we must transform urban areas in the coming decades. In these years, this mainly applies to the redundant port areas. Still, there is a need for converting old industrial areas to new functions, just as many detached housing areas in the suburbs may need revitalisation. Climate adaptation plays a part in handling these problems as it can contribute to attractive solutions.