Existing buildings

Renovation and operation

Over the coming decades, the climate will expose our existing buildings to conditions not foreseen when planned and built. Extreme weather situations such as cloudbursts, violent storms, blizzards, and storm surges, which we have all experienced in recent years, will occur more frequently and violently.

There is good reason to carry out preventive or remedial measures for buildings that have proven vulnerable to storms and floods. The Building Act and the Building Regulations usually only apply to new construction. Existing buildings are thus only subject to the regulations in force at their construction. However, the individual building owner is responsible for maintaining the building so it is safe.

Attention to the building’s condition and vulnerability to extreme weather is integral to ongoing maintenance. Similarly, climate adaptation should be included on equal terms with other parameters when planning to renovate existing buildings and structures, which can reduce costs over the building’s lifetime. Qualitative climate adaptations can raise the quality of buildings and outdoor areas.

A general recommendation is to carry out an initial screening and risk analysis that can identify critical climate change conditions that need special attention in connection with the planned renovation. On that basis, it is possible to weigh up and prioritise efforts, and then choose the tools and initiatives that may be relevant.

Climate adaptation should be a central focus area in urban renewal, in the transformation of residential areas, and in the future-proofing of public buildings. When properly thought out, it can contribute positively to the renewal with new qualities.

The report ‘Climate adaptation of older public multi-storey buildings’ by the housing organization KAB, describes various solutions adapted to buildings from different periods, which can serve as inspiration also outside the public housing sector. The report accessible below also contains a solution catalogue with specific cases.