New construction

Constructing today’s new buildings for the climate of the future

New construction planned and built today can last 50 to 100 years. Depending on the nature and qualities of the constructions, it may be even longer. Thus, with great certainty, the expected effects of climate change will expose them to more extreme weather phenomena during the construction’s lifetime.

Climate change will challenge construction in several different ways. The constructions may have exposure to stronger or longer-lasting storms and greater snow loads. Building envelope, terrain, and drainage installations must divert large amounts of rain and meltwater. Furthermore, stronger UV radiation in summer and milder, wetter winters can accelerate the breakdown of organic building materials, and the more humid weather in winter will affect the indoor climate. So will more frequent and more prolonged heat waves in the summer.

The Danish Building Regulations will be continuously adapted to changes in climate conditions, as any tightening of the general requirements will always occur in a balance with possible costly effects on construction. In addition, developers and their advisers are responsible for dealing independently with specific climate issues concerning building projects.

Overall, climate change brings more unpredictability and some increased risks. At the start of any new construction project, it may be relevant to carry out an initial screening and risk analysis, which, concerning probable climate events, can identify the conditions needing particular attention in the current construction.

When designing and projecting, considering the future clime can help to handle climate-related issues in the best and cheapest way possible. Doing this requires a plan with prioritised objectives concerning the focal points identified during the screening to be made early in the planning process. From this plan, it is possible to formulate proposals for means of action and strategies to work with when finding the best solutions during the planning process. At the same time, it provides the basis for continuously checking through the detailing of the project to determine compliance with the objectives, just as in DANSKE ARK’s paradigm for sustainable planning.

Ensuring the preparation of today’s buildings for the climates of the future is a matter that involves all parties. It requires consideration and care from clients who sets the requirements, architects who must have this in mind in the design, the engineers who do the construction project, and the artisans who must exercise care in the execution.

The subpages below present what to remember when planning new constructions for the future climate. Most points are also relevant to include when planning major renovations.