Built environment
Sources of useful information on climate change adaptation regarding the Built Environment.
Existing buildings
The Nottingham Declaration website provides a useful overview of risks to premises from climate change (related to flooding, internal temperatures, ground conditions and soil stability), as well as some potential benefits (including reduced demand for heating, and reduced frost damage). It also provides advice on retrofitting.
London, the South East and East of England have published a guide to retrofitting existing homes called "Your home in a changing climate". The report is a high level summary report, aimed at influencing policy makers, funding agencies and suppliers. The report:
- identifies the main impacts of climate change on existing housing stock
- explains why retrofitting is necessary
- examines different types and tenures of existing domestic buildings
- outlines the main technologies, designs, appliances, installations and practices for retrofitting.
If you live in an older home, English Heritage provide advice on how climate change might affect your home and what approvals you need before making changes to your home.
New buildings
(See also the section on Planning.)
London, the South East and East of England have published guidance on designing developments in a changing climate called "Adapting to climate change: a checklist for development", and a case study companion to the checklist for development.
"Climate change adaptation by design: a guide for sustainable communities" has been published by the Town and Country Planning Association. The report illustrates adaptation options with practical examples under the main climate risks, including managing high temperatures, managing flood risks, managing water resources and water quality, and managing ground conditions.
A review titled "Climate change and innovation in house building: designing out risk" published by the NHBC Foundation, focuses on a range of issues associated with the changing patterns, systems and methods of construction in new homes which have, over time, changed the risk profile for lenders who are used to traditional construction. Climate change presents its own challenges for managing risk profiles. The report argues that many of the perceived risks can be addressed at the design stage, and it aims to increase confidence for lenders and insurers in understanding how risks can be minimised.
Sustainable drainage systems
Sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) can be included in new developments and retrofitted to existing drainage systems. SUDS play a role in flood prevention, but that is not their only benefit. The Environment Agency's introduction to SUDS states that SUDS are designed with three objectives in mind:
- to control the quantity and rate of surface water run-off from a development
- to improve the quality of the run-off
- to enhance the nature conservation, landscape and amenity value of the site and its surroundings.
The Environment Agency website provides lots of information on SUDS techniques, policy and planning guidance.
Green roofs
Green roofs can be included in new developments and retrofitted to existing buildings. The Living Roofs website lists the benefits of green roofs, which include:
- a reduction in the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect
- support for biodiversity
- reducing water run-off
- improving the quality of water run-off
- regulating indoor temperatures
- improving air quality
- providing amenity space.
The Living Roofs website also provides information on green roof types, perceived barriers to installing green roofs, training courses, policy and research.
Nottingham Trent University has installed one of the largest green roofs in the country. To read a case study, see Climate East Midlands' publication "Weathering the storm: saving and making money in a changing climate", page 12.
Case studies relating to the Urban Heat Island effect can be found on the archived CABE website.
