Architects Take Note: The New Climate Change Committee Report Issues a Critical Wake-Up Call

Despite repeated warnings, the government and the building industry are not fully prepared for climate risks. Julia King, a crossbench peer, and the independent Climate Change Committee (CCC) have highlighted this concern. They emphasize that we need to adapt quickly, and we’re not ready for the challenges ahead.

Climate change isn’t just a dramatic scenario. We’re witnessing its effects today. For instance, April was the hottest and driest on record, following an exceptionally warm and wet winter. This erratic weather isn’t just a fluke; it signals a significant shift in our climate.

Those of us in the building sector need to take these signs seriously. The increasing temperatures and the looming risks should be a wake-up call.

When the Labour government took office, it promised to revitalize the nation during a time of fatigue. However, that promise has yet to translate into meaningful action. The CCC has criticized the government for not adequately preparing for rising temperatures and increased energy needs.

But there’s a silver lining. Last year marked the closure of the last coal-fired power station, and recent investments into offshore wind farms are steps toward a greener energy future. Still, the focus seems to rest too heavily on one sector instead of a holistic approach that encompasses all areas facing climate change.

While we lack a crystal ball, we can equip our buildings for the future by making them sturdy, adaptable, and efficient.

Buildings are long-lasting investments. Every choice we make today impacts future resilience. It’s essential to balance both adaptation and mitigation by focusing not just on new constructions but also on retrofitting old ones, embracing smart designs, and prioritizing sustainable building practices.

A significant portion of our homes—about 75%—were built before energy efficiency standards were implemented in the 1980s. By 2050, around 80% of existing buildings will already be standing. The government plans to construct 1.5 million new homes, but we must also prioritize improving our current building stock for resilience. This includes making homes cooler, reducing energy consumption, and addressing damp issues, ensuring our living spaces remain comfortable.

In areas prone to flooding, collaboration with the Environment Agency is crucial to exploring nature-based solutions that can protect communities and buildings from increasing risks.

We should also advocate for reusing buildings rather than demolishing them. This approach is not just environmentally sound; there’s a social aspect as well. Over 250,000 homes are currently empty. Revitalizing them could alleviate the housing crisis and help the government achieve its goals.

Envisioning what life will be like in 60 years is challenging. Yet, as architects and engineers, we need to think about how our buildings will adapt to future climates. We can design structures that are durable, flexible, and high-performing, ensuring they withstand the test of time.

To succeed, climate adaptation should take center stage in every design decision. It should surpass mere regulatory compliance, aesthetics, or cost considerations. Focusing on long-term resilience is key to a building’s performance and value.

We don’t need more studies to tell us what needs to be done. We need bold leadership and immediate action from both government and the industry. Now isn’t the time for retreating from climate commitments to appease critics.

As we look towards future reports from the CCC, let’s hope they reflect a positive shift—one where the building sector leads the charge in climate resilience.

Alexander Buck is a sustainability expert at Buckley Gray Yeoman.

For further insights, visit the CCC’s report on climate adaptation.

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