Climate change and evolving risks

Climate change is altering the environmental conditions to which buildings are exposed, increasing the frequency and severity of many traditional building hazards. Understanding these evolving risks is becoming increasingly important when assessing existing buildings, planning adaptation measures, and managing the long-term performance of the built environment.

In this module we explore how climate change is influencing the risks affecting buildings, including overheating, subsidence, wind-driven rain, flooding, storms, insect activity, water availability, and wildfires. The session examines the mechanisms behind these hazards and considers how changing environmental conditions may alter the way buildings perform over time.

The module also considers the implications of these emerging risks for building professionals and the importance of recognising climate-related vulnerabilities during building investigations. Emphasis is placed on understanding how a changing climate is reshaping building performance and the need to improve resilience within both existing and future building stock.