Adaptation for Climate Resilience: Non-Domestic Buildings

This guide builds upon stage three of the four-stage model presented in the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap: prepare and adapt. It explores practical adaptation measures that can be applied to non-domestic buildings now.

Climate Change Adaptation Resilient Buildings Guidance

As climate change continues to affect the built environment, it is clear that buildings can be our frontline defence in protecting people, communities and organisations from increasing climate risks. Many existing assets were designed for historic weather patterns and are already being challenged by more frequent and severe climate hazards. The consequences can be far-reaching, affecting occupant health and wellbeing, disrupting operations, and increasing financial risk.

To develop this guide, workshops were held to gather insights from building owners, asset managers and consultants on which adaptation measures would be most effective for improving the resilience of an average non-domestic building against flooding, storms, overheating and drought. The guide considers the scale of intervention needed to implement the adaptation measures; optimisation, light retrofit and deep retrofit.