Is the construction industry climate-ready?
A FEW days ago, I was invited to give a brief presentation to the project management team of First Balfour Inc. on the topic: “Are we climate-ready? Impacts to the Construction Industry.” First Balfour Inc., with the mission to forge collaborative pathways to a decarbonized and regenerative future, is one of the leading solution provider companies that delivers world-class engineering and construction services.
The construction industry is significantly impacted by climate change in various ways.
Because of their projected increase in frequency and intensity, extreme weather events such as hurricanes, storms, floods and heat waves can disrupt construction projects, damage their infrastructure, delay schedules and increase costs due to repairs and retrofits.
They disrupt work schedules, damaging equipment and materials, and hindering transportation and logistics. Heavy rainfall can saturate construction sites, making excavation and foundation work difficult or unsafe, while high winds can pose risks to workers and equipment.
They can lead to cost overruns for construction projects due to delays, repairs and additional expenses associated with mitigating weather-related damage. Builders may incur costs for repairing storm damage, replacing damaged materials and implementing protective measures against future weather events, such as reinforcing structures, installing storm shutters or elevating buildings above flood levels.
Extreme weather events can also damage construction sites, buildings and infrastructure, leading to structural failures, property damage and disruption of essential services. Floods can inundate roads, bridges and utilities, while high winds can damage roofs, windows and exterior cladding. Infrastructure resilience measures such as flood barriers, stormwater drainage systems and wind-resistant building design can help mitigate damage and enhance resilience to extreme weather events.
Extreme weather events can increase insurance costs for construction projects, as insurers may adjust premiums and deductibles to reflect heightened risks associated with climate-related hazards.
Rising sea levels due to climate change pose significant risks to coastal construction projects and infrastructure. They increase the risk of flooding and inundation of coastal infrastructure like roads, bridges, ports, airports and utilities. Infrastructure built in low-lying coastal areas becomes more susceptible to damage from storm surges, high tides and coastal erosion, leading to increased maintenance costs, disruptions to transportation networks, and potential loss of life and property.
Architects, engineers and builders must consider the potential impacts of sea level rise in designing and constructing buildings and structures in coastal areas. They may include elevating buildings above projected flood levels, incorporating flood-resistant materials and construction techniques, and designing drainage and stormwater management systems to mitigate flood risks.
Sea level rise
Sea level rise exacerbates coastal erosion and sediment loss, threatening beaches, dunes and coastal habitats. The construction industry’s implementation of shoreline protection measures such as seawalls, revetments, beach nourishment and dune restoration can stabilize coastlines, reduce erosion and protect coastal infrastructure and communities from wave action and storm surges.
Existing infrastructure in coastal areas may require adaptation and retrofitting to address the impacts of sea level rise. This could involve raising roads and bridges, upgrading stormwater drainage systems, retrofitting buildings with flood barriers and waterproofing measures, and relocating critical infrastructure away from flood-prone areas.
Temperature increases affect materials, work conditions, project planning and infrastructure resilience. They can affect the performance and durability of construction materials, such as concrete, asphalt, steel and wood. Higher temperatures can accelerate the curing process of concrete, leading to reduced strength and durability if not properly managed.
They can increase energy consumption for construction projects, particularly during hot weather conditions. Air-conditioning, ventilation and cooling systems may be required to maintain comfortable working conditions for construction workers.
They can affect construction sites’ productivity and efficiency by making physical labor more challenging and reducing worker morale and motivation. Extreme heat may need work schedule adjustments, like starting work earlier in the morning or working later in the evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize heat-related risks and optimize productivity.
Temperature increases can impact the resilience and longevity of infrastructure systems, such as roads, bridges, buildings and utilities. They can exacerbate thermal expansion and contraction of materials, leading to increased wear and tear, maintenance costs and the need for climate-resilient design and construction practices to enhance durability and performance.
Climate change adaptation and mitigation measures are increasingly being integrated into building codes, zoning regulations and environmental standards. Regulatory changes may subject construction projects to new requirements and regulations related to climate resilience, energy efficiency, emissions reduction and environmental sustainability, influencing project design, permitting and compliance processes.
The construction industry holds immense potential to drive positive change in our world. It is time that it rises to the challenge, be climate-ready, embrace sustainability and build a better, greener and more sustainable future for all.
The author (ludwig.federigan@gmail.com) is the executive director of the Young Environmental Forum and a nonresident fellow of Stratbase ADR Institute. He completed a climate change and development course at the University of East Anglia (UK) and an executive program on sustainability leadership at Yale University (USA).