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Contractors face another challenge in their profession, and it’s building homes and commercial structures that can withstand the effects of climate change. With the continuous warming of the planet, rising sea levels and extreme weather, how can they increase the climate resilience of future infrastructures?
Some older infrastructures might hold out against environmental challenges, but not the severe throes of climate change. Over the years, global temperatures have increased — architects who designed houses in the last 50 years or so could have discounted the future climate conditions and associated risks.
The 10 warmest years have been recorded in the past decade, from 2014 to 2023. Last year was the hottest period. How does this elevated temperature affect humans and their homes?
Snow is melting faster, causing the swift rise of the sea levels. Animal and plant habitats are changing. These downsides create the harshest hurricanes, snows and summers ever existed in history, compromising the safety of people living in homes not built to resist climate change.
Sustainability is a key feature of climate change resilient housing. Professionals can construct buildings that repel environmental challenges by choosing suitable materials and deploying energy-efficient technologies. These structures contribute the least carbon footprint to the atmosphere, delaying climate change. Here are strategies contractors can employ to enhance a building’s resilience.
A climate change resilient home should be compact in shape and runs long from east to west. About 40%-50% of the glass area must face south to get the most access to natural daylight. Fewer windows in the east and walls in the west can limit exposure to intense heat during noon.
This design uses passive architecture. The concept is to match the home’s orientation, size and location with the local climate to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature regardless of the outside weather. It capitalizes on the sun, wind and natural shades to reduce the energy required for heating and cooling.
Building materials from the earth are known for their durability and ability to resist external pressures. Using them for construction has several upsides for the residents and the environment.
For example, cork is a naturally insulating material that makes excellent walls, regulating interior temperature with less electricity consumed. It can also absorb shock and noise and reduce the unnecessary sounds inside the home. An excellent material for flooring is terrazzo, a composite of natural marble, granite and stones in epoxy resin. It’s durable enough to endure harsh climates and lasts 40 years.
Builders can make the home energy-efficient in several ways, such as switching to renewable sources for electricity.
Insulated windows are another significant feature of climate change resilient housing. Modern double pane windows can resist the strikes of strong winds during major hurricanes, rarely cracking. At the same time, they can keep you warm or cool throughout the seasons.
Energy-star-rated windows have climate zone ratings certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council to make the most sense for your local climate, whether your area is prone to strong winds or heavy snows. These options are your best bet for increasing your home’s weather resistance.
Climate change has worsened drought. Water from the soil evaporates more quickly, drying out the crops. A greywater system is one of the best examples of climate resilient infrastructure to counter drought.
A whopping 884 million people lack access to clean water. By installing pipes that redirect used water from the washer, sink, and tub to the garden or lawn, you can increase your home’s resistance to drought and help people without access to this resource by conserving scarce freshwater. Doing this also ensures you don’t overuse more than your share.
Contractors can incorporate advanced methods to promote sustainable and robust infrastructures. In addition to the options above, loading the roofs with greens can upgrade the interior’s insulation and save on energy bills. Using asphalt and porous materials in walkways allows stormwater to seep into the soil and irrigate the plants instead of causing runoff. You can divert greywater to a constructed wetland lined with various plant species. These greens can improve air quality in the surrounding area.
Increasing temperatures are putting pressure on builders to create infrastructures that can become safe havens against climate threats. Fortunately, switching to sustainable materials and solutions can make buildings more climate resilient.
