CLIMATE CHANGE

The effects of change in our climate could affect the way we design our new buildings and maintain the existing ones.

With predictions for the north of the U.K. of a 10% increase in wind speeds and 11% increase in severe winter gales and 15% for summer windstorms then, if the forecasters are correct, this will have to be accommodated in the future designs, with longer building life spans and more aero dynamically efficient structures.

The free market will probably decide how these changes are introduced as mortgage lenders and insurers will require some form of reassurance as to their risks and could introduce a building MOT before giving cover. Therefore, when planning buildings, don’t forget to think of likely future changes.