Supporting a resilient future for the built environment with the Eurocodes

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has recently published its final European Climate Risk Assessment (EUCRA) report, shedding light on the growing climate risks faced by Europe. The report, now available on the EEA website, aims to raise awareness and promote actions to enhance Europe's resilience in the face of these challenges.

One key aspect covered in the European Climate Risk Assessment (EUCRA) report is the impact of climate change on the built environment. The EUCRA report highlights the importance of assessing and addressing climate risks in infrastructure, buildings, and urban areas. It references the Eurocodes, as well as the JRC Technical Reports presenting the work and guidance related to climate change adaptation. In particular, the second generation of Eurocodes will take into account climate change impact on structural design and aims to enhance the resilience of structures against extreme weather events in a changing climate.

The thematic factsheet on the built environment focuses on the impact of climate change on buildings and infrastructure in Europe. It highlights key climate risks for the built environment, such as damage from extreme weather events and risks to human wellbeing. The factsheet emphasizes the need for investment in climate-proof design for new structures and retrofitting of existing buildings. It also mentions the importance of EU policies, including updating construction standards and European datasets, to address climate risks in the built environment. The factsheet emphasizes the interconnected nature of the built environment with other sectors and systems, such as water security, health facilities, critical infrastructure, and biodiversity. It calls for comprehensive risk management and spatial planning to better adapt to the hazards posed by climate change.

The EUCRA report emphasizes the need for policymakers, planners, and stakeholders to consider climate risks when designing and implementing infrastructure projects. By integrating climate resilience measures into construction practices, Europe can better adapt to changing climate conditions and minimize the potential damages caused by extreme weather events. To further disseminate the findings of the EUCRA report, the EEA has launched an updated webpage on Climate-ADAPT (EUCRA on Climate-ADAPT), and the EUCRA executive summary is now accessible in additional languages: French, German and Polish, providing a broader reach for its findings and recommendations.