It’s clear Australia’s climate is changing. This is leading to rising temperatures as well as increased frequency of natural disasters such as floods and bushfires. Therefore, construction practices must swiftly adapt to mitigate these impacts on communities.

So what are the effects of climate change, and how can construction practices help address these?

What risks does climate change present?

Climate change poses several risks to lives and property. These include:

· Increased bushfire risk: Bushfires can threaten homes, infrastructure and habitats.
· Flooding events: Urban areas built in flood-prone areas are especially vulnerable to the possibility of flooding.
· Heatwaves: Rising temperatures associated with heatwaves have increased the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This can pose serious health risks to the elderly and young children.
· Sea level rise: Low-lying coastal areas are increasingly vulnerable to flooding and saltwater intrusion.
· Water scarcity: Reduced rainfall and higher temperatures resulting in increased evaporation have led to increasing water scarcity issues.

How to minimise the effects of climate change

There are several practices that can be incorporated during construction to reduce the impact of changing temperatures. These include:

Orientation and shading

Buildings should be positioned so that they capture maximum sunlight in winter and minimise direct exposure to sunlight in summer.

In colder months, buildings that face towards the northern hemisphere will receive more sunlight. In summer, features such as eaves, awnings, and vegetation can help to reduce the amount of heat inside a building.

Insulation

Insulation can help to maintain stable indoor temperatures and reduce energy demand for heating and cooling. To maximise energy efficiency, use insulation made from high-quality materials such as fibreglass, cellulose and foam boards.

Insulation can prevent heat loss during winter and reduce heat gain during summer.
Therefore, by well-insulating a building, you can reduce its reliance on heating and cooling, lowering both its operational costs and its impact on the environment.

Natural Ventilation

Natural ventilation can improve air circulation and indoor air quality without relying on mechanical heating and cooling systems. It allows building users to take advantage of natural breezes, especially in temperate and coastal regions.

Windows should be strategically positioned on the opposite side of a building to openings. This ensures the movement of fresh air throughout an indoor space. Operable windows allow users to adjust airflow based on the season and temperature.

Climate Resilient Infrastructure

Infrastructure should be resilient to extreme weather events. Some examples include:

· Flood mitigation: Buildings in flood-prone areas should be elevated.
· Bushfire prevention: Buildings should be conducted using fire-resistant materials. Effective landscaping can also create defensible spaces around buildings.
· Heat stress mitigation: Incorporating features such as green roofs, cool pavements, and shading structures can help to reduce the effects of urban heat islands.

Water management and efficiency

· Rainwater harvesting: Where possible, buildings should collect and store rainwater for non-potable uses such as irrigation and toilet flushing
· Water efficient fixtures: By installing low-flow faucets, toilets and showers, you can reduce your water consumption indoors.
· Grey water recycling: Buildings should treat and re-use water from sinks, showers and washing machines for landscape irrigation.

Choice of materials

Your choice of building materials will enhance sustainability and durability. For best results, choose:

· Recycled and recyclable materials: Use concrete, steel and timber products made from recycled materials.
· Low Carbon footprint materials: Where possible, choose materials that produce low carbon emissions. These include bamboo, straw bales and rammed earth
· High durability materials: Fire, moisture and pest-resistant materials will improve building longevity and reduce maintenance costs.

Australia’s climate is changing and our buildings must be ready. Therefore, Australia’s building practices must adapt to reflect this.

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Article References

Wunderbuild (5 July 2024) ‘Adapting to Climate Change: Resilient Building Solutions for Australian Communities’, Wunderbuild, accessed 11 November 2024.