As the number of people living in urban areas continues to increase, so too does the world’s average temperature and the more frequent and extreme weather events that come with it. In fact, thanks in part to the urban heat island phenomena, cities and urban populations are particularly vulnerable to increasingly extreme weather events and impacts of climate change.
As the European Commission looks to develop a new integrated framework for climate resilience and risk management, it must ensure that our cities are future proofed against the climate of tomorrow.
A good place to start is with our built environment.
Buildings have a huge potential to make our cities more climate resilient. But unlocking this potential requires that we take a holistic approach to building design and renovation. That means maximising energy efficiency through smart renovations and optimised building envelopes. It also means installing efficient and cost-effective technologies capable of providing residents with year-round comfort.
While making our buildings more energy efficient will prevent unwanted heat transfer and help reduce the urban heat island effect, the benefits of a holistic approach to building design don’t stop there. For example, by leveraging nature-based solutions like green roofs and terraces, we can help cool a building’s exterior, add to a city’s greenspace, and provide some much-needed shade on a hot summer day. Beyond keeping cities and citizens cool, nature-based solutions also act as natural sponges, soaking up water during downpours to help prevent flooding while also supporting a city’s water resource management– key aspects that should be taken into consideration for the upcoming Water Resilience Strategy.
When we design and renovate our buildings to be greener and more efficient, the net result is a more climate-resilient city – one capable of safeguarding Europe’s security and prosperity, boosting its competitiveness, and protecting the health and well-being of its citizens for years to come.
Shiraz Dromi Zernitsky
Group Public & Regulatory Affairs Director
Knauf Insulation