Evaluation of environmental risks and adaptation measures of new buildings in Finland

Abstract

Climate change has caused a two-degree increase in temperature in Finland since the early 20th century. All climate change scenarios indicate that rainfall events and total precipitation will rise across the country. A climate vulnerability risk assessment was conducted on 54 buildings completed in the last five years as part of the EU’s taxonomy criteria. These buildings were constructed according to current codes and include mostly apartment buildings, as well as hotels, office buildings, schools, and kindergartens. The assessed vulnerability risks were related to temperature, wind, water, and soil mass. Chronic and acute hazards were evaluated in present and projected future climate according to RCP8.5 2050. Despite being no more than five years old, the evaluated buildings exhibited several environmental risks. The most significant risks for residential buildings, even in the present climate, are thermal stresses and heatwaves, which will increase the interior temperatures too high during the summer. Wind-driven rain presents significant risks to external wall assemblies, roofs, and various roof terraces for most evaluated buildings. Several structures and details used in these buildings were inadequate in terms of building physical performance, allowing water leakage inside without sufficient drying capabilities.