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CLIMATE RESILIENCE


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Engineering consultancy Ramboll explains the importance of building climate resilience planning into businesses to prepare for the continuing trend towards extreme weather


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ften we think of extreme weather events as monsoons or tornadoes and therefore something that the UK simply doesn’t have to worry about. However, recent weather events have had a significant


impact on UK infrastructure, businesses and supply chains. Building climate resilience planning into businesses, both big and small, is crucial, as the accumulated cost can be huge, resulting in significant impact to the economy. Here, Bram Miller, technical director at Ramboll,


and the company’s principal consultant, Sarah Winne, provide more insight into climate resilience and why it is important for UK businesses to properly assess the risks posed by climate events.


A YEAR OF EXTREMES This year has already seen more than its fair share of extreme weather. This summer caught the country in the midst of a prolonged spell of very hot weather, which was on the back of a long dry spell. This follows some of the heaviest snowfalls in many years, much later in the year than we would normally expect. The costs that events like these have on businesses are clear, with some economic analysts estimating that this winter’s “beast from the east” was likely the most costly weather event since 2010, according to The Guardian newspaper. Those who are operating businesses, sites and


equipment of all types must identify and manage the significant risks posed by extreme weather. For example, hot weather can be a problem for the welfare and safety of staff and customers, can reduce the efficiencies of plant and machinery or even render testing procedures invalid. Heavy rainfall, on the other hand, can cause flooding, with clear dangers to people, property and equipment.


❱❱ The continuing trend towards unexpected heatwaves and other extreme weather events is driving a pressing need for businesses to consider climate resilience, says Bram Miller of Ramboll (above)


RESILIENT DESIGN It is essential that processes and facilities are designed to be resilient and operate within realistic climatic parameters, while noting the climate is changing and these parameters are often more extreme. For example, the UK is already experiencing hotter, drier summers and more intense rainfall throughout the year; trends that are predicted to carry on. Other parts of the world, such as sub-Saharan Africa, are recording very significant changes in their climate, with reliable seasons a thing of the past. Those designing and operating equipment and


facilities must account for extreme weather, particularly regarding design life. Any design life beyond about 20 years definitely warrants consideration of future as well as current conditions. Open-source advice is available from sources such as the UK Climate Projections website and The Met Office website to help identify the risks and establish the options to help manage them, while companies such as Ramboll offer tailored support to businesses.


OPPORTUNITIES It is also worth noting that, for some businesses, extreme weather and climate change may present an opportunity. For example, ever greater awareness and focus on climate might allow the chance to develop climate monitoring systems. Businesses may also be viewed as early movers on climate change – those that improve their climate resilience and prepare for extreme weather events in advance could have a competitive advantage over others. Whatever your attitude to climate change, the


unseasonable UK weather this year clearly shows that this island does not always live up to its rainy reputation. The case for preparing for more extreme weather is becoming increasingly convincing. EE


September 2018 /// Environmental Engineering /// 27


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