New research published
Our latest report for NHBC Foundation into ClimateChange and Construction was published 31/07/2026. Authored by Suzanne Davenport, this report brings together the latest climate science, expert insight and practical guidance to help construction professionals prepare for increasingly unpredictable weather. Publication link.
Climate change is no longer a future challenge for the construction industry. More frequent extreme heat, heavy rainfall and prolonged dry spells are already affecting how new homes are built, impacting safety, quality, productivity and costs.
The report explores:
how climate change is affecting construction across the UK
the impact of extreme weather on construction quality, programmes, materials and costs
the risks to worker health, safety and wellbeing
practical guidance and checklists for site managers to prepare for extreme weather
resilient construction solutions, technologies and techniques to improve climate adaptation on site.
Following a summer of exceptional temperatures, unprecedented sunshine and record dryness, our report for NHBC Foundation explores the effects of our changing climate on construction.
Author Suzanne Davenport says:
“This research was an exercise in putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and calling on industry contacts who shared experience and expertise generously. The resulting report combines climate science, stakeholder and industry insights and practical guidance for site managers.”
The report begins with a deep dive into Met Office stats for the last decade, with a glossary setting the context of climate change, mitigation and adaptation and tipping points. If you didn’t need reminding by looking out the window, the stats – characterised by frequent records, shifting baselines and temperature and rainfall extremes – show climate change is a challenge for today.
Practical checklists for site managers are a key output of the report and are free to download from NHBC Foundation. Produced alongside Fortis Facades and their SITE-MET free adverse weather warning tech, the checklists provide practical guidance to prepare for extreme weather and keep workers safe, covering: Flooding, Dust storm, Cold wave, Fog, Heat wave, High wind, Storm, Torrential rain.
