Climate resilience and adaptation

What do we mean when we say climate resilience and adaptation?

Because of climate change, our homes and neighbourhoods are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, such as flooding or heatwaves. The places where we live therefore must be designed and delivered to be climate resilient and to minimise their impact on the natural environment in the long term. To mitigate climate change, our homes and neighbourhoods should provide us with the opportunity to live more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyles with ease.

The impact that our buildings, and in particular our homes, have on the environment is an important factor to consider. This includes energy efficiency and carbon emissions associated with the use of the building, along with the energy used in construction, toxic materials and measures to reduce water use and recycle waste. These are vital for the health of the planet, which of course will impact everyone’s quality of life.

Communities have the potential to lead on climate action locally, bringing together residents to address mitigation and adaptation challenges. [58] In addition to communities leading on recycling, composting and other local forms of mitigation, wider greening and more strategic, urban-scale climate change mitigation and adaptation steps must be led by government and councils.

How does this affect health and wellbeing?

Decisions taken at a neighbourhood scale, like the amount of green space, influence the community’s potential responses and resilience to climate shocks and stresses.[59] In addition, group identity and a sense of belonging within a community and neighbourhood, have been evidenced to encourage participation in neighbourhood-based collective action around climate change.[60]

An often overlooked quality defining our wellbeing is our relationship with land and local built heritage. Climate change threatens the conservation of our built heritage and could lead to accelerated degradation or loss of cultural heritage [61] via climate-related hazards that put communities at risk.

Nature-based solutions are a key method for adapting to the impacts of climate change, whilst protecting and enhancing biodiversity, and acting as carbon sinks in some circumstances. [62] Nature-based solutions can take many forms including green roofs and other forms of greening such as street trees for carbon sequestration. Natural forms of shading and cooling of buildings can lead to less energy needed for cooling and heating buildings. [63] In addition, energy efficiency measures, if used correctly and equitably, can help reduce emissions and energy bills, improve health and wellbeing, and help tackle fuel poverty.[64]

The UK has some of the oldest housing stock in the world with one fifth being built pre-1919. Since this housing stock represents 80% of the homes needed for 2050, [65] retrofitting presents one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy consumption and carbon production. The Global Centre on Healthcare and Urbanisation says that “Modelling suggests that using efficiency measures to achieve a 25% reduction in energy use by 2035 would save households an annual
average of £270 and create over 60,000 new jobs. There may also be tangible benefits to occupant health: the NHS could save an estimated 42p for every £1 spent on effectively retrofitting fuel poor home”. [66]

Case study

Connection to nature: The Phoenix, Lewes

The Phoenix is a planned development that will deliver a significant 7.9 hectare regeneration project in Lewes, East Sussex. It aims to transform a former brownfield site into a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community. Located on the banks of the River Ouse, this mixed-use development is set to revitalise the area by introducing new homes, workspaces, retail, and community facilities while preserving the town’s historic charm and enhancing its connection to the natural landscape.

Brought forward by development company Human Nature, the development’s vision is rooted in sustainability and healthier living, with plans to deliver up to 700 new homes, including affordable housing options to cater to a wide range of residents. The design emphasises low-carbon construction, energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources, reflecting the commitment to reducing environmental impact.