As the climate changes globally and locally, the built environment will be subject to different climatic exposure than in the past. Adaptation measures are required to ensure the long-term integrity and successful operation of the built environment. This study examines literature on climate adaptation measures for buildings through a scoping literature review. It is centered around the main journals in the field of climate adaptation of the built environment, then expanded to map the extent of scientific publications about climate adaptation in general. Studies that regard future climate scenarios have been of particular interest. The majority of the identified literature concerns climate change impacts on buildings in warm climates, with overheating being seen as the greatest challenge. Additionally, few empirical studies are found; most identified research is based on computer simulations or literature reviews. The volume of research on the consequences of climate change on buildings in cold regions is surprisingly small, considering the pecuniary stakes involved. The predictions of climate scenarios suggest regulatory/policy measures on climate adaptation should be taken as quickly as possible to avoid greater costs in the future. However, further research into future scenarios is also essential.

External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) with Rendering are widely used in both rehabilitation and new building projects, even in areas with harsh climates such as the western regions of Norway. However, we have seen extensive cases of defects involving such systems. This paper presents a comprehensive review of Norwegian experiences regarding the durability of ETICS on walls. The presented results are based on building research conducted by SINTEF 61 as well as 30 accelerated climatic laboratory experiments over the last 25 years on similar façade systems. These systems generally perform satisfactorily if thoroughly designed and carefully erected. However, according to the survey, the systems are not very robust. Even minor errors in design techniques and/or craftsmanship can lead to rendering defects. The investigations clearly show that ETICS is particularly vulnerable when exposed to severe driving rain conditions. ETICS provides only a single-stage protection against wind and precipitation and do not dry effectively after being wetted. Hence, the resultant cracks and other rendering weaknesses could be disastrous, enabling moisture to penetrate into the thermal insulation and the wall behind. In areas with heavy driving rain, we recommend façade solutions erected in accordance with the principle of two-stage tightening rather than ETICS.

Green and blue-green roofs are emerging as an increasingly popular feature of rooftops, particularly in urban areas. Particular problematic conditions render their usage complex in the Nordic countries. In order to ensure that green roofs are built durable and with the service life expected of them, it is important to know all the relevant factors surrounding their construction and operation. A scoping study was conducted in order to gain an overview on green roof research and available scientific literature. One hundred articles of particular interest for Nordic climates were retrieved and their findings summarized. It is found that the vast majority of green roof research has been conducted on a theoretical basis, or with practical measurements on green roof test beds or isolated components. There is scarcely any literature on the operation of full-scale, building-implemented green roofs, and no articles were found on the building technical performance of aged green roofs. These knowledge gaps indicate a major risk factor in green roof operation, as their performance and integrity over time has not been documented. This despite the fact that green roofs have been implemented and in operation worldwide for decades.

The relationship between building materials, structures and climate is complex and there is an urgent need for more accurate methods to assess building performance. For example, the lifetime of wooden cladding is strongly dependent on the local-level climatic impact. A national map of the potential for decay in wood structures in Norway is presented based on Scheffer's climate index formula. Weather data are used from 115 observing stations for the reference 30-year period 1961–90. The climate index distribution allows for geographically differentiated guidelines on protective measures. Detailed scenarios for climate change for selected locations in Norway are used to provide an indication of the possible future development of decay rates. Climate indices allowing for the quantitative assessment of building enclosure performance may be an important element in the development of adaptation measures to meet the future risks of climate change in different parts of the world. Established quantified relations between climatic impact and material behaviour or building performance can be used as a tool for the evaluation of the need for changes in functional requirements. The presented work represents an example of a first step towards such measures. Ways to improve the reliability of the index further are also suggested. Les relations qui existent entre les matériaux de construction, les structures et le climat sont complexes et il est urgent de disposer de méthodes plus précises pour évaluer les performances des bâtiments. Ainsi, la durée de vie d'un revêtement en bois est étroitement liée à l'impact du climat au niveau local. En Norvège, sur la base de la formule de l'indice climatique de Scheffer, on a dressé une carte nationale des risques de dégradation des structures en bois. Cent quinze stations d'observation ont fourni des données météorologiques pour la période de référence de 30 ans de 1961 à 1990. La distribution de l'indice climatique permet de rédiger des directives différenciées en fonction de la géographie concernant les mesures de protection. Des scénarios détaillés relatifs au changement climatique pour des sites sélectionnés en Norvège servent à donner une indication de l'évolution possible des taux de dégradation. Les indices climatiques permettant de procéder à une évaluation quantitative des performances des enveloppes de bâtiments peuvent être un élément important dans la formulation de mesures d'adaptation afin de répondre aux risques futurs des changements climatiques dans différentes parties du monde. Les relations quantifiées établies entre l'impact climatique et le comportement des matériaux et les performances des bâtiments peuvent être utilisées comme outils pour évaluer la nécessité de modifier les exigences fonctionnelles. Le travail présenté dans cet article est un exemple d'une première étape vers de telles mesures. L'auteur suggère également des voies afin d'améliorer encore davantage la fiabilité des indices. Mots clés: enveloppes des bâtiments, performance des bâtiments, adaptation climatique, changements climatiques, risques de dégradation, structures en bois, Norvège