Designing for Resilience: Safeguarding Built Environments Against Climate Change29 January 2025
On January 24, 2025, Storm Éowyn unleashed a recorded gust of 114 mph (183 km/h) at Mace Head, County Galway, marking one of several record-breaking weather phenomena associated with this devastating storm. The event resulted in widespread destruction, tragic loss of life, and severe disruption of critical infrastructure. Approximately 35% of Ireland's population experienced electrical outages, and around 138,000 individuals lost access to water due to power failures at treatment plants, with restoration efforts projected to span 7–10 days.
This destructive event underscores the urgent necessity of resilient building design, as climate science unequivocally predicts the increasing frequency and intensity of such storms. Rising global temperatures will lead to a warmer Atlantic Ocean, greater atmospheric moisture retention, altered circulation patterns, and more severe weather systems affecting Ireland. Architects and planners must prioritize sustainable and adaptive strategies to fortify buildings and infrastructure against the escalating impacts of climate change.
As climate change intensifies, the built environment faces unprecedented challenges. From extreme heatwaves to flooding and storms, the impact of climate-related risks on buildings is both immediate and long-term. For investors, developers, and managers of commercial real estate - ranging from data centres and high-density residential developments to prestigious hotels, office buildings, and healthcare facilities - the need to future-proof assets has never been more important.
We recognise that resilience isn’t just about weatherproofing structures. It’s about designing innovative, sustainable, and adaptable buildings that meet today’s demands while preparing for the uncertainties of tomorrow.
Understanding the Risks
Climate change affects different regions in varied ways, but no geography is immune. Northern Europe, where MCA has been delivering state-of-the-art data centres, is already seeing increased risks of flooding and storms. Central and Southern European countries, where we are expanding, are grappling with the rising intensity of heatwaves. Even the UK, where nuclear power, along with continuing innovation in the renewables, are driving new growth in the data centre sector, faces its share of climate risks, including coastal erosion and rising sea levels.
For investors and developers, these risks translate into potential operational disruptions, higher operational costs, decreased asset value and potential reputational damage if resilience isn’t built into design and construction.
Architectural Approaches to Resilience
Designing resilient buildings involves far more than compliance with local building codes. It requires a proactive, forward-thinking approach that integrates climate science, innovative materials, and advanced engineering techniques. Here are some key architectural strategies the MCA team employ to future-proof buildings:
1. Flood Mitigation
Flooding is one of the most significant risks to commercial properties, especially data centres and high-density developments. MCA incorporates:
- Elevated Structures: Designing critical infrastructure, like data halls or building services, above flood-prone zones.
- Permeable Landscapes: Introducing bioswales, green roofs, and rain gardens to manage stormwater naturally and reduce surface runoff.
- Flood Barriers: Deploying automated or passive flood defences, ensuring business continuity in extreme weather events.
2. Heatwave Resilience
Central and Southern Europe’s rising temperatures demand robust cooling strategies, particularly for office developments and energy-intensive buildings like data centres. MCA’s solutions include:
- Passive Cooling: Incorporating cross-ventilation, thermal mass, and shading devices to minimise heat gain.
- Reflective Materials: Utilising light-coloured roofing and façades to reduce solar absorption.
- Green Infrastructure: Integrating trees, vertical gardens, and green roofs to lower ambient temperatures and enhance biodiversity.
3. Storm Resistance
High winds and storms threaten structural integrity, particularly in northern Europe. MCA prioritises:
- Reinforced Structures: Employing wind-resistant materials and design techniques to withstand severe weather.
- Secure Cladding and Roofing Systems: Ensuring façades and roofs are durable, reducing risks of damage during high winds.
- Backup Power Systems: Incorporating redundant energy systems to guarantee operations in critical facilities like data centres.
4. Water Scarcity Solutions
In regions prone to drought, water efficiency becomes paramount. MCA incorporates:
- Water Recycling Systems: Capturing and reusing greywater for landscaping and non-potable applications.
- Efficient Cooling Systems: Including innovative developments in new water-cooled systems in data centres where feasible.
- Smart Monitoring: Using IoT-enabled sensors to optimise water use and quickly detect leaks.
Sustainability as Resilience
Climate resilience and sustainability are deeply interconnected. Designing for resilience also means reducing buildings’ environmental impact to slow the progression of climate change. The integration of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles across all projects, ensures that assets are not only future-proofed but also aligned with the values of today’s investors, tenants, and regulators.
- Energy Efficiency: Implementing high-performance insulation, energy recovery systems, and renewable energy sources like solar PV or wind turbines.
- Carbon Reduction: Prioritising low-carbon construction materials, including recycled steel and timber.
- Biodiversity Enhancement: Designing with nature to create healthier ecosystems within and around buildings.
The Business Case for Resilient Design
Resilient buildings deliver significant long-term value for owners and investors:
- Reduced Operating Costs: Enhanced energy and water efficiency translate to lower utility expenses.
- Increased Asset Value: Resilient properties are less likely to be affected by climate-related risks, maintaining their value over time.
- Tenant Attraction: Buildings that prioritise occupant comfort and sustainability appeal to environmentally conscious tenants.
- Regulatory Compliance: Proactive design ensures alignment with current and future regulations, including those under the EU Taxonomy.
Future-Proofing Data Centres: Our Approach
With data centres comprising 70% of MCA’s turnover, we understand the unique challenges these critical facilities face. From mitigating overheating risks to ensuring 24/7 operational continuity during extreme weather, our designs are both high-performing and future-ready.
In Northern Europe, where we’re delivering cutting-edge facilities, resilience involves robust cooling systems and flood mitigation. For Central and Southern Europe, we’re pioneering designs that balance energy efficiency with heatwave resilience. Across all regions, we ensure our data centres are not only functional but also integrated seamlessly into their local rural, suburban or urban landscapes, contributing positively to their surrounding environments.
As climate risks grow, the importance of resilient design cannot be overstated. The stakes are high: properties that fail to adapt risk becoming stranded assets, while those that embrace resilience will thrive.
The MCA team bring a deep understanding of climate risks and innovative solutions tailored to each sector - data centres, hotels, offices, healthcare, and residential. Our expertise lies in delivering future-proof buildings that protect investments, enhance sustainability, and positively impact communities.
Let’s Build Resilience Together
The time to act is now. By designing for resilience today, we can safeguard the built environment for tomorrow. If you’re ready to future-proof your portfolio, we’re here to help.