Climate Adaptation in Building Law: Final Report on the BBSR Research Project (German only)

Heatwaves, heavy rainfall, storms: The impacts of the climate crisis on the building stock are significant. A crucial factor in making the construction industry resilient to climate effects is the legal framework, as it sets the course for future-proof planning, construction, and use of buildings and associated infrastructures. On behalf of the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs, and Spatial Development (BBSR), intep examined the integration of climate adaptation measures into German spatial planning law, building planning law, and building regulations law and made recommendations for adjustments and new regulations in the relevant laws.

From site risks due to flooding, to settlement cracks caused by heat impacts, to structural damage from heavy rainfall events or hail – the consequences of climate change for buildings and infrastructures are diverse and far-reaching. These damages not only result in significant economic losses but also pose serious risks to human health, such as heat-related deaths or injuries from damaged building materials. Given the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, climate adaptation is therefore of critical importance, with the interaction between buildings, neighborhoods, and surrounding areas playing a major role.

Despite the obvious need, the provisions of building planning and building regulations law only partially consider the changing climatic conditions. This highlights the urgency and relevance of the BBSR research project “Further Development of Climate-Adapted Building in Building Planning and Building Regulations Law,” which was conducted within the framework of the “Zukunft Bau” research program of the German Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development, and Building (BMWSB) from 2022 to 2023.

The research project focused on a comprehensive review of the current legal framework. The analysis primarily concentrated on spatial planning law, building planning law, and building regulations law. Federal laws were reviewed to determine whether and to what extent they include requirements for the integration of adaptation measures. Subordinate regulatory areas of the states and municipalities were also analyzed. Additionally, references were made to sector-specific laws, guidelines of the Federal Building Administration, and regulations of private standard setters, such as the German Institute for Standardization (DIN).

The results of the analysis include, in addition to an overview of existing barriers, detailed recommendations for integrating climate adaptation measures into the legal framework. These aim to make buildings and infrastructures more resilient to future climate impacts and to adjust regulations accordingly. The research project thus marks an important step towards climate-resilient construction and raises awareness of climate adaptation in the construction industry.