Developing a National Climate Adaptation Framework for the Design of Moisture-Resilient Buildings

Risk assessment for moisture safety—particularly in the context of future climate scenarios—is not yet a routine component of building design practices. Key challenges include: (1) uncertainty over who is responsible for conducting assessments, (2) ambiguity regarding the appropriate timing, and (3) a lack of clear guidance on integrating climate data into the process. To meet the challenges, this article explores and evaluates the development of a national climate adaptation framework for designing moisture-resilient buildings in alignment with projected future climate conditions and the requirements of the Norwegian Planning and Building Act. In noteworthy detail the article presents the general approach/steps followed in the research and the qualitative climate risk assessment elements to be considered in the design process of buildings. The framework has been co-produced with the Norwegian construction industry and public sector and introduces structured checklists and division of responsibilities (architects, engineers, etc.) to clarify and operationalize this. The mainstreaming of climate adaptation requires further refinement and broader integration of climate indices into building guidelines. These indices enable more accurate moisture performance predictions and help eliminate unsuitable solutions for specific zones. The framework—reinforced by tools such as the SINTEF Building Research Design Guides (Byggforskserien)—offers a comprehensive, evolving approach to moisture resilience, dependent on ongoing tool development, clarified roles, and wider uptake of climate-sensitive risk assessments.