Climate Adaptation: Framework and Implementation

A few notes before you start your planning process:

This resource is primarily about addressing progressive climate change and preparing for future natural disasters related to climate change. The resource does not address emergency response to a catastrophic event that is forecast to occur or has just occurred.

This resource does not consider ways in which heritage values and character-defining elements can be protected and preserved when planning climate adaptations. It is advisable to have an up-to-date Statement of Significance before you begin to plan climate adaptations. If that is not available, take time to consider the character-defining elements of your historic site. Ideally, technologies, practices, and durable and healthy materials should be incorporated in ways not adversely affecting the building’s character or heritage value.

You may find useful information at “Building Resilience“. Building Resilience: Practical Guidelines for the Retrofit and Rehabilitation of Buildings in Canada serves as a “sustainable building toolkit” that will enhance understanding of the environmental benefits of heritage conservation and of the strong interrelationship between natural and built heritage conservation. Intended as a useful set of best practices, the guidelines in Building Resilience can be applied to existing and traditionally constructed buildings as well as formally recognized heritage places.

Finally, if you want support in developing a plan or preparing a Statement of Significance, please refer to the list of BC heritage consultants.

Jump to:

Introduction: Climate Adaptation – Framework and Implementation

Step 1: Building a Strong Foundation

Step 2: Assess Vulnerability and Risk

Step 3: Identify and Select Adaptation Options

Steps 4 and 5: Implement Adaptation Actions, Monitor and Evaluate

Climate Adaptation Worksheet – download

Climate Adaptation Worksheet – download

Additional Resources

Climate Adaptation: Making a Case

Parks Canada’s adaptation framework and workshop approach: Lessons learned across a diverse series of adaptation workshops

Parks Canada’s adaptation framework and workshop approach: Lessons learned across a diverse series of adaptation workshops

Climate Change Adaptation Plans and Actions

Building Resilience: Practical Guideline for the Sustainable Rehabilitation of Buildings in Canada

Canadian Conservation Institute

Canadian Association of Professional Conservators

BCMA Emergency Preparedness

BC Heritage Emergency Response Network