Modelling weather disruption to construction work
A leading UK construction firm is working with RedLines to assess how climate change could affect site activities across six operating regions.
Climate risk measured in working time
The group needs a consistent view of climate risk across its operating regions to support its annual assessment and Board discussions. That means connecting projected weather conditions to the work taking place on a construction site.
A windy day can stop a crane lift while sheltered fit-out work continues. Heavy rain can interrupt groundworks or concrete pouring in different ways. The assessment is being built around these activities and their operating limits.
operating regions in scope
A model built around construction activities
RedLines is configuring a regional assessment around activities including lifting, working at height, groundworks, concrete, roofing and site logistics. Climate projections are assessed against activity-specific weather thresholds, using a consistent method across the six regions.
The physical risk method expresses disruption in working days lost, giving the group a measure it can relate to project delivery. Different risks are kept separate so overlapping interruptions are not simply added together.
The wider scope also considers exposure to changing energy, carbon and material prices. Sources and assumptions are documented so the basis of the assessment can be reviewed.
A common basis for regional and Board discussions
The project is intended to help the group compare regional exposure, understand which activities need closer attention and bring the evidence into its own climate risk assessment. The group retains responsibility for materiality decisions and its corporate reporting.
- Regional comparison
- Compare operating regions using the same activities, scenarios and time horizons.
- Operational relevance
- Connect weather exposure to construction work and working time.
- Reporting evidence
- Keep the method, sources and assumptions alongside the analysis.
How could climate change affect the way you work?
Discuss the activities, locations and decisions your climate risk assessment needs to cover.