The impacts of changing climate on buildings and infrastructure in Canada have become more evident in recent years. Communities and construction professionals have to deal with challenges such as roofing failures due to high winds, increased loads on dams due to unprecedented water levels, and failure of materials due to increased temperatures.

CSA Group research and standards can play an important role in helping improve climate change adaptation and resiliency of our built environment, addressing areas including:

• design of highway bridges for improved durability, considering extreme weather and non-stationary climate effects
• water and wastewater infrastructure to improve reliability of these critical services during extreme weather events
• selection of building materials and systems to improve durability of buildings in a changing climate
• design and construction of buildings to better withstand extreme wind loads and protect them from flooding
• challenges specific to Canada’s North, including permafrost degradation, changing precipitation patterns, and coastal erosion

Developed by expert volunteer members, CSA standards, many referenced in legislation and construction specifications, help safeguard human life and position Canada as a leader in building and infrastructure design and construction.