Building Resilience: Low-Carbon Products Driving Climate Adaptation Solutions

Climate adaptation means making changes to how we live, build, and plan to deal with the impacts of climate change that are already happening or are expected to happen. It’s about adjusting to challenges like rising temperatures, stronger storms, flooding, or droughts, so we can reduce damage and stay safe.

How Building Materials Contribute to Climate Adaptation

Building materials play a critical role in helping us adapt to climate change impacts. Materials like flood-resistant coatings, heat-reflective surfaces, and storm-resilient structural components provide solutions for addressing challenges such as rising temperatures, heavy rainfall, and extreme weather events.

In this article and exclusive collection, we’ll explore some of the most interesting products in the climate adaptation category, highlighting their sustainability performance, advantages, and use cases.

Why This Matters

By choosing the right materials, we can make buildings safer, more durable, and better suited to handle the challenges brought by climate change. This is a practical way to adapt and protect our communities.

Overview

Developed by SAS International Ltd. (UK), this green roof system features natural materials and is certified with an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration). Green roofs contribute significantly to climate adaptation by managing stormwater runoff, reducing the urban heat island effect, and improving insulation to regulate indoor temperatures.

Sustainability Performance

Green roofs absorb rainwater and reduce runoff, mitigating flood risks. They also lower the demand for heating and cooling by providing natural insulation, which in turn decreases the carbon footprint of buildings.

Advantages

• Reduces urban heat islands.
• Enhances thermal insulation, cutting energy use.
• Manages stormwater runoff and reduces flooding risks.

Use Cases

• Urban developments aiming to reduce heat and flooding risks.
• Commercial or residential buildings in areas prone to heavy rainfall.
• Projects seeking aesthetic and environmental benefits.

Explore Roof Greening Process Classic Vertigo on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

Designed by Natural Building Systems, this roof system utilizes hemp as its primary material. With a U-value of 0.15, it significantly enhances thermal insulation, reducing the need for heating and cooling. Its modular design allows for easy customization based on project needs.

Sustainability Performance

Hemp is a renewable, carbon-sequestering material. This roof system minimizes energy consumption by maintaining stable indoor temperatures, resulting in reduced carbon emissions.

Advantages

• Excellent thermal insulation.
• Modular design allows for customization.
• Made from renewable and low-carbon materials.

Use Cases

• Residential and commercial buildings in regions with temperature extremes.
• Projects targeting energy-efficient construction.
• Renovations seeking low-carbon roofing options.

Explore Roof System (U-value 0.15) on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

Manufactured by AB Furhoffs Rostfria, this product line offers a range of stainless steel floor drains designed to efficiently manage water drainage in areas prone to flooding. It is certified with an EPD, emphasizing its low environmental impact.

Sustainability Performance

Stainless steel is highly durable and recyclable, making these drains a long-lasting, low-carbon solution for water management.

Advantages

• Efficient water drainage in flood-prone areas.
• Long-lasting and corrosion-resistant design.
• Recyclable material reduces environmental impact.

Use Cases

• Infrastructure projects in flood-prone regions.
• Industrial and commercial buildings requiring high-performance drainage systems.

Explore Stainless Steel Floor Drains on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

Developed by Asahi Glass India Ltd., this reflective glass reduces heat gain and improves energy efficiency in buildings. The glass reflects solar heat while allowing natural light to illuminate interiors, reducing the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning.

Sustainability Performance

By reducing heat transfer, this glass lowers the energy required for cooling, which directly reduces a building’s carbon emissions.

Advantages

• Minimizes solar heat gain.
• Enhances natural lighting while maintaining thermal comfort.
• Improves energy efficiency.

Use Cases

• Facades for buildings in hot climates.
• Energy-efficient office buildings.
• High-performance residential structures.

Explore 3mm Hard-Coated Reflective Glass on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

From Columbia Green Technologies, this vegetative roof system mitigates urban heat island effects and reduces stormwater runoff while enhancing temperature regulation.

Sustainability Performance

This system supports biodiversity, reduces energy demand, and contributes to water management.

Advantages

• Combats heat islands.
• Improves stormwater management.
• Increases building energy efficiency.

Use Cases

• Urban infrastructure projects prioritizing sustainability.
• Green building certification projects.

Explore Advanced Vegetative Roof System Tray on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

Manufactured by SAINT-GOBAIN PAM CANALISATION, this cast iron drainage system ensures effective wastewater and rainwater management during heavy rainfall.

Sustainability Performance

Cast iron is recyclable and durable, offering a long-term solution for managing urban water systems in flood-prone areas.

Advantages

• Reliable floodwater management.
• Long lifespan with recyclable materials.

Use Cases

• Urban drainage infrastructure.
• Industrial water management systems.

Explore Cast Iron Wastewater and Rainwater Drainage System on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

Developed by SolarLab, this product integrates photovoltaic panels into building façades, allowing them to generate electricity while serving as rain-screens.

Sustainability Performance

Directly supports renewable energy generation and reduces a building’s reliance on external power sources.

Advantages

• Renewable electricity generation.
• Serves as a weather-resistant barrier.

Use Cases

• Office/commercial buildings.

Explore Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Facade Cladding on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

Developed by Partel, ECHOFOIL EXO is a reflective breathable membrane designed to improve thermal comfort and airtightness in buildings. It combines BOPP metallized film, PP granulate, and a scrim layer to create a high-performance, low-carbon solution for the building envelope.

Sustainability Performance

With a low emissivity of 0.05, the membrane reduces heat transfer and enhances energy efficiency. Its breathable design prevents condensation, reducing mold and prolonging the life of building materials.

Advantages

• Improves thermal performance by reducing heat transfer.
• Manages air movement and condensation, preventing moisture buildup.
• Enhances airtightness for increased energy savings.

Use Cases

• New construction and retrofit projects in hot or variable climates.
• Building envelopes requiring high-performance membranes.
• Residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Explore Reflective Breathable Membrane | ECHOFOIL EXO on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

Manufactured by aggeres, the MURO™ Modular Aluminium Flood Barrier is a stackable system made from recycled aluminum, providing flood protection for doorways, gates, and walls. The barrier sections include durable seals and mounting devices for effective deployment during flooding events.

Sustainability Performance

The use of recycled aluminum lowers the carbon footprint of the product, while its modular design ensures reusability and adaptability to various settings.

Advantages

• Lightweight and easy to assemble.
• Recyclable materials reduce environmental impact.
• Proven performance in flood-prone areas worldwide.

Use Cases

• Emergency flood response for residential or commercial properties.
• Long-term flood protection for infrastructure in coastal or low-lying regions.
• Temporary flood barriers for construction sites or public spaces.

Explore MURO™ Modular Aluminium Flood Barrier on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

Created by Marshalls Bricks and Masonry, the Redi-Rock™ modular wall system provides a space-saving and durable solution for retaining earth, flood protection, and landscaping. Its modular components, which include over 25% recycled materials, can be dismantled and reused as project requirements evolve.

Sustainability Performance

With a high proportion of recycled content and a reusable design, the Redi-Rock™ system minimizes waste and supports circular construction practices. Its long-lasting concrete composition ensures durability and reduces maintenance needs.

Advantages

• Modular design allows for flexibility and reusability.
• High strength for flood protection and retaining wall applications.
• Made with over 25% recycled materials to reduce carbon footprint.

Use Cases

• Retaining walls in urban developments or landscaping projects.
• Flood management systems in high-risk areas.
• Infrastructure requiring durable yet relocatable solutions.

Explore Redi-Rock™ Modular Walls on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

Developed by Polyseam AS, this fire-resistant coating is an essential adaptation product for areas prone to wildfires, which are increasingly common due to climate change. Protecta FR Coating is applied to mineral fibers, enhancing fire protection while maintaining a flexible and durable finish.

Sustainability Performance

Protecta FR Coating is manufactured using a durable polymer system with non-halogenated fire retardants, making it a low-carbon alternative to traditional fire-resistant coatings. It helps extend the lifespan of building materials by protecting them from fire damage.

Advantages

• Enhances fire resistance for structural components.
• Low-carbon, non-toxic formulation.
• Flexible and durable, ensuring long-term performance.

Use Cases

• Buildings in wildfire-prone regions.
• Retrofits for structures requiring additional fire protection.
• Public spaces like schools, hospitals, and commercial centers needing fire resilience.

Explore Polyseam AS on 2050 Materials Platform.

By integrating these innovative low-carbon products into construction and design, we can make buildings safer, more durable, and better equipped to handle the impacts of climate change. Each product featured in the collection not only supports climate adaptation but also helps minimize carbon emissions, using renewable or recycled materials, and improving energy efficiency. From managing stormwater and floods to protecting against heat and fire, these solutions demonstrate the potential of innovative materials in building resilience for the future.