This initiative proposes a new classification of climatic zones in the Iberian Peninsula, based on which a “Guide to sustainable building adapted to climate change” has been drawn up, to achieve construction that mitigates the effects of climate change.

The University of Granada has developed a project whose objective was to prepare a proposal for a new classification of climate zones in Spain, based on which a building guide would be developed to mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt to the future scenarios of Horizon 2100. The initiative has had the support of the Biodiversity Foundation, within the framework of its 2017 call for grants.

Thanks to the delimitation of climatic zones, in our country it is possible to plan a building that is efficient from an energy point of view. These are, however, areas that do not take into account either the phenomenon of climate change or the urban heat island effect.

Both architectural and building construction standards must be adapted to the real conditions of cities. All this taking into account the main scenarios in Horizon 2100 andthe urban heat island, without neglecting the strategies of the National Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change in terms of urban planning and construction.

Taking into account all these factors, this initiative proposes a new classification of climate zones in the Iberian Peninsula, based on which a “Guide to sustainable building adapted to climate change” has been drawn up, to achieve construction that mitigates the effects of climate change and adapts to future scenarios in this context.

The project began with a review, compilation and study of the classification of climate zones on a global scale, the analysis of the different climates in Spain and the main climate models, as well as factors related to the construction sector. In addition, the current building regulations at European level, the energy efficiency regulations in buildings and the Spanish technical building code (CTE) were analyzed. Based on the IPCC’s Fifth Climate Change Assessment Report, the project has identified the scenarios in Horizon 2100.

The initiative’s technicians have evaluated the effects of climate change and the heat island effect on the current classifications of climate zones and their consequences on the design of the building. They have also studied the effects of climate change and its repercussions on the “Technical Building Code and the Catalogue of Construction Details”.

The results of the project will facilitate the design of planning and building actions adapted to the phenomenon of climate change, thus achieving constructions properly conditioned to face present and future changes.