Climate Adaptation Strategy - Sofia Airport
Group of services:
Services:
Objective
The main objective of the development is to assess the climate change risks for the Sofia Airport Terminal 3 site and create a climate change adaptation strategy to make the building more resilient, more economical, and with less impact on the surrounding environment. This includes:
- Identifying potential risks arising from climate change, such as flooding, overheating, extreme winds, heat island effect, water scarcity, and fires;
- A structured analysis of the likelihood and severity of these hazards to determine the level of risk;
- Proposed measures and approaches to reduce Terminal 3’s vulnerability to the identified climate hazards;
- Meeting the requirements of BREEAM (a method for the environmental assessment of buildings).
Team:
Contracting authority:
Approach
- Data collection and analysis
We investigate climatic conditions in the area using historical climate data, weather forecasts, and climate change scenarios. We also investigate site characteristics and potential climate hazards that may affect the project.
- Use modeling and simulations
We assess the impact of climate change on buildings and the environment and apply modeling tools. Data from these simulations help us select the most appropriate adaptation measures.
- Identifying risks and hazards
Collecting data, we identify the principal risks, including extreme weather events, rising temperatures, droughts, and floods. We analyze past events and their impact on similar projects or locations to understand possible threats better.
- Assess risks and hazards
After identifying the risks, we analyze the possible conflicts between different adaptation measures. We look for balanced solutions that mitigate risks without creating new problems. For example, if a cooling solution negatively affects water resource management, we look for an optimal option that balances the two.
- Set risk management guidelines
We reduce the impact of climate risks by developing specific measures, including:
- Building green infrastructure such as green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavements;
- Implementing water-sensitive design for effective stormwater management;
- Providing thermal comfort through natural ventilation, shading, and use of thermally efficient materials;
- Incorporate sustainable building principles through low-emitting materials and energy-efficient systems.
- Developing a strategy
Develop a comprehensive climate change adaptation strategy covering all identified risks and management measures. We include both long-term and short-term solutions to ensure the integration of adaptation measures into urban planning and architectural design.
Through this structured approach, we develop practical and realistic climate change adaptation solutions tailored to local conditions and best practices in sustainable planning.
Development outcome
The development outcome is a comprehensive climate change adaptation strategy that includes specific measures and recommendations to reduce climate risks for Terminal 3. Some of the key elements of the plan include:
- Risk identification and assessment;
- Impact Assessments;
- Design and construction recommendations that will make the airport more resilient to climate change;
- Visual materials.
The Climate Change Adaptation Strategy will help Sofia Airport prepare for future climate change and reduce its environmental and societal impact.
