Designing future buildings to withstand volatile climate conditions

Many hot counties have already pioneered new technologies, thermally efficient community layouts, plus tree planting and shade systems to counter a future with multiple heatwaves. British weather means we must also prepare for brutal storms and extensive floods, writes Jon Herbert in this Croner article. 

Parched yellow fields are a worrying precedent of what a traditionally green and pleasant England will almost certainly look like as global warming and climate change take an increasingly firm grip.

In 2026, the UK broke its May temperature record twice to reach 34.8°C on 25 May, followed by 35.1°C on 26 May. The hottest 2026 day was 13 August when temperatures reached 38.1°C at Kew Gardens. The first ever national emergency for extreme heat was called on 24 June at 36.1°C.