Examining the Consideration of Climate Change in Residential Property Condition Assessments
The “Climate Change Recilience for Housing Companies” (TALVI) project aims to create concrete tools and models to help housing companies adapt to the impacts of climate change. As part of this initiative, the Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Oamk) is investigating how current condition assessments account for the effects of climate change on residential properties.
– This autumn, we’ve had a preview of the challenges climate change poses to the condition of housing companies. Fluctuating temperatures around the freezing point are especially demanding for structures. Through this project, we aim to increase awareness among housing companies and property managers about the impacts of climate change and how to prepare for them, says Development Manager Rauno Toppila from Oulu University of Applied Sciences.
Rauno is one of Oamk’s experts currently conducting expert interviews and compiling a literature review as part of the project’s research. Other Oamk team members include Project Manager Noora Viholainen and Specialist Vesa Pitsinki.
– Based on our findings, we will propose additions to the guidelines for condition assessors to ensure that the impacts of climate change on buildings are adequately considered, explains Project Manager Noora Viholainen.
– The expert interviews have also highlighted the importance of training future condition assessors. For instance, education could address the effects of climate change on buildings, she adds.
The team has also begun evaluating various condition assessment tools. These evaluations will lead to proposals for enhancements to the tools, helping residential properties prepare for climate change.
– We are mapping software tools used for condition assessments and interviewing their developers. Additionally, we will test the tools in collaboration with stakeholders from the TALVI project,” says Specialist Vesa Pitsinki.
The interviews will continue next year, and a co-development workshop to evaluate condition assessment tools is scheduled for early spring 2025. The findings are expected to be completed by autumn 2025. Results will be shared through a nationwide seminar series, with exact dates to be confirmed by autumn 2025. The project will conclude on 31 May 2026.
Are you involved in condition assessments for buildings? Would you be interested in discussing how to incorporate the impacts of climate change into this work? If so, please contact Project Manager Noora Viholainen.
TALVI is co-funded by the European Union and supported by the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre) of North Ostrobothnia. The project is coordinated by the Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority (HSY), with Valonia and Oamk as co-implementers.
More information:
📞 Project Manager Noora Viholainen, +358 50 475 4366, noora.viholainen@oamk.fi
🌐 Project website: oamk.fi/talvi