Abstract
The relationship between building materials, structures and climate is complex and there is an urgent need for more
accurate methods to assess building performance. For example, the lifetime of wooden cladding is strongly dependent
on the local-level climatic impact. A national map of the potential for decay in wood structures in Norway is
presented based on Scheffer’s climate index formula. Weather data are used from 115 observing stations for the
reference 30-year period 1961–90. The climate index distribution allows for geographically differentiated guidelines
on protective measures. Detailed scenarios for climate change for selected locations in Norway are used to provide an
indication of the possible future development of decay rates. Climate indices allowing for the quantitative assessment
of building enclosure performance may be an important element in the development of adaptation measures to meet
the future risks of climate change in different parts of the world. Established quantified relations between climatic
impact and material behaviour or building performance can be used as a tool for the evaluation of the need for
changes in functional requirements. The presented work represents an example of a first step towards such measures.
Ways to improve the reliability of the index further are also suggested.
accurate methods to assess building performance. For example, the lifetime of wooden cladding is strongly dependent
on the local-level climatic impact. A national map of the potential for decay in wood structures in Norway is
presented based on Scheffer’s climate index formula. Weather data are used from 115 observing stations for the
reference 30-year period 1961–90. The climate index distribution allows for geographically differentiated guidelines
on protective measures. Detailed scenarios for climate change for selected locations in Norway are used to provide an
indication of the possible future development of decay rates. Climate indices allowing for the quantitative assessment
of building enclosure performance may be an important element in the development of adaptation measures to meet
the future risks of climate change in different parts of the world. Established quantified relations between climatic
impact and material behaviour or building performance can be used as a tool for the evaluation of the need for
changes in functional requirements. The presented work represents an example of a first step towards such measures.
Ways to improve the reliability of the index further are also suggested.
