Buildings

New York State’s 5.3 million buildings provide space for housing, employment, education, healthcare, and other key services. All buildings across the state are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Climate hazards can damage a building’s foundation, structure, roof, and electrical systems. These impacts affect not only the building’s physical infrastructure but also the wellbeing of building occupants and the surrounding community. For example, during heat waves, people living in homes without air conditioning are at increased risk of heat-related illnesses. When intense storms damage or destroy buildings, communities face economic losses from closed businesses and potentially a decrease in homeownership. 

This chapter examines the short- and long-term impacts of climate change on buildings in New York State. It summarizes key climate hazards, equity and climate justice, adaptation strategies and opportunities for positive change, and emerging research needs in the buildings sector.