Consider climate data and projections, risks and vulnerability, plus flexibility and modularity.

Design engineers are encouraged to anticipate reasonably foreseeable future challenges and develop solutions that are resilient over time. To incorporate adaption into designs, consider:

  • climate data and projections
  • risks and vulnerability
  • flexibility and modularity, including possible future expansion or reduction in capacity
  • circular economy principles, including resource efficiency, recycling and reduced waste
  • nature-based solutions
  • adaptive management opportunities, including feedback loops for monitoring performance
  • consulting with iwi and hapū, and
  • incorporating Mātauranga Māori into climate solutions/designs, where possible.

Questions to ask yourself

  1. Do I have sufficient information to understand the issues and conflicts?
  2. What are my options and what are the potential impacts of each option on the climate and people?
  3. How am I factoring in the reasonably foreseeable long-term needs of future generations while collaborating with local iwi and hapū in my decision-making process?

For further information about the nine actions, view Practice Note 32 – The role of the engineer