The majority of efforts to address climate change through green building are focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This is reflected in the current U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, which allocates points for reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with building systems, transportation, water, waste and construction materials.

Reducing emissions is a form of climate change mitigation. However, adaptation strategies should also be included in green building projects in order to properly ensure resilience to the future effects of climate change.

This report summarizes current technical and scientific data on the impacts of climate change on the built environment. By examining existing climate-related vulnerabilities, we can put together construction and operation strategies that will increase resilience and facilitate climate adaptation.