change Mode
Climpacth project
CLIMPACTH (Climate Impact on Built Heritage) is a comprehensive research project focused on protecting Belgium’s built heritage from the risks posed by climate change. With a project timeline from September 2021 to December 2025, CLIMPACTH brings together experts from the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA), the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium (IRM-KMI), and the Universities of Ghent and Antwerp. The project aims to address the growing vulnerability of historical buildings and their collections to climate-related risks, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
The core objective of CLIMPACTH is to develop a decision model and framework to assess and mitigate climate risks to built heritage. This model will integrate climate data with the physical characteristics of historical buildings, enabling more effective conservation and restoration strategies. The project will also focus on improving the energy efficiency of these buildings, which is becoming increasingly important as public and private sectors push towards near-zero energy standards. However, this shift must be balanced with the need to preserve the historical and cultural integrity of these structures.
A key aspect of CLIMPACTH is the creation of a risk management plan that can be used by policymakers, architects, building owners, and heritage professionals. This plan will provide clear guidelines on how to assess and respond to climate hazards, such as extreme weather events, temperature fluctuations, and humidity, all of which can accelerate the deterioration of building materials. The project will also explore the best practices for the conservation and restoration of heritage materials, combining traditional knowledge with cutting-edge climate science.
The dissemination of CLIMPACTH’s findings will be a vital component of the project. Results will be communicated through academic publications, conferences, and professional workshops, ensuring that the scientific community and heritage professionals have access to the latest data and methodologies. Additionally, the project will engage the general public through news articles, social media, and participation in heritage-related events, raising awareness of the importance of climate-resilient heritage management.
Ultimately, CLIMPACTH aims to create a paradigm shift in how built heritage is managed in the context of climate change. By providing tools for preventive conservation, improving access to climate and material data, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, the project will support the long-term preservation of Belgium’s cultural treasures. The team’s interdisciplinary approach ensures that the project will not only protect built heritage but also contribute to broader sustainability goals, aligning with European Green Deal initiatives for a climate-neutral future.