BuildingAdapt Project: Innovates in the Infrastructures Climate Adaptation

Lusófona University is leading BuildingAdapt, an innovative project that analyses the adaptability of university infrastructure to climate change. The initiative aims to identify challenges arising from extreme weather phenomena and develop sustainable strategies to enhance the resilience and energy efficiency of educational buildings.

At the heart of the project is Building A, located on the campus of Universidade Lusófona – Centro Universitário Lisboa, selected as a case study due to its academic significance and architectural characteristics. Researchers assess the building’s vulnerability and identify critical factors that could compromise its thermal and structural performance.

BuildingAdapt proposes concrete solutions to optimise the sustainability of Building A, including the creation of digital models to simulate future climate scenarios, the implementation of real-time environmental monitoring systems, and the analysis of existing materials and infrastructure, such as thermal insulation and ventilation systems.

An essential component of the project is the involvement of the academic community. Lecturers, students, and staff are invited to participate actively, contributing practical insights to ensure that the solutions developed meet the real needs of the building’s users. This collaborative approach is fundamental to the initiative’s success.

BuildingAdapt emerges in a context of the growing impact of climate change in Portugal, characterised by phenomena such as prolonged droughts and intensified storms. The project’s results will serve as a reference for other educational institutions, both nationally and internationally. Through scientific publications, workshops, and the creation of a practical guide, Building A will position itself as a model for climate adaptation in higher education, reinforcing Universidade Lusófona’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Coverage
Catarina Castanheira and Renato Costa

Editing
Renato Costa

Text
Catarina Castanheira