Insurance News Archive
Flood guide for industry launched
Constructors and companies in the building maintenance industry can now find government advice on how to minimise the impact and damage of flooding on buildings.
As global warming becomes a more pressing issue, with experts predicting flooding on unprecedented scales, precautions need to be taken to keep buildings safe and operational and reduce financial loss.
The guide entitled 'Improving the flood performance of new buildings: Flood resilient construction', acknowledges that while planning policy aims to avoid flood prone zones, constructing in risk areas may be necessary and those buildings need to be adequately prepared.
Baroness Andrews, Lords minister for planning, said: "This guide provides essential advice about the way that these necessary buildings in flood risk areas should be constructed. By developing new evidence on the resilience of different types of materials and construction, it offers clear advice to designers and developers on which methods should be employed."
Meanwhile, London mayor Ken Livingstone today launched the London Flood Response Strategic Plan.
He said that the capital had a lot to lose from failing to react to changing climatic conditions.
He added that a major flood could cause billions of pounds worth of damage to some of the world's most valuable real estate.
15 May 2007
