Standards and Guidance: Assets and hazards
| Standards/Guidance/Tool | Description | Product Type | Asset/Hazard |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSA PLUS 4011.1:19 – Technical Guide: Design and construction considerations for foundations in permafrost regions | This guideline is intended to provide more detailed technical information on the attributes of the various foundation systems, selection criteria, ground conditions, and related issues. Topics covered include the distribution of permafrost in Canada, ground temperatures, ice content, salinity, terrain sensitivity, surface hydrology, and the effects of a changing climate on the performance of building foundations. | Guidance | Buildings & housing, Permafrost |
| CSA A440.3:22 User Guide to CSA A440.2:22, Fenestration energy performance | Applies to the determination of energy performance properties for a variety of fenestration systems and includes the following energy performance properties, applicable to all building types (residential, commercial, and other): overall coefficient of heat transfer (U-factor); solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC); and visible transmittance (VT). Annex B provides some information on how climate change can affect fenestration product design and application. | Guidance | Buildings & housing |
| Global Building Resilience Guidelines | Fifteen principles developed by the Global Resiliency Dialogue provide a basis for advancing building resilience through building codes. They are intended to help inform the development of building codes and standards that incorporate future-focused climate resilience and respond proportionately to rapidly changing and predicted extreme weather events such as flooding, storms, cyclones/hurricanes, wildfires/bushfires and heatwaves. | Guidance | Buildings & housing |
| CSA PLUS 4011:19 - Technical guide: Infrastructure in permafrost: A guideline for climate change adaptation | This updated technical guide provides updates on current climate change projections recommended for use in northern Canada; current trends in climate (temperature and precipitation) throughout the North; a range of climate projections available for northern Canada; Up-to-date information on ground temperature trends in permafrost throughout northern Canada; Permafrost conditions critical for infrastructure foundations. | Guidance | Buildings & housing, Permafrost |
| Coastal flood risk assessment guidelines for building and infrastructure design: supporting flood resilience on Canada's coasts | These guidelines apply to coastal flood risk assessments for building and infrastructure design (including retrofit design) applications in Canada. The document is intended to inform, and provide a technical reference for, a wide variety of users interested in building and infrastructure design in areas potentially exposed to coastal flood hazards under present-day and/or future conditions. The guidelines advocate a move toward risk-based approaches to analysis and design for flood resilience. | Guidance | Buildings & housing, Flood |
| National guide for wildland-Urban-Interface Fires | This guide provides guidance on how to break the WUI fire disaster sequence at various points and is intended to enhance life safety and property protection by reducing the wildfire threat posed by the surrounding environment and by enhancing the fire protection provided by structures. The guideline contents include identifying wildland fire hazards and exposure; measures to mitigate fire risk in the structure ignition zone; community planning and resources; and, emergency planning and outreach. | Guidance | Buildings & housing, Community, Fire |
| Climate resilience buildings: guideline for management of overheating risk in residential buildings | Overheating is the result of excessive heat accumulation in building interiors combined with limited means to effectively dissipate this heat to the outdoors. The outdoor environment is the principal cause for this excessive heat, particularly during extreme heat events as occur in the summertime. However, buildings can exacerbate the situation by generating additional internal heat from equipment, lighting, occupants (density) and as well, from the trapping of heat given high levels of insulation, more effective airtightness of envelopes and inadequate space ventilation. | Guidance | Buildings & housing, Heat |
| Practical guidance for private-side drainage systems to reduce basement flood risk: addressing critical information gaps | This guide aims to establish a foundation for developing recommendations on drainage systems, sump pumps, backwater protection, and private-side sewer connections to prevent basement flooding in residential buildings under the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) Part 9. It intends to work alongside CSA Z800-18 to enhance basement flood protection measures for both new and existing structures. The focus is on mitigating flood risk through private-side drainage systems. | Guidance | Buildings & housing, Flood |
| Guide for design of flood-resistant buildings | Guidance to inform flood-resistant design of buildings, including calculating flood loads and choosing an appropriate design flood. The recommended methods, formulas, and approaches provided by this guideline are considered best practices and those that are more easily applied by practitioners. | Guidance | Buildings & housing, Flood |
| Guidelines for improving flood-resistance for existing buildings | Guidance for flood resiliency of five common foundation types: basement, crawlspace, slab on grade, piling, and post/column. The guidelines cover common mitigation techniques including wet and dry flood proofing; other mitigation techniques for temporary and permanent flood barriers; and a discussion of flood resistant materials. The flood resistant techniques in this report are directed at retrofitting existing buildings. | Guidance | Buildings & housing, Flood |
| Technical Guide for Northern Housing | This technical guide outlines best practices through illustrated booklets for building solutions in house construction in northern and remote regions (i.e. the Arctic and subarctic First Nations and Inuit Nunangat regions). Fourteen overview booklets cover the challenges within sub-regions, and eleven technical booklets cover the house design and construction process. | Guidance | Buildings & housing, Snow |
| CSA Z800-18 - Guideline on Basement Flood Protection | The guideline was prepared to assist relevant stakeholders in the mitigation of basement flood risk for new and existing National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) Part 9 residential buildings. | Guidance | Buildings & housing, Flood |
| CSA Z240.10.1:19 - Site preparation, foundation, and installation of buildings | This updated standard addresses climate change adaptation with revisions and new provisions which include the following: sources for climate data; protection against effects of flooding; deterioration resistance; and addition of a new Annex A on environmental design data and climate change. The standard specifies requirements for the following aspects of building installation: site preparation; permanent foundations; anchorage to resist overturning and pier toppling due to wind; connection of modules in multiple-section prefabricated buildings; and skirting. | Standard | Buildings & housing, Flood |
| CSA S502:21 - Managing changing snow load risks for buildings in Canada's North | Informs communities on measures for safe roof snow removal from existing buildings and for protection of building occupants and assets from overloading risks due to increasing accumulations and weights. Procedures that can reduce risks for roof and building collapses are outlined, including procedures for monitoring heavy snow and ice accumulations, safe removal of snow on roofs when needed, and for maintenance and snow removal planning. | Standard | Buildings & housing, Snow |
| CSA S478-19 - Durability in Buildings | Provides criteria and requirements for the design of a durable building and its building elements and includes provisions for cost analysis and management and for a quality management program for the design, construction, operation, maintenance, repair, and renovation of a building and its building elements. | Standard | Buildings & housing |
| CSA A440S1-19 - Canadian Supplement to AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-17, North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights | Provides simplified methods to calculate the minimum performance levels for resistance to water penetration, wind loads, and snow loads for fenestration products on buildings in Canada. Annex B introduces the issue of climate change and its associated effects on fenestration in buildings. It is anticipated that fenestration designers will need to incorporate changes in climate loads resulting from climate change into the fenestration product design. Annex B provides some information on this topic for consideration by designers. | Standard | Buildings & housing, Snow, Wind |
| CSA A440.2:22 Fenestration energy performance | Applies to the determination of energy performance properties for a variety of fenestration systems and includes the following energy performance properties, applicable to all building types (residential, commercial, and other): overall coefficient of heat transfer (U-factor); solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC); and visible transmittance (VT). Annex B provides some information on how climate change can affect fenestration product design and application. | Standard | Buildings & housing |
| CSA A440.4-19 - Window, Door and Skylight Installation | This updated standard introduces a new Annex H which provides some information on how climate change could impact fenestration product design and application. | Standard | Buildings & housing |
| CSA A440.6:20 High exposure fenestration installation | This updated standard introduces a new Annex H which provides information on climate change, its potential effects on fenestration in buildings and provides guidance for climate change resilient design for fenestration products and installation. | Standard | Buildings & housing |
| CSA A123.26:21 - Performance requirements for climate resilience of low slope membrane roofing systems | Requirements for low slope membrane roofing systems (LSMRS) when identified as silver and gold performance level based on the climate severity and resilience requirements. The National Building Code of Canada and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings provide bronze requirements for LSMRS. | Standard | Buildings & housing, Wind |
| CSA S500:21 Thermosyphon foundations for buildings in permafrost regions | Requirements for all life cycle phases of thermosyphon foundations for new buildings on permafrost, including site characterization, design, installation, and commissioning phases as well as for monitoring and maintenance phases. Ensure the long-term performance of thermosyphon-supported foundation systems under changing environmental conditions. | Standard | Buildings & housing, Permafrost |
| CSA S501:21 Moderating the effects of permafrost degradation on existing building foundations | This standard covers strategies to maintain permafrost or mitigate permafrost degradation related to existing buildings or structures, also allows for site abandonment or structure demolition in response to permafrost degradation. | Standard | Buildings & housing, Permafrost |
| CSA S505:20 Techniques for considering high winds and snow drifting and their impact on northern infrastructure | This standard addresses risks to northern infrastructure due to wind, snow, and snow drifting. It incorporates weather data, climate variables, and relevant projections and forecasts; reducing risk of damage; climate adaptation strategies. | Standard | Buildings & housing, Snow, Wind |
| BNQ 2501-500:25 Geotechnical Site Investigations for Building Foundations in Permafrost Zones | This standard establishes a consistent methodology for performing geotechnical site investigations so that the results can be used to design building foundations with due consideration, in a risk management framework, of the considerations prevailing at the building site, including: permafrost characteristics, and the seasonal and interannual climate conditions as well as the projected climate conditions over the service life of the building foundations. | Standard | Buildings & housing, Permafrost |
| CSA S520:22 – Design and construction of low-rise residential and small buildings to resist high wind | The standard is aimed at improving the wind resistance of buildings designed according to part 9 of the National Building Code of Canada. | Standard | Buildings & housing, Wind |
| Climate-RCI | Tool for determining climate severity and roof performance requirements, referenced by CSA A123.26:21 - Performance requirements for climate resilience of low slope membrane roofing systems | Tool | Buildings & housing |
| Hygrothermal database of building materials (HygDbM) | This project examined 34 common building materials in Canada under current and projected future climates, assessing 5 key hygrothermal properties essential for modeling. The materials were categorized into insulation types, wood, masonry, and finishes. Properties tested included thermal conductivity, moisture storage, water absorption, vapor permeability, and air permeability. | Tool | Buildings & housing |
| CSA W204-19 - Flood Resilient Design for New Residential Communities | This standard provides compliance criteria and guidance on the design of flood-resilient new residential communities as it relates to greenfield development only. This standard does not cover flood resilience considerations as they relate to existing development, infill, intensification, or redevelopment. Its application could be insufficient in areas with permafrost, and in areas subject to coastal and lake flooding. | Standard | Community, Water/wastewater/stormwater, Flood |
| CSA W210:21 - Prioritizing flood resiliency in existing residential communities | This standard supports resource allocation decisions regarding flood risk-reduction at the community level, for existing communities. The principles include consideration of flood mechanisms present and interdependency between flood mechanisms in establishing flood risks; the consideration of flood-exacerbating factors such as climate change (future frequency and severity of precipitation), urban intensification, and changes in upstream land uses that affect long-term resilience. | Standard | Community, Flood |
| CSA PLUS 4013-19 - Technical Guide: Development, Interpretation and Use of Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) Information: Guideline for Canadian Water Resources Practitioners | This guide is designed for professionals working with stormwater, drainage, wastewater, and flood management systems. It offers insights into using rainfall intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) data for water system planning. The guide was updated in 2018 by the Canadian Standards Association to include the latest scientific understanding of climate change and its integration into IDF information. | Guidance | Water/wastewater/stormwater, Flood |
| CSA W203:19 - Planning, design, operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment in northern communities using lagoon and wetland systems | This standard focuses on the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of intermittent/seasonal discharge lagoon and wetland systems designed for northern regions (above the 54th parallel), where effluent discharge is challenging during colder months. It can also be applied to communities facing similar challenges due to extreme climatic conditions and remoteness. However, the standard does not cover mechanical aeration of lagoon systems, natural lakes, and exfiltration lagoons. | Standard | Water/wastewater/stormwater, Permafrost |
| Water distribution systems: climate change risks and opportunities | Provides an overview of the impacts of temperature and precipitation changes on water consumption and the ensuing implications for hydraulic capacity; the impacts of temperature and precipitation changes on energy consumption in water distribution system operation; the impacts of changes in temperature, precipitation and freeze/thaw cycles on water main breaks; and, the impacts of temperature changes on water quality (through tracking of chlorine residuals). | Report | Water/wastewater/stormwater |
| Guidelines on undertaking a comprehensive analysis of benefits, costs and uncertainties of storm drainage and flood control infrastructure in a changing climate | Guidelines for the assessment of the value of storm drainage and flood control infrastructure including grey, green and hybrid systems. Guidance is intended to inform the assessment of infrastructure investment options, including considerations of uncertainties associated with a changing climate. | Guidance | Water/wastewater/stormwater, Flood |
| CSA W200-18 - Design of bioretention systems. | This standard provides requirements and recommendations for the design of bioretention systems intended for the management of urban stormwater runoff. Bioretention systems covered by this standard: bioretention with underdrain and with no underdrain; biofilters (impermeable liner); and bioretention planters and bioretention bump-outs (curb extensions). | Standard | Water/wastewater/stormwater, Flood, Nature-based solutions |
| CSA W201-18 Construction of bioretention systems | This standard covers the construction considerations for bioretention systems intended for the management of urban stormwater runoff. | Standard | Water/wastewater/stormwater, Flood, Nature-based solutions |
| CSA S503:20 - Community drainage system planning, design, and maintenance in northern communities | Specifies the minimum planning, design, and maintenance requirements for community drainage systems in Canada's northern communities to increase the capacity of communities and individuals to prepare and implement effective community drainage plans. Addresses both existing and anticipated drainage management challenges arising from deficiencies in past practices, as well as the need to adapt to future changes in climate. | Standard | Water/wastewater/stormwater, Flood, Permafrost |
| CSA S6:25- Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code | This 13th Edition of the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC) by CSA Group includes updates on climate change design requirements, hydrologic and hydraulic methods, durability, and seismic criteria. Research at the National Research Council Canada under the Climate Resilient Buildings and Core Public Infrastructure Initiative and the Climate Resilient Built Environment Initiative informed the new climate adaptation provisions, including updated climatic data and exposure conditions. | Standard | Bridges |
| CSA S7 - Design of pedestrian, cycling and multi-use bridges | New guidelines for the design of pedestrian, cycling and multi-use bridges. Incorporates considerations of sustainability and climate resilience, and includes design based on future climatic design data. | Standard | Bridges |
| Climate Change and Asphalt Binder Selection: Resilient Roads of the Future | Adapting Canadian pavements to climate change poses challenges due to increasing temperatures and extreme heat events. Research focuses on selecting suitable asphalt for pavement, considering climate change impacts in various Canadian cities. Projected temperatures drive this evaluation, underscoring the urgency of climate adaptation policies in the country. | Conference Paper | Roads |
| Climate Change Challenges for Flexible Pavement in Canada: An Overview | Resilient flexible roads should be designed to withstand the conditions that are likely to occur during their design life, taking into account the impact of the climate change on pavement performance in response to daily and seasonal changes in heat, precipitation, freeze–thaw cycles, and extreme weather events. | Journal Paper | Roads, Permafrost |
| Investigation of climate change impacts on early-age cracking of jointed plain concrete pavements in Canada | This study examines how jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) responds to environmental conditions, using software and models to identify cracking potential. A sensitivity analysis considers factors like temperature and wind speed, while projected extreme temperatures from CanRCM highlight increased cracking risks due to climate change in Canadian cities. The findings underscore the urgency of developing adaptation strategies. | Journal Paper | Roads |
| Climate change and asphalt binder selection across Ontario: A quantitative analysis towards the end of the century | This study investigates Superpave Mix design and Performance Grade (PG) selection for asphalt binders considering historical and projected climatic conditions. The research develops regression models to predict pavement surface temperatures and uses them to assess future climate scenarios. The findings suggest changing asphalt binder grades across Ontario due to warming temperatures, providing actionable recommendations for adapting paving materials to changing conditions. | Journal Paper | Roads |
| CSA W211:21 Management standard for stormwater systems | This standard provides requirements and recommendations for management of stormwater systems. It defines a risk-based process for decision makers responsible for the operation, maintenance, and management of stormwater systems. | Standard | Flood |
| CSA S504:19 Fire resilient planning for northern communities | This standard provides a guideline for planning and design of new fire resilient northern wildland urban interface (WUI) community subdivisions and developments only. | Standard | Fire |
| CSA W205:19 Erosion and sedimentation management for northern community infrastructure | This standard pertains to managing erosion and sedimentation risks in northern communities, covering assessment, planning, design, and maintenance of strategies. It outlines procedures for risk assessment, vulnerability, and factors impacting erosion and sedimentation in land use and infrastructure planning. | Standard | Erosion, Permafrost |
| Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal and Riverine Flood and Erosion Risk ManagementFootnote 2 | This report features a synthesis of recommendations, case studies, project photos, design illustrations, and a compilation of referenced technical guidance documents from around the world to advance the use of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS). The report further explores NbS as a coastal, riverine flood, and erosion risk management strategy as well as how it delivers on other environmental and societal co-benefits. | Report | Community, Water/wastewater/stormwater, Nature-Based Solutions, Flood, Erosion |
| Managing Flooding and Erosion at the Watershed-Scale: Guidance to Support Governments Using Nature-Based Solutions |
The report puts forward three recommendations to support future implementation of NbS for flood and erosion risk management by governments in Canada, supported by findings of this research report. The recommendations include:
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Report | Water/wastewater/stormwater, Nature-Based Solutions, Erosion, Flood |
| Rising Seas and Shifting Sands: Combining Natural and Grey Infrastructure to Protect Canada’s Eastern and Western Coastal Communities | This report outlines the range of practical measures that can be used to protect coastal communities on Canada’s East and West coasts from flooding and erosion. Coastal protection measures include (1) grey infrastructure (hard, engineered coastal protection measures); and (2) nature-based solutions (measures that depend on, or mimic, natural systems to manage flood and erosion risk). | Report | Community, Nature-Based Solutions, Flood, Erosion |
| International Guidelines On Natural And Nature-Based Features For Flood Risk ManagementFootnote 1 | The NNBF Guidelines document is intended for practitioners, organizations, and communities seeking to increase the performance of Flood Risk Management (FRM) systems and achieve long-term risk mitigation, increase water infrastructure resilience and sustainability, reduce infrastructure maintenance and repair costs, and, ultimately, increase the value produced by FRM infrastructure investments. | Guidance | Nature-Based Solutions, Flood |
| Natural Infrastructure Framework: Key Concepts, Definitions and TermsFootnote 1 | The Natural Infrastructure Framework has been developed to offer a common vocabulary for diverse users, including federal, provincial and territorial governments, interested in Natural Infrastructure (NI), and broader Nature-Based Solutions (NbS). The Framework is intended to be applied across jurisdictions, including Canada’s rural and northern areas. | Guidance | Nature-Based Solutions, Water/wastewater/stormwater, Flood, Heat, Erosion |
| Getting Nature on the Balance Sheet: Recognizing the Financial Value Provided by Natural Assets in a Changing ClimateFootnote 1 | This report calls for the recognition of the financial value provided by natural assets and argues for a revamp of accounting rules to safeguard natural resilience. It provides an overview of progress to date, with specific focus on public sector accounting, reporting and decision-making. | Report | Nature-Based Solutions, Erosion, Flood, Heat |
| Under One Umbrella: Practical Approaches for Reducing Flood Risk in CanadaFootnote 1 | This report profiles solutions in a consolidated form - under one “umbrella” - to help Canadians put them into action. The practical solutions outlined in these guidelines and standards can be deployed to limit and/or mitigate flood risks. These solutions range from simple home maintenance and renovations to more sophisticated community-planning approaches and regulations, business-wide activities, and infrastructure upgrades. | Guidance | Nature-Based Solutions, Buildings & housing, Community, Water/wastewater/stormwater, Flood |
| Weathering the Storm: Developing a Canadian Standard for Flood-Resilient Existing CommunitiesFootnote 1 | A flood hazard and vulnerability screening framework can help identify areas in existing residential communities that require the most immediate attention. This report outlines such a framework, consisting of the following key considerations: age of development, history of flooding, design standards, proximity to the floodplain, and topography. | Guidance | Nature-Based Solutions, Community, Buildings & housing, Water/wastewater/stormwater, Flood |
| Preventing Disaster Before It Strikes: Developing a Canadian Standard for Flood-Resilient Residential CommunitiesFootnote 1 | This report profiles 20 best practices to be incorporated into the design and construction of new flood-resilient residential communities in Canada. The scope of the draft best practices in this report is specific to greenfield community development only (i.e. not infill or redevelopment) and the following building types: detached homes, semi-detached homes, and row houses (including stacked and back-to-back townhomes). | Guidance | Nature-Based Solutions, Buildings & housing, Community, Water/wastewater/stormwater, Flood |
| Irreversible Extreme Heat: Protecting Canadians and Communities from a Lethal FutureFootnote 1 | This guide presents a series of practical actions that Canadians can undertake to reduce extreme heat risks. They fall into three categories: changing behaviour (non-structural), working with nature (green infrastructure), and improving buildings and public infrastructure (grey infrastructure). | Guidance | Community, Nature-Based Solutions, Buildings & housing, Heat |
| FireSmart CanadaFootnote 1 | FireSmart Canada is a national program that helps Canadians increase neighbourhood resilience to wildfire and minimize its negative impacts. It was founded in 1993 to address common concerns about wildfire in the wildland urban interface. | Website | Buildings & housing, Community, Fire |
| CSA A123.24:21 Standard test method for wind resistance of modular vegetated roof assembly.Footnote 1 | This Standard is based on the ongoing research and testing that is being carried out at the National Research Council Canada (NRCC). This document provides requirements for wind resistance testing of modular vegetated roof assemblies. The requirements specified include specimen set-up, instrumentation and apparatus, testing procedures, and termination. | Standard | Buildings & housing, Nature Based Solutions, Wind |
| This Standard provides minimum requirements for the development and reporting of a natural asset inventory, which is the first step towards natural asset management. This Standard is designed to be sufficiently flexible that it can be applied in any jurisdictional context. It can also be used to include not only natural assets within a given jurisdictional boundary but also those in adjacent jurisdictions that provide important services. | Standard | Community, Buildings & housing, Nature-Based Solutions | |
| CSA W224:24 Coastal flood risk assessment for buildings and infrastructure | This Standard applies to coastal flood risk assessments for communities, buildings, and infrastructure in Canada. The outcomes of such assessments are intended to inform the design of new buildings and infrastructure, and retrofitting measures for existing buildings and infrastructure. | Standard | Buildings & housing, Community, Flood |
| Nature-based infrastructure for coastal flood and erosion risk management: a Canadian design guide | Provides evidence-based guidance for practitioners on approaches, methods, and techniques for selecting, designing, deploying, preserving, and adaptively managing nature-based infrastructure (a form of nature-based solution) to manage coastal flood and erosion risk in Canada. It builds on existing international guidance to provide insights and lessons learned from Canadian projects and contexts. Although primarily aimed at providing technical guidance to Canadian practitioners and professionals engaged in conceptualization, design, and implementation of nature-based coastal infrastructure, the guide may also prove useful to communities, decision makers, policy makers, or non-technical users. | Guidance | Community, Nature-Based Solutions, Flood, Erosion |
| Guide to Bridge Hydraulics, Third Edition 2025 | The guide published by Transportation Association of Canada is a compilation of principles and scientific methods for the location, layout and design of bridges, and is intended for civil engineers and other professionals responsible for bridge design, construction and maintenance. This edition contains critical updates related to climate change impacts, extreme weather events, coastal considerations, permafrost, and several environmental and regulatory aspects of bridge design. Research at the National Research Council Canada under the Climate Resilient Built Environment Initiative informed the content of this report. | Guidance | Bridges, Wind, Permafrost |
| On Floods Caused by River Ice: An Overview of Mitigation Measures | This report published by the National Research Council Canada provides an overview of how ice contributes to flooding, summarizes current protective measures and offers an initial assessment of climate change impacts on ice-related flooding. The report examines the causes and mitigation of river flooding in cold regions where ice slows flow and forms jams, reviews both structural and non-structural risk reduction measures, and outlines methods for assessing site resilience in both the short and long term, including under climate change. | Report | Flood |
| Effects of Climate Change on Life-Cycle Performance of Structures and Infrastructure Systems: Safety, Reliability, and Risk | This technical book from the American Society of Civil Engineers presents and explores efforts to implement criteria, techniques, and tools for the life-cycle design, assessment, maintenance, and management of civil structures and infrastructure systems under climate change. Research at the National Research Council Canada under the Climate Resilient Built Environment Initiative contributed to his report. | Report | |
Guidance for the establishment of proactive inflow and infiltration (I/I) reduction programs, which manage the process of groundwater and stormwater entry, for sanitary sewer systems including I/I data collection and analysis, program development, public and private reduction strategies, and ongoing maintenance to minimize efforts and lower cost over the long term. |
Guidance |
Water/Wastewater/Stormwater, Flood |
|
Workshop Agreement on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Water Management |
Outlines recommended guidance on the use of nature-based solutions for water management in Canada with evidence including case studies and technical resources to support increasing uptake, mitigating risk, and opportunities and challenges for implementation. |
|
Nature-based Solutions, All |
CSA R111:21 Solid Waste Sites in Northern Communities: From Planning to Post-Closure |
Recommendations for sustainable Northern solid waste facility design, operation and management covering all phases of the asset life cycle, and assessing current risks with respect to service life extension, given geographic, climatic, transportation and resource challenges in the North. |
Standard |
Other, Permafrost |
CSA W210:21 Prioritization of Flood Risk in Existing Communities |
Guidance for greater integration of flood risk management in municipal infrastructure planning processes using a three-tiered risk assessment methodology that overlays flood hazards and proxy risk factors to score flooding risk levels in communities and inform decisions about flood-related resource allocation. |
Standard |
Community, Flood |
Provides minimum requirements and consistent methodology for the planning, preparation, and approval of potential construction maps in siting and design of new subdivisions to accommodate community growth, using a risk management framework for building in permafrost zones and considering climate change impacts in Northern regions. |
Standard |
Community, Permafrost |
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Recommendations and requirements providing comprehensive guidance to limit inflow and infiltration risks, i.e. the process of groundwater and stormwater entering sewer systems. Includes planning, design, construction, inspection and approval of new public and private sanitary sewer networks, reducing life-cycle costs, preserving system capacity, and increasing the lifespan of the infrastructure. |
Standard |
Water/Wastewater/Stormwater, Flood |
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Provides methods to formulate and interpret Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves, including establishing historical IDF rainfall estimates and incorporating climate change information into IDF information, for use in floodplain mapping, flooding emergency preparedness, and stormwater management. |
Standard |
Other, Flood |
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CSA S37-18 Antennas, Towers, and Antenna-Supporting Structures |
Provides detailed specification for climate change adaptation including factor resistance formulas and construction loads in the design, fabrication, erection and modification of structural antennas, towers, antenna-supporting structures, and roof- and wall-mounted structures, including components. |
Standard |
Other, All |
Outlines special requirements for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in health care facilities covering efficient planning, design, construction, and maintenance to reduce risk of infectious transmission and maintain occupant safety and comfort under extreme weather events attributable to climate change. |
Standard |
Buildings/Housing, All |
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CSA TS-506:25 A Climate Risks-Informed Approach to Asset Management in Northern Regions |
Guidance for integration of climate risk into asset management for Northern infrastructure to help organizations ensure that built and natural assets are prepared to withstand extreme weather events and incremental climate changes to deliver optimal services throughout their lifecycle. |
Technical Specification |
Other (Asset Management), Permafrost |
Workshop Report: Northern, Small and Remote Health Care Facilities (HCFs) Design |
Outlines recommended guidance for the planning, design and construction to ensure the same level of care for health care facilities in Northern, small and remote areas in Canada focusing on climate change risks and considerations such as permafrost thaw and risks to access and transportation due to extreme weather. |
Report |
Buildings/Housing, Permafrost |
Outlines recommended guidance on designing low-carbon, climate-resilient health care facilities including establishing performance-based metrics for energy and water consumption and operational carbon emissions while maintaining functionality under future climate conditions. |
Report |
Buildings/Housing, All |
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Getting Nature into Financial Reporting: Natural Asset Disclosures for Local Governments |
Guidance for local governments to include natural assets in their financial reports, outlining recommendations for unaudited disclosures based on relevant national and international guidance and expert consensus pending establishment of formal accounting standards. |
Report |
Nature-based Solutions, All |
Guidance on the use of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) for prioritizing construction, operation and retrofit in the context of climate change adaptation through project design and portfolio management, based on the services provided, users and their needs, and groups most impacted by climate hazards. |
Report |
Other (Asset Management), All |
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A Methodology for Assessing the Embodied Carbon Impacts of Residential Climate Resilience Measures |
Presents a methodology to understand embodied carbon and lifetime carbon impacts of residential climate adaptation that mitigates against extreme weather events, considering the potential need for retrofitting, repairing, and replacing measures due to increased climate stresses or natural disasters. |
Report |
Buildings/Housing, All |
High-Wind Design of New Woodframe Houses Has an Average Benefit-Cost Ratio of 6:1 in Canada |
Evaluates the costs, benefits, and cost-benefit ratio of key vertical load path aspects of improving the wind resilience of low-rise residential and small buildings designed according to Part 9 of the National Building Code of Canada through a new performance-based engineering method. |
Report |
Buildings/Housing, Wind |
Guidance supporting Indigenous self-determined climate monitoring with the co-application of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and western science, outlining Indigenous best practices and governance principles for data collection, analysis, ownership, control and sharing. |
Guidance |
Other, Flood, Fire, Heat, Erosion, Permafrost, Snow, Wind |
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Fundamentals for Thermal Comfort and Safety: Designing Climate-Ready Playgrounds |
Provides practical advice for managing thermal comfort in playground designs, retrofits, maintenance and usage by supporting the use of climate data, conducting site assessments, implementing modifications, maintaining site structures, and evaluating outcomes. |
Guidance |
Community, Heat |
Developing a Stormwater Quality Management Standard (QMS) in Light of a Changing Climate |
This project explores the development of a risk and quality management standard to help municipalities and professionals design, operate, and improve stormwater systems, especially under climate change. It reviews and compiles information sourced from existing provincial guidelines, select municipal and international standards, and climate-resilient approaches to stormwater planning and management already used by municipalities. |
Report |
Water/Wastewater/Stormwater, Flood |
Reducing the Risk of Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) in New Sewer Construction |
This document provides a framework to reduce inflow and infiltration (I/I) risk for new sewer segments on both the public and private sides of the property line. It outlines strategies for all project phases—from planning to acceptance—and includes behavioural guidance for property owners. Municipal engineering and development departments are the primary audience. |
Report |
Water/Wastewater/Stormwater, Flood |
Developing an Efficient and Cost-Effective Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) Reduction Program |
With targeted information for small and medium municipalities, this guideline helps identify inflow and infiltration (I/I) sources and plan cost-effective interventions before committing to major investments for field investigation and rehabilitation. It supports a modern, staged approach to I/I management across separated and partially separated sewer systems, including both municipal infrastructure and private property. |
Report |
Water/Wastewater/Stormwater, Flood |
CSA Z8002:19 Operation and maintenance of health care facilities |
This updated standard specifies requirements for a coordinated operation and maintenance program (COMP) for health care facilities, including related policies and procedures. It incorporates climate adaptation considerations, ensuring that COMP addresses climate-related risks and includes mitigation procedures. It is intended for architects, engineers, contractors, managers, and others involved in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of health care facilities. |
Standard |
Buildings/Housing, Community, All |
This report presents 20 best practices for designing and constructing flood-resilient residential communities in Canada. Developed by the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, it draws on input from a wide range of stakeholders—including municipal stormwater and flood management experts, engineers, developers, and homebuilders. The goal is to support the integration of proven flood resilience strategies into new community developments across the country. |
Report |
Buildings/Housing, Community, Flood |
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This report lays the groundwork for creating practical wind risk reduction measures that can be easily applied to new single-family home construction and major renovations. The goal is to reduce risks to life, health, and property from high winds caused by extreme weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes. The measures are designed to be straightforward and widely acceptable for implementation. |
Report |
Buildings/Housing, Community, Wind |
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This report presents findings from a workshop organized by the Standards Council of Canada that convened experts from across Canada to address urban heat island issues. Participants identified tools, guidance, standards, and best management practices to help municipalities develop and use urban heat island maps. |
Report |
Community, Heat |
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Thermally Comfortable Playgrounds: A Review of Literature and Survey of Experts |
This report provides contextual knowledge on thermal comfort in playgrounds and offers actionable design considerations to improve comfort across all seasons. It summarizes common design features for safe and comfortable play environments. The guidance draws on insights from Canadian and international experts. Recommendations can be implemented immediately by designers and integrated into future design and equipment standards. |
Report |
Community, Heat |
This report serves as a foundational step toward developing best practices for conducting wildland/urban interface (WUI) fire exposure and impact case studies in Canada. It explores what a comprehensive methodology might look like and addresses scientific, operational, and administrative aspects of implementing WUI fire case study research. |
Report |
Community, Heat |
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This assessment evaluates climate impacts on the Rideau Canal Skateway and assesses their likelihood and severity. |
Report |
Community, All |
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Mobilizing the Recommendations in Thermally Comfortable Playgrounds: Engagement Summary Report |
This report captures the outcomes of an engagement process focused on strategies to mobilize recommendations from the previously published Thermally Comfortable Playgrounds report. The initiative was led by the Standards Council of Canada in collaboration with the US National Program for Playground Safety. |
Report |
Community, Heat |
This report describes practical measures to protect coastal communities on Canada's East and West coasts from flooding and erosion. It highlights both grey infrastructure (engineered coastal protection solutions), and nature-based solutions to manage flood and erosion risks. |
Report |
Nature-based Solutions, All |
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Guide for Integrating Climate Change Adaptation Considerations into Canadian Standards |
This guide is designed to educate and support standards writers in incorporating climate change adaptation considerations into National Standards of Canada that are under development or revision. |
Guidance |
Buildings & housing, All |
This guide serves as a technical companion to the Guide for Integrating Climate Change Adaptation Considerations into Canadian Standards. It helps users understand fundamental climate change concepts and assess potential climate impacts and risks to the scope of the standard. |
Guidance |
Buildings & housing, All |
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Natural assets—such as wetlands, rivers, forests, and coastal dunes—provide essential ecosystem services to Canadian communities, including flood and drought mitigation, heat reduction, and carbon storage. Recognizing these assets as infrastructure with financial value, this guide aims to help local governments integrate natural asset disclosures into financial reporting. It builds on existing international and national standards to ensure consistent, transparent reporting and demonstrate effective management of these resources. |
Guidance |
Nature-Based Solutions, All |
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