What and why
In step 3 of the climate risk assessment in Voyager, you assess how sensitive the building is to each hazard it's exposed to. This is where your team's knowledge about the building matters most. The system provides exposure data automatically, but only you know the building's construction, condition, and local context.
Sensitivity is rated on a scale: not sensitive, very low, low, medium, high, or very high. If none of the risk factors below apply, you can set the sensitivity to "not sensitive" or "very low" based on your own judgment.
If multiple factors apply, you need to consider the combined picture. More risk factors generally means higher sensitivity, but use your judgment based on severity and how the factors interact.
Subsidence and landslides
Consider:
Have there been historical signs of ground movement, settlement, or visible cracks in the surrounding ground (not worn asphalt, but deeper structural cracks)? If yes, this points toward high sensitivity.
Is the building near a steep slope? Medium to high.
Is the building in a coastal zone? Medium to high.
Does the drainage around the building function poorly? Low to medium.
Are the surrounding surfaces entirely hardscaped, with no vegetation to bind and stabilize the ground? Low.
Heavy precipitation and flooding
Consider:
Has there been historical flooding that caused damage? High to very high.
Does the building have a basement? Medium.
If yes, does the basement house operations, technical rooms, or critical infrastructure? High to very high.
If yes, does the basement have floor drains connected to the sewage network? High to very high (risk of backflow).
Does the ground slope direct water toward the building? Medium, depending on how well-protected the building is.
Is the building connected to a combined sewer system (higher risk of backpressure)? Medium.
Is the building near the sea, a lake, or a watercourse (near means at the shoreline)? Medium.
Are there existing protective measures in place (backflow valves, sealed penetrations, pump capacity)? This reduces risk.
Are the surrounding surfaces entirely hardscaped, worsening runoff? Or are there green areas nearby? Low.
Heat waves
Consider:
Could heat in the premises become a problem for future tenants? Think about the current situation, tenant feedback, and features like large unshaded windows. Medium.
Is the ventilation or cooling system so poor that it risks breaking down during prolonged high temperatures? Medium.
Does the tenant run operations where it's critical that the premises don't get too warm (server rooms, food storage, healthcare)? Increases sensitivity.
Storm and strong winds
Consider:
Roof type and condition: are there loose elements that could detach? Medium to high.
Are there signs, antennas, or other detachable elements on the facade and roof? Medium to high.
Facade condition: are there loose joints, window frames, or sheet metal details that are affected by strong wind? Medium to high.
Quick clay
Consider:
Is the building located within a mapped quick clay zone? If yes, the exposure data already reflects this, but sensitivity depends on the building itself.
What type of foundation does the building have? Buildings on shallow foundations (strip or slab on grade) are more sensitive than buildings on deep foundations (piles to bedrock). High if shallow foundations in a quick clay zone.
Have there been any construction, excavation, or drainage changes in the surrounding area that could alter groundwater levels or soil stability? Medium to high.
Is the building heavy relative to the ground conditions (large concrete structures on soft ground)? Medium.
Are there signs of uneven settlement in the building (doors that don't close, cracks in load-bearing walls, tilting)? High.
Coastal flooding and storm surge
Consider:
How close is the building to the shoreline and at what elevation? Buildings at or near sea level within a few hundred meters of the coast are most sensitive. High.
Is the ground floor or basement below the storm surge level for the area? High to very high.
Does the building have critical functions or technical installations at ground level or below? High to very high.
Are there physical barriers between the building and the coast (seawalls, embankments, dunes)? This reduces sensitivity.
What is the building's construction material? Wood-frame buildings are more sensitive to salt water damage than concrete or masonry. Increases sensitivity for wood.
Sea level rise
Consider:
Is the building's lowest floor level close to current sea level (within 1 to 2 meters)? Medium to high, depending on time horizon.
Is the building designed for a long lifespan (50+ years)? The longer the intended use, the more relevant sea level rise becomes. Medium to high for long-lived assets.
Is the property in an area where sea level rise projections indicate significant change within the building's expected lifetime? Medium.
Are there municipal or regional plans to build coastal protection in the area? This may reduce long-term sensitivity.
Wildfire
Consider:
Is the building surrounded by or adjacent to dense forest or dry vegetation? Medium to high.
What is the building's exterior material? Wood cladding and roofing are significantly more sensitive than stone, brick, or metal. High for wood, low for masonry.
Is there a defensible space around the building (cleared area without combustible material within 10 to 30 meters)? This reduces sensitivity.
Are there overhanging branches, accumulated dry vegetation, or stored flammable materials near the building? Medium to high.
Is the building difficult to reach for fire services (long access road, remote location)? Increases sensitivity.
Does the building have fire-resistant features (sprinklers, fire-rated windows, non-combustible roof)? This reduces sensitivity.
Good to know
There is no single correct answer for sensitivity. It depends on the specific building, its condition, its function, and its surroundings. The questions above are meant as a starting point to help your team think through the assessment systematically.
If you're unsure about a rating, it's better to err on the side of caution and rate sensitivity slightly higher. A higher sensitivity leads to a more thorough risk evaluation, which is preferable to missing a real vulnerability.
Different team members may have relevant knowledge for different hazards. Building managers know about drainage and basement conditions. Facility managers know about HVAC systems. Consider involving the people who know the building best.