Flood risk mitigation: Design considerations and cost implications for new and existing buildings

Worldwide, flooding has been predicted to threaten up to 2 billion people or more by 2050 due to the collective effect of higher frequency and intensity of rain, snow and ice melting. There is general consensus about the key role of risk reduction in mitigating the vulnerability of buildings and human settlements to natural hazards. The need to undertake assessments and conform to guidance will invariably lead to higher development costs in floodplain areas. This chapter focuses on the increasing challenges of flooding as a result of global warming. It also discusses the need for a mitigation framework and appropriate design to minimise the effect of flood risk on people and building vulnerability. The implications of the mitigation measures adopted in terms of building, insurance and the wider cost implications are examined. The chapter offers some conclusions regarding the long‐term effect of embracing mitigation measures on development and insurance provisions.