Demand-Based Ventilation for Building Resilience in Colder Climates: Adapting Construction to Climate Change

VILPE Sense

As climate conditions shift, so do the demands on buildings. Rising temperatures, increased rainfall, stronger winds, and more extreme weather patterns mean that traditional construction practices and maintenance approaches may no longer be sufficient (Vinha et al., 2013). Structures built decades ago—and even some more recent constructions—are often not designed to withstand today’s environmental stresses, let alone the intensified conditions expected in the future. These evolving challenges underscore the need for the construction industry to adapt and develop solutions that meet the demands of a changing climate (Grynning et al., 2020).

While the construction sector has received considerable attention for its carbon footprint, with research and industry efforts focused on reducing emissions through sustainable practices, it is equally critical to implement strategies that address the ongoing and likely intensifying impacts of climate change.

This article outlines the specific challenges that climate change poses for buildings in colder climates and explores how demand-based ventilation can serve as a crucial tool to mitigate the compounded stresses of temperature, humidity, and precipitation. By tailoring ventilation of structures to respond to real-time conditions, demand-based systems can help reduce the risk of mold growth, material degradation, and other climate-related issues, supporting resilience and long-term durability in a changing climate.

Interactive climate impacts on construction: Temperature, humidity, and drying capacity

As climate change alters environmental conditions, buildings face complex challenges, particularly in colder regions where traditional designs may not be suited to manage emerging stresses. The interaction between rising temperatures, increased humidity, and reduced drying capacity poses specific risks for building resilience, with mold growth and material degradation being primary concerns (Gaarder et al., 2023; Vinha et al., 2013). Climate change impacts vary by region: some areas may experience more intense rainfall, while others face fluctuating temperatures or higher humidity levels (Gaarder et al., 2023; Gaarder et al., 2024ab). Even within a single country, such as Norway, regional climate threats differ significantly (Gaarder et al., 2023). Although much research has focused on warmer climates, colder regions in Europe and, for instance, the northeastern and midwestern U.S. are encountering unique challenges that require special consideration, including increased humidity, greater precipitation, and reduced sunlight (Grynning et al., 2020).

The effect of rising temperatures on structures

Buildings in colder climates, traditionally optimized for low temperatures, now face additional stress from prolonged periods of heat, which can accelerate wear on materials and increase energy demands for cooling. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects a global temperature increase of 1.5°C to 2.0°C by 2050 (IPCC, 2021), placing further pressure on structures, particularly those built without robust cooling systems. Higher temperatures can also cause expansion and contraction in materials, gradually compromising structural integrity. Combined with increased humidity and prolonged drying times, rising temperatures further elevate the risk of mold growth (Vinha et al., 2013).

Increased precipitation and moisture management challenges

Colder regions are increasingly experiencing higher rainfall, placing greater stress on drainage systems and building envelopes. Studies in Northern Europe project that annual rainfall could increase by up to 20% by the end of the century, with the greatest increases expected during winter months (European Environment Agency, 2020). The impact of this trend is already evident in empirical data: Bunkholt et al. (2021) found that moisture damage on Norwegian roofs rose from 22% in the 90s to 32% in the 2020s, with compact, unventilated roofs showing the largest increase in damage. This indicates that increased precipitation, coupled with limited drying potential, poses a significant threat to building durability.

Humidity, cloud cover, and the risk of mold growth

Increased humidity and cloud cover are also critical factors in colder climates. Higher humidity levels, coupled with reduced sunlight, hinder natural drying processes, increasing the likelihood of moisture accumulation and mold growth (Vinha et al., 2013). Even minor increases in outdoor humidity can significantly impact structural health. For instance, Viljanen (2023) found that a 1–2 percentage point rise in relative humidity can raise the mold index in roof structures to level four, indicating visible mold growth. The Finnish mold growth model, developed by Tampere University of Technology and VTT Technical Research Centre, rates mold risk on a scale of 0 to 6, with higher levels signaling bigger risks.

VILPE Sense humidity control and leak detectors

Using demand-based ventilation to mitigate climate change impacts on buildings

When addressing the negative effects of climate change on buildings, several factors come into play, including material choices, construction techniques, and climate-resilient design principles. However, one critical factor is effective structural ventilation, which can play a key role in managing temperature, humidity, and air quality within the building envelope. In this context, demand-based ventilation, particularly through systems like VILPE Sense, offers an innovative approach to maintaining structural health in the face of increasing environmental stresses.

VILPE Sense humidity control is a demand-based ventilation system designed to monitor and manage the structures, for instance the roof or crawl space. The system includes sensors that monitor temperature and humidity levels both within the ventilated structure and in the outdoor air. It controls a roof fan to optimize ventilation based on current conditions. For instance, the fan operates at higher power when excessive moisture is detected in the structure and outdoor air is sufficiently dry, promoting effective drying. Conversely, the fan reduces power when outdoor air is humid, preventing unnecessary moisture intake. Ventilation stops entirely in very cold weather to conserve energy and avoid adverse effects on the structure. By continuously adjusting ventilation based on current outdoor and indoor conditions, VILPE Sense not only conserves energy but also actively mitigates risks related to humidity, temperature, and potential structural degradation. Here’s how VILPE Sense supports building resilience:

  1. Accelerates drying of structures: Increased rainfall, humidity, prolonged drying periods, and higher temperatures create ideal conditions for mold growth and structural decay. VILPE Sense humidity control combats this by adjusting ventilation to maintain optimal drying conditions within the structure. By continuously monitoring humidity levels and increasing ventilation when necessary, VILPE Sense accelerates the drying process in areas like roofs and crawl spaces, significantly reducing the risk of long-term moisture damage.
  2. Removes excess heat: Rising temperatures due to climate change present new challenges, especially in colder climates where buildings were traditionally designed to retain heat. Prolonged heat periods can lead to overheating within structures, accelerating material wear and compromising indoor comfort. VILPE Sense mitigates this by increasing airflow within the structure, effectively removing excess heat. This reduces the need for additional indoor cooling, enhancing comfort and prolonging the lifespan of building materials.
  3. Informs you of potential problems: All VILPE Sense products continuously monitor structural conditions in real-time, alerting users to elevated moisture levels for timely intervention. This proactive approach helps prevent minor moisture issues from escalating into significant, costly damage. In lieu of the VILPE Sense humidity control, the VILPE Sense product family also includes leak detectors equipped with sensors that measure humidity and temperature within roof structures. These detectors identify areas with moisture, enabling precise, targeted repairs at the optimal time, which reduces repair costs and extends the lifespan of the structure.

By optimizing ventilation to respond to the unique demands of a changing climate, VILPE Sense offers a tool to mitigating climate-related risks. Through enhanced drying, optimal air flow, and continuous monitoring, VILPE Sense supports the durability and resilience of buildings in colder climates, helping structures withstand the compounded effects of temperature, humidity, and precipitation shifts that are increasingly common in today’s climate landscape.

Conclusion

As climate change continues to reshape environmental conditions, the demands on buildings—especially in colder climates—are also changing. Traditional construction practices may no longer ensure the durability, safety, and efficiency of structures in the face of increased temperatures, heightened precipitation, stronger winds, and rising humidity. This shift necessitates a move toward climate-resilient construction practices that incorporate adaptable designs, durable materials, and proactive systems for long-term sustainability.

Technologies like VILPE Sense provide a powerful layer of resilience by enabling real-time monitoring and responsive adjustments. VILPE Sense’s data-driven insights further support informed decision-making, allowing for targeted interventions that extend building lifespans and enhance environmental sustainability.

Key highlights: Demand-based ventilation for resilience

  1. Adapting to climate change: Rising temperatures, increased rainfall, and humidity challenge building durability in colder climates.
  2. Moisture control: Demand-based ventilation accelerates drying, preventing mold and structural decay.
  3. Heat management: Removes excess heat in prolonged warm periods, reducing wear and cooling needs.
  4. Real-time monitoring: Systems like VILPE Sense provide alerts for timely interventions and targeted repairs.

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