Adaptation

The Climate Department of the Velocity Interoperability Network plans the adaptation of the Network's sites and services to a changing climate. Adaptation means reducing the harm that flooding, extreme heat, storms and water shortage would do to the Network's operations, its staff and the public who use its sites. It is distinct from the reduction of emissions, which is the subject of the Targets page: both are necessary, and neither replaces the other.

The Department's first adaptation programme, published on 6 September 2026, comprises seven works at the six principal sites of the Network. Each responds to a risk recorded in the Climate Risk Register. The works were drawn up with the Interior Department, which manages the sites and will deliver the works, and the Emergency Management Department, which leads the response when a risk materialises.

Planned works. The seven works are set out below with the stage each has reached at 6 September 2026.

Flood defences at Southbank Terminal

Raising of the river wall along the terminal frontage by 0.9 metres, installation of demountable barriers at the three vehicle entrances and relocation of switchgear from the basement to the first floor. Addresses the high-rated risk of river flooding to the Network's principal freight terminal.

Survey commissioned; works planned for spring 2027; completion autumn 2027

Cooling and shading at Central Exchange

External shading to the south and west elevations, replacement of the cooling plant serving the exchange halls with higher-capacity units, and improved ventilation of the public areas. Addresses the high-rated risk of extreme heat to staff and to the exchange equipment.

In design; works planned for spring 2027; completion summer 2027

Surface-water drainage at Westbrook Distribution Site

Two attenuation basins to hold surface water during intense rainfall, permeable surfacing of the vehicle yards and enlargement of the outfall. Addresses the high-rated risk of surface-water flooding to the site's yards and loading bays.

Survey commissioned; works planned for autumn 2027; completion spring 2028

Resilient power and cooling at Northgate Relay

A second independent electricity supply to the relay building, replacement of the standby generators with battery storage and higher-rated cooling for the equipment rooms. Addresses the high-rated risks of storm damage and extreme heat to relay infrastructure.

In design; works planned for winter 2026; completion spring 2027

Water storage at Eastfield Campus

Rainwater harvesting from the campus roofs, a 1,200 cubic metre storage tank and a drought contingency plan agreed with the Water Service. Addresses the medium-rated risk of water shortage.

Feasibility study under way; completion autumn 2027

Cooling refuges at Meridian Court

Designation and fitting out of two cooled rooms at Meridian Court as refuges for staff and visitors during heat events, with the Emergency Management Department responsible for opening them. Addresses the risk of extreme heat to the Network's court and public buildings.

In design; completion before summer 2027

Tree planting and green cover at all sites

Planting of 4,000 trees across the six principal sites by 2030, beginning in the 2026 planting season, and replacement of hard surfacing with planted areas where it does not interfere with operations. Reduces surface temperatures and slows run-off at every site.

First planting season November 2026; completion 2030

Schedule. Site surveys begin in October 2026. The first construction works, at Northgate Relay and Meridian Court, begin in winter 2026 so that they are complete before the summer of 2027. The remaining works follow as surveys and design are completed. Dates are planned and will be confirmed in the Department's quarterly reports.

How works are decided. Every work in the programme has been through the five steps below, and any work added to the programme will go through them.

1. 1

   Step 1: Identify the risk

   Each work responds to a risk recorded in the climate risk register. The Department does not commission works for risks that have not been assessed and rated.

2. 2

   Step 2: Assess the options

   The Department and the Interior Department, which manages the sites, survey the site and set out the options for reducing the risk, their cost and how far each reduces the risk.

3. 3

   Step 3: Consult the departments affected

   The departments and member organisations that use the site are consulted on the options and on the disruption each would cause to their operations.

4. 4

   Step 4: Agree the programme

   The Department publishes the work, its stage and its planned completion date on this page and announces it in the Newsroom.

5. 5

   Step 5: Deliver and review

   The Interior Department delivers the work. On completion the Department re-rates the risk in the register and records the change in its annual report.

The programme is reviewed annually alongside the risk register, and after any event in which a climate risk materialises at a Network site. Proposals for works not in the programme may be sent to the Department by any department or member organisation, and should identify the risk addressed and the site concerned.

Announcements about the programme are published in the Newsroom. Enquiries may be sent to contact@climate.gov.vin. For answers to common questions, see the frequently asked questions.