In this episode, I talk with Matt Huddleston, PE, Principal Consultant of Climate Resilience Strategy at Resilient Analytics, a Stanley Consultants Company, about how civil engineers can translate climate model projections into actionable strategies that lead to climate-resilient infrastructure.
Engineering Quotes:



Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Matt:

Can you share an example of how you helped a client go from identifying climate risks to creating climate-resilient infrastructure through design?
Which climate data sources should engineers use, and what should they watch out for when it comes to quality and relevance in planning climate-resilient infrastructure?
How is climate resilience being included in today’s design standards, and how can engineers make sure their projects support climate-resilient infrastructure?
When working with private companies versus government agencies, how do you approach resilience planning for climate-resilient infrastructure?
What are some practical ways that civil engineers and local governments can begin integrating sustainability and climate-resilient infrastructure into their plans?
Why is it important for engineers to follow specific steps when turning climate data into design decisions that support climate-resilient infrastructure?
Do you have a final piece of advice for engineers aiming to build infrastructure that’s ready for the future and aligned with climate-resilient infrastructure principles?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Climate Resilient Infrastructure Solutions for Civil Engineering Projects:


The Arizona DOT used future runoff projections for 2030 and 2050 to evaluate different stormwater design options for SR88. This led to design alternatives that addressed wildfire and flooding impacts without adding significant time or cost.
Engineers can start with global climate models from the IPCC and use tools like Atlas 15, the National Climate Assessment, and the University of Minnesota climate viewer. They should be aware that prepackaged data can be limited and that using multiple models helps reveal the full range of outcomes for climate risk assessment.
LEED version 5 requires a vulnerability assessment to show how climate today and in the future affects a project and what options are considered to adapt. ASCE 7-22 recommends using the 500-year flood as a design threshold, and other agencies are starting to include similar climate adaptation strategies in their requirements.
Private companies often act based on investor expectations and regulations like those in the EU, UK, and California that require them to report climate-related financial risk. Public agencies may also follow regulations, but many use funding opportunities like PROTECT to support resilience planning and improvements.
Engineers can begin by defining what resilience means for their agency and including it in master plans, asset management plans, and project frameworks. It helps to educate staff and clients using available tools, guidance, and funding sources to make the process more manageable.
The process includes compiling data, developing a vulnerability model, analyzing the risks, and simplifying the results for others to understand. Asking the right questions about location, asset type, project lifespan, and client goals helps guide the right design choices.
Engineers are trained on historic data, but current and future conditions are changing and require a forward-looking approach. Thinking about what an asset will face in 30 to 50 years helps highlight what risks to consider now for climate-resilient infrastructure.

More Details in This Episode…
About Matt Huddleston, PE
Matt Huddleston is a Principal Consultant at Resilient Analytics,