Assessing Building Adaptation to Climate Change: A Scoping Review of Methods and Frameworks

Climate change adaptation in buildings is an expanding field, yet methodological approaches remain diverse and fragmented, with no widely adopted unified assessment framework. This study aims to identify and synthesize existing methods and frameworks used to assess climate change adaptation in buildings. A scoping review was conducted to map key concepts, methodological trends, and knowledge gaps in the literature. Following database screening and study selection, 50 articles published between 2010 and 2026 (including one online-first paper with a nominal publication year 2026) were analysed according to assessment methods, frameworks, hazards, building typologies, life-cycle stages, and climate zones. The findings indicate a strong reliance on simulation-based and indicator-based approaches. Heatwaves are the most frequently examined hazard, while thermal comfort is the most commonly assessed adaptation-related outcome; comprehensive multi-hazard assessments remain relatively scarce. Established sustainability certification schemes and technical standards are often adapted for this purpose, whereas dedicated climate adaptation assessment frameworks remain limited. Overall, the field is characterized by considerable methodological fragmentation, highlighting the need for integrated multi-criteria evaluation frameworks that better connect building-scale technical assessment with broader climate policy objectives.