This is according to research from Aggreko, an engineering firm specialising in energy solutions, that surveyed 853 construction managers across Europe.
Respondents were asked to gauge how “changing weather patterns and extreme weather events” were impacting their work.
Overall, 93% of construction managers across Europe said they had experienced difficulties in the past year due to changing weather conditions.
This had led to 75% encountering major delays, resulting in either missed deadlines or financial penalties.
The survey found extreme heat was considered the biggest risk in the UK. Specific to UK respondents, 70% claimed they had experienced major delays due to changing weather conditions.
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When asked to identify three concerns regarding extreme weather events, most construction managers (38%) highlighted damage to equipment as a key risk.
Concerns around employee welfare and damage of materials both ranked joint-second, with 35% each.
In commentary accompanying the findings, Aggreko highlighted how heavy rainfall in the UK caused a 1.9% output dip in February.
“This is a problem because most forecasts predict a moderate decline in construction output through to 2025, giving contractors and suppliers far less margin for error,” added Aggreko.
“Large and complex supply chains are challenging enough when conditions are favourable, so the prospect of increasingly unpredictable weather will put even experienced companies in difficulty, all at a time when certainty is needed most.”
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