As climate change transforms our cities and infrastructure, adaptation is no longer optional — it's urgent.
As a trusted partner of local authorities and businesses, Colas deploys sustainable solutions that build climate resilience while enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Climate Change: A Global Challenge, a Local Response
Droughts, heatwaves, floods… The effects of climate change are intensifying. Roads and infrastructure are particularly vulnerable: cracks, deformation, flooding are all on the rise.
For public and private project owners, adaptation is now a strategic priority.
“Each year, we see more projects tied to climate risk management, especially in stormwater control and flood prevention,”
explains Manon Terrollion, Head of Marketing at the Colas Group.
🔗 Discover how Colas integrates climate into its low-carbon strategy: Our CSR Commitments – Colas, a Responsible Infrastructure Leader
Colas: A Key Player in Climate Resilience
A Systemic Approach Driven by Research
At the CORE Center, Colas’ R&D hub, experts in urban planning, hydraulics, and sustainable materials develop a holistic approach to climate adaptation, in close coordination with local engineering departments.
Objective: Understand, model, and anticipate climate impacts on infrastructure to deliver practical, field-ready solutions.
Research focus areas include:
- Sustainable water management and natural rain infiltration
- Thermal comfort and soil de-sealing
- Microclimatic modeling to rethink cities at a local scale
Colas is also a partner in the French national ISSU project (Innovations and Solutions to Combat Urban Overheating), coordinated by IREX, which aims to mitigate urban heat island effects.
StreetADAPT: A Tailored Solution for More Resilient Cities
StreetADAPT is Colas’ custom offering to help communities adapt their infrastructure to climate variability.
Each project includes:
- A diagnostic phase,
- Technical solutions,
- And performance monitoring over time.
Case in point – Ramatuelle (Var, France):
A performance-based contract allowed for the pedestrianization of a city center area with commitments to:
- Lower surface temperatures by 2°C,
- Reduce water and energy use,
- And ensure a target renewable energy coverage rate.
The maintenance contract runs through 2029, reflecting Colas’ long-term commitment to sustainable urban development — fully aligned with the Group’s carbon neutrality goals.
Practical Solutions for Local Governments
Whether in France or abroad, Colas supports municipalities with climate-ready infrastructure that responds to real-world needs and local constraints — delivering resilience, sustainability, and public value.
Key Concepts in Climate Adaptation
Resilience
The capacity of a community, ecosystem, or infrastructure to withstand, adapt to, and recover quickly from extreme weather events such as storms, floods, or droughts.
Albedo
The ability of a surface to reflect solar radiation. Measured on a scale from 0 (absorbs all radiation, like black surfaces) to 1 (reflects all radiation, like fresh snow).
Ecological Engineering
A discipline using nature-based solutions to preserve biodiversity and enhance ecosystem resilience — often integrated into urban or transport infrastructure.
Urban Heat Island (UHI)
A phenomenon where urban areas become significantly hotter than nearby rural zones, especially at night and during heatwaves. Concrete, asphalt, dense buildings, and lack of vegetation intensify this effect.
Microclimatic Modeling
The use of climate simulation tools to analyze conditions at neighborhood or city scale, helping to design urban layouts that improve thermal comfort and reduce UHI effects.
Building the Resilience of Tomorrow
Faced with the climate emergency, Colas is taking action to help communities adapt their infrastructure and protect natural resources.
Through innovation, research, and collaboration, the Group is shaping infrastructure that is sustainable, safe, and respectful of life.
