States' Environmental Advisor Dr Michael Romeril has warned temperature control could be crucial in the development of any new building or renovations.

Dr Romeril has also said people involved in the construction industry may need to think more carefully about how to keep buildings cooler in summer, rather than warm during the winter.

Potential developments in low-lying coastal locations and in valleys will also need careful thought, he said.

Meteorologists say in the next two or three decades Jersey can expect the sea level to rise by seven centimetres.

The island can also expect an average annual temperature rise, more frequent and stronger storms, and less rain in the summer, but more in the winter.

For builders and householders, the changes could mean more condensation, increased subsidence and storm damage.