Our climate is changing. Temperatures are rising and it’s predicted that, without mitigation, extreme heat will impact 300 million Europeans each year by 2100, resulting in 90,000 fatalities.
Current legislation is understandably focused on keeping buildings warm in winter but we urgently need to address the summer months too – and the summers that lie ahead. An ageing population and growing urbanisation have made us more vulnerable to the effects of overheating. As temperatures rise, today’s comfortable buildings could become extremely uncomfortable for future generations.
With 90% of our time spent indoors, we need to prioritise the thermal comfort of our buildings all year round. That means we need to make insulation do more.
Here’s the good news: with the proper design, construction, renovation, and maintenance, we can create Better Buildings, with the power to protect us from extreme temperatures, 365 days a year. This needs to start now, because 80% of the buildings that will be occupied in 2050 are already being built and renovated today.
We need to rethink building design
Insulation is integral to creating climate-resilient buildings, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
There are many factors which can cause people to overheat in buildings:
Year-round thermal comfort requires a whole-building approach:
To achieve better thermal comfort, we must first create a controllable internal environment. Only then can heating and cooling systems work effectively to maintain the desired temperature.
Balance solar heat gain
With windows and shading optimised to be beneficial during all seasons.
Consider orientation
Position the building with wind and peak sunlight in mind.
Control ventilation
Include systems that allow heat to be purged or recovered.
Deploy thermal mass
Use thermal mass (such as stone, or concrete) to help dampen daily temperature peaks.
Deploy living roofs and greenery
Green roofs offer passive cooling in summer and thermal insulation in winter.
Manage internal heat gains
For example, by insulating hot water pipes.
Maximise insulation and airtightness
Create a stable interval environment with minimal uncontrolled heat transfer.
Insulation preserves and protects
Regardless of the time of year, creating the optimal indoor temperature becomes virtually impossible if heat is continually gained or lost through a building’s external envelope.
A well-insulated building envelope preserves the internal environment by reducing that heat transfer, maintaining thermal comfort, and protecting occupants from the effects of extreme heat or cold.
Learn what to look for in your insulation: