How to tackle climate adaptation in our homes and buildings

In the context of housing, this thinking goes beyond just the material impact on a building user, developer or owner, but also what impacts they have. For example, if a row of terraced houses were being redeveloped, it might be that installing air-conditioning is the most commercially attractive option for mitigating extreme heat and ensuring residents’ comfort. However, what impact will that have on the homes and area to which all the hot exhaust air from the air-conditioners is directed? Quick fixes such as bolting on air-conditioning units are not a ‘just transition’, particularly since they can cause even greater overheating in the surrounding area. Adopting holistic solutions that consider the societal impact and seek broader social value creation should therefore be the priority when mitigating extreme weather.

Key learnings for the building sector

In order for the UK to adapt its buildings to hotter weather, there are a number of learnings we can take, both from nature and other countries. Green infrastructure, such as parks and local ecosystems, can play a key role in helping to cool urban environments during a heatwave. Similarly, introducing more vegetation in local communities can help to reduce the effects of overheating. Furthermore, the UK could benefit from implementing tried and tested heat-mitigation techniques from southern European countries – including planning techniques such as building orientation, reducing glass on south-facing facades, prioritising passive ventilation design, and incorporating building features such as exterior shading, light-coloured exterior surfaces and green facades. These changes can be incorporated relatively easily into UK housing design, and often carry the co-benefits of mitigating other climate risks, reducing energy fuel costs and increasing the wellbeing of residents. The key challenge is overcoming any capital expenditure uplift – something that is much lower for new-builds than retrofit solutions. However, there are significant operational expenditure benefits and these will influence property value.

The way forward

The world is changing more rapidly than many expect, but we are often struggling to implement solutions that are technically within our reach. What are the keys to unlocking action now? Firstly, strong policy is urgently needed to build upon the latest building regulations and mandate climate adaptation in our building stock. This should include existing homes, as well as new-builds, and raising minimum standards to implement the climate readiness all our homes need. The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) should be expanded into the Minimum Climate Adaptation Standards, including a rating for heat mitigation and other climate hazards. This would bring the joined-up thinking in planning, design and operation that we urgently need.

Secondly, we need a nationwide government programme with financial backing to improve our housing stock. This should incentivise homeowners and landlords to build resilience into their homes, such as Italy’s scheme where homeowners are given a tax break equivalent to 110 per cent to undertake improvements to reduce climate risk.