ABSTRACT
Some basic actions to avoid overheating are described in Chapter 6, and it makes sense to implement these as part of current sustainable refurbishment projects. This chapter looks ahead and discusses broader actions that are likely to be necessary as climate change and, particularly, associated global warming raise temperatures to new highs, making houses unbearably hot. The exact effects of climate change on different regions are uncertain, and as well as negative effects, there may also be positive ones, such as warmer winters and longer growing seasons in northern climates. For the existing housing stock, the important message is to allow and enable adaptation to take place as it becomes necessary in order to maintain comfortable living conditions. Under some scenarios, such as the disruption of the Gulf Stream, which maintains the UK’s temperate climate, colder weather is anticipated in some regions; but a well-insulated and well-ventilated house is ideally suited to providing comfort under these conditions with minimal energy use. Similarly, some aspects of a sustainable house (e.g. insulation) can already help in combating overheating, although further actions may be necessary depending upon different weather conditions.
