Heat Resilience and Sustainable Cooling in UK Homes
In the UK, a pressing issue has emerged concerning the heat resilience of homes. With the population spending approximately 90% of their time indoors, the capacity of the existing housing stock to handle excessive heat is alarmingly inadequate. This situation has resulted in millions of homes across the UK suffering from summertime overheating.
The introduction of Part O of the building regulations, targeting the overheating mitigation requirements in new residential buildings, marks a commendable initiative. However, its scope is limited and necessitates expansion.
It is crucial to extend the reach of Part O to encompass not only new constructions but also the refurbishment of existing properties and buildings undergoing material changes to residential use. This expansion would ensure a broader impact, promoting heat resilience in a larger number of homes. Additionally, implementing post-occupancy evaluations is vital. These evaluations would assess the real-world effectiveness of the mitigation strategies deployed under Part O, preferably within the first year after installation. Such measures would provide valuable insights into the practical benefits and limitations of current regulations, leading to more informed future policies.
The challenge of retrofitting existing homes to enhance their heat resilience is immense, given that four out of every five homes that will exist in 2050 are already constructed. Addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach. The integration of existing initiatives focused on insulation and energy efficiency into a more ambitious, all-encompassing housing retrofit programme is necessary. This programme should not only aim at improving energy efficiency but also at mitigating overheating risks. A well-designed and executed approach can achieve cost-effectiveness, minimal disruption, and ensure that homes are both energy-efficient and comfortable.
A locally-led strategy, implemented through local authorities, is recommended for the delivery of this programme. Local authorities possess an intimate understanding of their respective areas and communities, making them ideal for spearheading such initiatives. Adequate long-term funding is essential to support these efforts. The strategy should prioritise passive measures, such as better insulation and natural ventilation, and then fans, before resorting to more energy-intensive 'active' cooling methods.
Furthermore, the role of private finance in achieving the necessary scale of retrofitting cannot be understated. The government must urgently propose ways to facilitate access to low-cost finance for homeowners. This action is especially pressing in light of the consultation carried out three years ago, which has yet to yield substantial progress. Such financial support would significantly accelerate the retrofitting process, making sustainable cooling and heat resilience a reachable goal for a vast number of UK homes.
Addressing the issue of heat resilience in UK homes requires a comprehensive, multi-tiered approach. Expanding the scope of Part O, conducting post-occupancy evaluations, integrating various initiatives into a broad retrofitting programme and facilitating private finance are critical steps towards ensuring that homes are not only energy-efficient but also capable of withstanding the challenges posed by rising temperatures.
Read the full report by the Environmental Audit Committee here.
Buy Bodge Buster – Homeowner Air Source Heat Pump Installation Guide: https://amzn.to/3NVndlU
From Zero to Heat Pump Hero: https://amzn.to/4bWkPFb
Subscribe and follow our Homeowners’ Q&A heat pump podcast
- 22 Forums
- 2,073 Topics
- 45.5 K Posts
- 80 Online
- 3,351 Members
Join Us!
Trusted Installers
Struggling to find a reliable heat pump installer? A poor installation can lead to inefficiencies and high running costs. We now connect homeowners with top-rated installers who deliver quality work and excellent service.
✅ Verified, trusted & experienced installers
✅ Nationwide coverage expanding
✅ Special offers available
Latest Posts
-
RE: Radiators downstairs are cooler at the bottom after ASHP install
@melonbuffet Hi, this sounds great is you are getting 5...
By ASHP-BOBBA , 1 hour ago
-
RE: 5 Star Service from Havenwise
... a mode of operation which increases losses due to p...
By Transparent , 2 hours ago
-
RE: Commencing on an ASHP Installation Process
Thank you for the kind feedback.Perhaps the government ...
By Sheriff Fatman , 3 hours ago
-
RE: Why Your MCS-Certified Installer Might Not Be As Competent As You Think
Thanks for the inputs, much appreciated, Heat Pump -...
By adisharma , 5 hours ago
-
RE: Ripped Off: How UK Homeowners Are Paying Gas Prices for Wind Energy
I believe there's another reason that network upgrades ...
By Transparent , 18 hours ago
-
RE: What’s the modern take on advised types of insulation?
@jeff I am sorry @jeff if I have misunderstood what you...
By Toodles , 22 hours ago
-
RE: Getting the best out of a heat pump - is Homely a possible answer?
@editor Cobbler’s Mantra that!
By Toodles , 1 day ago
-
RE: Renewables & Heat Pumps in the News
Australia Blue, the first wind farm in Western Victoria...
By Morgan , 2 days ago
-
RE: Flow rate discrepancy between ASHP and manifold
That's useful thanks, I hadn't seen that table before. ...
By AshRolls , 3 days ago
-
In principle I agree, @johnmo, but with provisos. The...
By Majordennisbloodnok , 3 days ago
-
RE: Heat pump installation and BUS Grant timings
@jamespa Thats how I understood it too. 🙂
By ASHP-BOBBA , 3 days ago
-
RE: Antifreeze top up for my heat pump - is this a rip off?
@sallyl That sounds about right if they are re-filling ...
By Brendon Uys , 3 days ago
-
RE: Enabling WiFi: Samsung ASHP on Smart Things App
I would switch it off and see if anyone noticed. We use...
By Anonymous 5011 , 4 days ago
-
I wouldn't be so sure about that. Heat pump designers ...
By JamesPa , 4 days ago
-
RE: Jokes and fun posts about heat pumps and renewables
@toodles they're a rowdy bunch!
By Mars , 4 days ago
-
RE: Home energy storage & battery register
@jamespa To a certain extent, by exporting to the grid ...
By Toodles , 5 days ago
-
RE: Forum updates, announcements & issues
@editor Fairy Nuff Mars, I doubt that my ramblings woul...
By Toodles , 6 days ago
-
RE: Confusion about heat pump sizing
We’ve published a deep dive into heat pump sizing, and ...
By Mars , 6 days ago
-
We’ve published a deep dive into heat pump sizing, and ...
By Mars , 6 days ago