Managing overheating in buildings induced by climate change

Abstract

Extended periods of drought, heavy rainfall and rapid changes between high and low outdoor temperature extremes have all been associated with global climate change. It is highly likely that a significant portion of climate change is anthropogenic. Large and rapid climatic changes have the potential to generate significant discomfort and even hazard to occupants. Well designed, constructed and managed buildings protect people from adverse climatic conditions and provide indoor spaces that foster well-being, health and productivity. Changing climatic conditions require innovative approaches to the design, building, management and use of comfortable and safe indoor environments. This study explores innovative approaches to reducing/avoiding climate-change-induced overheating in residential buildings in Northern Europe (Sweden and Germany), with a focus on managing heat loads during the summer season. Different approaches and measures are discussed, with relevance to building retrofitting and new construction. It is shown that the need for active cooling can be significantly reduced through good building design and smart climate control. Innovative insolation management devices are further shown to have the potential to reduce both winter heating and summer cooling loads. The study also explores the extent to which the intensity of urban heat islands can be reduced by addressing heat storage in the building structure. Innovative approaches to solar shading and heat protection are discussed as alternatives to heat load and indoor climate management.