Tips for staying cool in buildings
With 2018's record-breaking summer heatwave stretching on into August, BSRIA has published a list of top tips for surviving in buildings. The list is by no means prescriptive, but even adopting a couple of the suggestions could help keep staff cool and more productive:
- Installing external solar shading – technicalities, practicalities and location allowing.
- Installing glazing that reduces solar gain – such as a 'green' foil that reflects high levels of radiant heat.
- Leaving thermal mass exposed as part of a major internal refurbishment of concrete or masonry buildings.
- Making use of night-time free cooling, either using a building’s existing ventilation system, or a 'manual' method (security should be taken into account if leaving windows open at night).
- Reducing internal gains by installing energy efficient lighting and ensuring all lights and other electrical equipment are switched off when not in use.
- Installing energy-efficient air conditioning (although this should be seen as a last resort and it may be a trigger for consequential improvements under the building regulations).
- Using electric fans.
- Giving out free ice cream and ice lollies on hot days and maybe allowing staff to leave early (with flexible working of course).
David Bleicher, Publications Manager at BSRIA, said:
“The UK, and in fact all of Europe, is currently experiencing a sustained heatwave – set to break records of 2003 and, indeed, 1976.
"Drinking water should play a big part, with water coolers available for staff to keep hydrated and reminders for staff to drink more. One should be aiming for over the recommended two litres per day in hot weather. Tea and coffee are dehydrating but if staff can’t live without their morning caffeine fix, iced latte is an alternative.
"Another idea is to unplug electrical devices once they’re charged. Indeed: chargers, iPads et al all produce unnecessary heat while they’re plugged in – and every little bit helps when you’re trying to cool down.”
This article was originally published here in August 2018 by BSRIA.
--BSRIA
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.