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
Compressor market trends for the EMEA region
Report includes sales vs production of compressors by type.
Government announces latest plans for growth.
Changes to product testing under the Building Safety Bill
Will the new requirements - once passed - go far enough?
HORSA huts - prefab school structures
These post-WWII modular buildings were unpopular, yet ubiquitous.
A bridge between Scotland and Northern Ireland
What's the verdict from the court of public opinion?
Open plan living falls out of fashion
Shift to home-based work influences closed plan preferences.
The UK heating industry and the Brexit transition
An overview of the current state of the market.
UEFA guide to renovating football training facilities
Organisation offers best practices for construction and modification.
Heritage on the edge?
Prioritising tax considerations.
Reviewing the Double Diamond Design model
The four D creative process: discover, define, develop and deliver.
National Cyber Security Centre initiative is announced.
The impact of COVID-19 on global HVAC&R markets
Reviewing trends and projections.
Legislation will establish initiatives to move towards net zero.