House building must adapt overheating research recommendations as heatwaves become more frequent – expert says

A construction and housebuilding expert has warned that the construction industry must adapt recommendations from critical research into overheating in homes as the climate warms and heatwaves become more frequent,

Mike Leonard, Visiting Professor at Birmingham City University and CEO of the Building Alliance, spoke as the first ever red ‘extreme heat’ warming is in place in the UK as temperatures soar.

He said: “Climate change analysts are predicting increasing numbers of extreme weather events in the UK as a result of global warming. This includes overheating in homes that can have fatal consequences, particularly for older people and those with underlying health conditions.

“Overheating in UK homes could worsen as we seek to ensure insulation and airtight provisions meet the Future Homes Standard. The use of lightweight building systems such as timber frame and modular construction may exacerbate the situation, as such materials can heat up rapidly as well as lacking the thermal mass of brick and block construction, which helps to keep people warm in winter and cool in summer.

“Critical research being undertaken by Birmingham City University, in partnership with three of the largest home builders in the UK including local housing association Midland Heart is exploring how best to mitigate overheating in homes as the climate warms. This includes extensive monitoring of both occupied and unoccupied homes to measure the effect of climate change, collecting and sharing vital data around how construction of the building and resident behaviour contributes to overheating outcomes.

“Remedial work and recommendations being put forward as a result of the studies include adapting window sizes and orientation, choice of construction method, shading and very importantly effective ventilation. We are also looking at ways to work with occupiers to ensure they are better equipped to manage more complex homes more effectively, and help them to be comfortable and safe.

“Severe weather events which could affect the UK include wildfires - currently raging across Europe and California. It is critical that we learn from these events and design our homes to ensure that they are resilient to the challenges that may lie ahead – concerns also built in to the Fire Engineering Apprenticeship.”