Sizzling summer temperatures prompt a return of employees to their workplaces
In the heart of one of the world's most bustling cities, London, the lack of air conditioning (AC) in homes and public transportation is a growing concern, particularly as climate change intensifies heatwaves. This situation arises primarily due to strict environmental regulations and building design policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
Key reasons for this limited usage of AC include national and London-specific regulations that prioritize passive cooling methods and energy efficiency over mechanical cooling systems. New buildings are required to minimize solar heat gains through measures like maximizing natural airflow with dual-aspect windows, reserving mechanical cooling only as a last resort.
The London Plan also mandates expensive and detailed heat modelling for new developments, making AC installation costly and less feasible. Additionally, the UK's environmental rules, supporting the net-zero goals, make installing air-conditioning very difficult and expensive, with only about 5% of homes equipped.
In older buildings, there is a lack of regulation requiring landlords to provide cooling, unlike the mandate for heating during colder months. This leaves tenants to find their own ways to cool down during heatwaves.
The impact of climate change is intensifying London’s heat waves, with temperatures reaching 30-35°C more frequently and for longer durations. This creates increased risk to residents’ comfort and health, especially in poorly ventilated, densely packed homes without AC or proper cooling infrastructure. The city is experiencing more frequent and intense heat waves, leading to extreme heat warnings.
Public concern and calls for updating laws to regulate maximum indoor temperatures and improve airflow or cooling options are on the rise. The Victoria line has received the most complaints from commuters regarding heat, and one company's offices saw a 35% increase in usage in June due to the heat. Sarah Singlehurst, co-founder of OSiT, stated that the demand for air-conditioned workspaces rises with increasing temperatures. Office Space in Town (OSiT) reported an influx of workers seeking cooler workspaces in their London locations.
This limitation on air conditioning stems from a trade-off between climate goals and the need to adapt to rising temperatures. London’s traditional regulations aimed at net-zero carbon emissions make cooling costly and restrained, while climate change is making such cooling increasingly necessary for public health and comfort. This gap is a concern for local tenants and advocates who are pushing for change.
For office workers living near the Elizabeth or Hammersmith lines, commuting may be more comfortable this summer, as these lines have reportedly improved ventilation and cooling systems. However, for many Londoners, the heatwave remains a challenge without widespread access to air conditioning.
- The lack of air conditioning (AC) in homes and public transportation, a growing concern due to climate change, is largely influenced by regulations prioritizing passive cooling methods and energy efficiency in building design.
- The London Plan requires detailed heat modelling for new developments, making AC installation costly, resulting in only about 5% of homes equipped with it.
- In older buildings, there's no regulation requiring landlords to provide cooling, leaving tenants to find their own cooling methods during heatwaves.
- The demand for air-conditioned workspaces is on the rise as temperatures increase, with companies like Office Space in Town (OSiT) reporting an influx of workers seeking cooler workspaces.
- The gap between climate goals and the need to adapt to rising temperatures, especially without widespread access to air conditioning, is a concern for many Londoners and advocates who are pushing for change.
