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
Cladding remediation programmes, transparency and target date.
National Audit Office issue report on cladding remediation.
HBPT and BEAMS Jubilees. Book review.
Does the first Labour budget deliver for the built environment?
What does the UK Budget mean for electrical contractors?
Mixed response as business pays, are there silver linings?
A brownfield housing boost for Liverpool
A 56 million investment from Homes England now approved.
Fostering a future-ready workforce through collaboration
Collaborative Futures: Competence, Capability and Capacity, published and available for download.
Considerate Constructors Scheme acquires Building A Safer Future
Acquisition defines a new era for safety in construction.
AT Awards evening 2024; the winners and finalists
Recognising professionals with outstanding achievements.
Reactions to the Autumn Budget announcement
And key elements of the quoted budget to rebuild Britain.
Chancellor of the Exchequer delivers Budget
Repairing, fixing, rebuilding, protecting and strengthening.
Expectation management in building design
Interest, management, occupant satisfaction and the performance gap.
Connecting conservation research and practice with IHBC
State of the art heritage research & practice and guidance.
Innovative Silica Safety Toolkit
Receives funding boost in memory of construction visionary.
Gentle density and the current context of planning changes
How should designers deliver it now as it appears in NPPF.
Sustainable Futures. Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living
More speakers confirmed for BSRIA Briefing 2024.
Making the most of urban land: Brownfield Passports
Policy paper in brief with industry responses welcomed.
The boundaries and networks of the Magonsæte.