Climate Change and Indoor Environment: Impacts and Adaptation

This publication addresses the issue of how climate change in the UK over the 21st century may affect summertime thermal comfort in buildings and the energy use of associated heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

There is compelling scientific evidence that our climate is changing and it is probable that average annual temperatures will increase by several degrees during this century. Changes in climate will impact upon the energy used for heating and cooling in buildings, may cause overheating in naturally ventilated buildings and affect the ability of low energy cooling systems to provide comfortable conditions. Many buildings, particularly dwellings, are designed to last for several decades and longer; consideration of climate change issues is therefore necessary now to ensure the longevity of the building stock. Not to do so will result in a generation of buildings that are likely to become obsolete within their useful lifetime, or require costly and difficult retrofits. Designing for the anticipated future climate is therefore very much a current issue. Until now, however, there has been little information available regarding the magnitude of these effects.