Heat summary - Chapter 5: climate policies and indoor health
This page summarises Chapter 5 of the Health Effects of Climate Change (HECC) report with a focus on the impact of heat on climate policies and indoor health. This is part of the science and stats section for the hazard: heat.
Applies to England
CCHS navigation menu:
CCHS homepage
Topic: climate-related hazards
Hazard: all climate-related hazards, heat
Part of: heat summary - full HECC report
Key resources for HECC Chapter 5:
- Heat summary - Chapter 5: climate policies and indoor health
- Chapter 5 full report (pdf)
Heat summary of Chapter 5
Increased temperatures outdoors can raise indoor temperatures, which can be harmful to health. It is important for building planning to consider how best to prevent indoor overheating. A range of factors contribute to indoor overheating, including:
- building location
- building layout
- building characteristics, such as energy efficiency measures
- occupant activities that generate heat
- age of the building
In the future, it is important to consider mitigating the risk of indoor overheating. Measures that can be considered to keep the air cool include:
1. Active cooling measures:
- air conditioning, although there are concerns about their impact on energy consumption
- comfort cooling
- mechanical fans
- heat pumps
2. Passive cooling measures:
- natural ventilation
- external shading
- green roofs
- reflective coatings on roofs and facades
- air conditioning
Building energy efficiency measures, which aim to reduce unwanted air leakages, if not properly installed, may increase indoor air pollutant concentrations emitted from indoor sources. This could include particle, inorganic and organic pollutants, radon, and biological contamination (including allergens, viruses and bacteria, mould). This has an impact on health, particularly for people with respiratory and other health conditions.