cool hubs – The Green Tau

26th June 2926

How can we better adapt to heat waves?

These are some initial thoughts on things that we could do as individuals, as communities and as a society.

Insulate all buildings – insulation helps maintain a comfortable internal temperature, warm enough in winter and cooler enough in summer. Think how a cool bag or thermos flask can be used both to keep cold things cool and hot things warm.
Government and local authorities can ensure that this happens through mandates, loans and grants.
‘Enough’ is a key word – warm enough in winter maybe 16-18C whilst cool enough in summer may be 24-26C.
As well as insulation, adaptation to buildings – domestic and otherwise – should include shading of walls and windows exposed to the sun. This could be in the form verandas, awnings, blinds, shutters and planting of climbing or other shade-giving plants. These ideally would provide shade from the summer sun but allow winter warming when the sun’s rays fall at a lower angle.
Other natural cooling could include vents at high-level that draw out hot air without allowing hot air back in and which can create a cooling air flow.
In some situations – such as hospitals and care homes – air conditioning may well be essential. Who will foot the bill? The taxpayer?
Prisons too should be be considered for air conditioning as people confined to a small space with limited options for cooling are vulnerable.
For some vulnerable groups – the old and very young, people with particular disabilities or ailments – additional provision of air conditioning at home may be necessary. Who will foot the bill? The tax payer who might then avoid the higher cost of medical care? Should grants/ loans be means-tested?
Consider providing schools and libraries with air conditioning if these can then also be used as cool hubs for other users. Encourage community networks that can check up on vulnerable people.
Expand number of cool hubs – encourage pubs, churches, community halls and libraries to participate – provide grants to encourage this. This map shows what is currently publicly available in London – https://apps.london.gov.uk/cool-spaces/
Ensure everyone is well informed about how to cope with heat waves – public health campaign etc. The Red Cross has food advice – could this be made available as a booklet? https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/heatwaves-uk
Install more drinking water points and encourage people to carry refillable drinking bottles.
Public health campaigns to encourage everyone to use a sunhat and/or parasol.
Switch to double summer time so that in the summer we are getting up two hours earlier when the day is much cooler. (The clock change could take place at the May bank holiday).
Set the school day to start an hour earlier to maximise use of cooler air. This would also encourage businesses and shops to adopt earlier opening hours.
Switch the school year to start in January so that exams can be held when the weather is cooler. Consider dividing the academic year into four terms.
Encourage adoption of an afternoon siesta to include shops and businesses – but also consider could/ would this time be of benefit to staff.
Legislate for maximum working temperatures. Legislate for regular – paid for – rest periods during hot weather.
Mandate welfare provision such as access to toilets, drinking water, cool spaces etc for all work environments including bus, lorry and delivery drivers.
Expand planting of trees in streets and parks to create more cool places.
Expand the creation of parklets to provide cool resting places.
Encourage where practical replacement of hard surfaces and drive ways with grass or other suitable planting. Encourage generally more planting to create localised cooler microclimates – as well as supporting biodiversity.
Public health campaign to encourage active travel so as to reduce the number of cars driving or parked on the streets where they absorb and radiate heat.
Encourage shops and businesses to install awnings to provide protection from the sun in summer and rain in winter.
Mandate that premises using air conditioning keep doors closed to conserve energy. Such premises should not be attempting to cool the whole street! A public health campaign could encourage closing doors and windows to keep the heat out.

Any other suggestions?

Tag: cool hubs

Green Tau issue 126