Reshaping how we can talk positively about the climate crisis – part 2: Buildings
February 2025
How can we talk about the climate crisis in a way that sounds encouraging?
The climate crisis is an existential threat which is certainly not good news. Its causes and impact are diverse and numerous such that it is hard to pin down ‘This is the cause’ and ‘This is the solution’. It is hard to quantify ‘This is how it will effect you’ and ‘This will be the time table.’
All this makes it difficult to find a way of talking to people about the crisis and how we might respond.
So here are some thoughts that might help.
Warmer – and cooler – homes!
Improved insulation for domestic and other buildings makes them more comfortable for occupants and reduces the costs of heating/ cooling. Studies show that all houses built before 1990, and 75% of those built before 2010, have inadequate insulation which means that both the country will struggle to reach net zero and occupiers will either be paying unnecessarily high heating bills and/ or living in cold damp conditions. For January 2023 the Resolution Foundation estimated that “families in energy-inefficient homes will be facing monthly gas bills £231 higher than those who live in equivalent homes that already meet the Government’s efficiency target (EPC C).” https://www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications/cutting-back-to-keep-warm/
Ensuring all buildings – not just domestic ones, but office buildings, schools, prisons, hospitals etc – will benefit occupants (making their environment comfortable and healthy) and reduce running costs.
Well insulated buildings offer all year round comfort and benefit everyone.
Sustainable buildings
Buildings themselves can contribute to a better environment for us all. Installing solar panels on roofs and elsewhere – eg over car and cycle parks, on top of bus shelters etc – can boost energy production and provide locally based energy without the need for substations and long distance power lines. They can also be a source of local community income. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-65626371
Installing water butts, grey water systems, SUDs (surface urban drainage) that absorb rainfall, are all easy ways of reducing flooding and pollution risks. Such things are most economically included at the design stage but can still justifiably be added as a retrofit. https://www.susdrain.org/
New buildings can be designed with over hanging eves and recessed windows to increase shading against summer heat and also helping to shelter the building from heavy rain and wind. Retrospectively verandas and sun shades can be added or plants trained up the sides of buildings and across pergolas to create a similar outcome. https://www.solinear.co.uk/the-ultimate-guide-to-external-solar-shading-solutions-in-the-uk/
Trees can be planted nearby to provide shade from the sun, cooling via respiration from their leaves, and at the same time reducing flooding risks as their leaves and roots slow the flow of water and increase absorption in the earth beneath.
Sustainable buildings are also ones that have a long life. Keeping buildings in good repair prolongs their life, creates employment and ensures that the buildings remain comfortable and safe for their occupants.
Buildings designed and maintained for sustainability provide comfortable, safe and healthy places, and
The Green Tau 