Homes across London potentially face growing risks of overheating as climate change drives more extreme temperatures.
Today the London Assembly Planning and Regeneration Committee held an evidence session as part of its investigation into whether homes in London are prepared for future heatwaves and what changes may be needed to prevent homes becoming dangerously hot.
London’s overheating problem
Research suggests overheating in homes is already a widespread issue in the capital and across the UK.
Around one in five UK homes are estimated to overheat during summer and the risk is particularly acute in London due to the structure of the city’s housing. Analysis by the Greater London Authority shows that more than half of homes built in London since 2002 are flats, many in high-rise developments where ventilation can be limited.
Researchers from University College London also warn that modern high-rise apartments can be especially vulnerable to overheating because modern insulation is designed to retain heat during winter can also trap heat during warmer weather. Large windows, limited airflow and dense urban environments can further increase indoor temperatures.
The investigation comes after temperatures in the capital reached 40°C for the first time during the 2022 United Kingdom heatwave, during which researchers estimate that 286 heat-related deaths occurred in the city, raising concerns about how London’s homes cope with extreme heat.
The issue is compounded by what researchers at the Royal Meteorological Society call the capital’s “urban heat island effect”, where roads, buildings and infrastructure absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night. This can make temperatures in central London up to 7°C warmer than surrounding rural areas.
Dry grass in the Wanstead Flats, in London, Friday, Aug. 12, 2022 (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
What is being done?
The London Assembly Planning and Regeneration Committee inquiry will examine how housing design, planning policy and building regulations could help reduce overheating in homes, as well as what measures might be needed to protect residents during future heatwaves.
With climate scientists warning that extreme heat is likely to become more frequent in the coming decades, policymakers are asking whether London’s housing is prepared for a much hotter future.
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HeadlineLondon homes face rising overheating risk as City Hall launches inquiry
Short HeadlineLondon homes face rising overheating risk
StandfirstA London Assembly committee is investigating whether homes across the capital are prepared for increasingly extreme heatwaves.
Homes across London potentially face growing risks of overheating as climate change drives more extreme temperatures.
Today the London Assembly Planning and Regeneration Committee held an evidence session as part of its investigation into whether homes in London are prepared for future heatwaves and what changes may be needed to prevent homes becoming dangerously hot.
London’s overheating problem
Research suggests overheating in homes is already a widespread issue in the capital and across the UK.
Around one in five UK homes are estimated to overheat during summer and the risk is particularly acute in London due to the structure of the city’s housing. Analysis by the Greater London Authority shows that more than half of homes built in London since 2002 are flats, many in high-rise developments where ventilation can be limited.
Researchers from University College London also warn that modern high-rise apartments can be especially vulnerable to overheating because modern insulation is designed to retain heat during winter can also trap heat during warmer weather. Large windows, limited airflow and dense urban environments can further increase indoor temperatures.
The investigation comes after temperatures in the capital reached 40°C for the first time during the 2022 United Kingdom heatwave, during which researchers estimate that 286 heat-related deaths occurred in the city, raising concerns about how London’s homes cope with extreme heat.
The issue is compounded by what researchers at the Royal Meteorological Society call the capital’s “urban heat island effect”, where roads, buildings and infrastructure absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night. This can make temperatures in central London up to 7°C warmer than surrounding rural areas.
Dry grass in the Wanstead Flats, in London, Friday, Aug. 12, 2022 (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
What is being done?
The London Assembly Planning and Regeneration Committee inquiry will examine how housing design, planning policy and building regulations could help reduce overheating in homes, as well as what measures might be needed to protect residents during future heatwaves.
With climate scientists warning that extreme heat is likely to become more frequent in the coming decades, policymakers are asking whether London’s housing is prepared for a much hotter future.
The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed cases of the water-borne disease in parts of North-West and South-West London but are yet to identify a source.
