Rising temperatures as a result of climate change are altering the demands placed on buildings and their technical systems. Whilst air-conditioning is increasingly regarded as an integral part of building infrastructure in many regions, a recent study by the University of Reading shows that older people in the UK, in particular, are at a disadvantage when it comes to access to effective room cooling. The study highlights that, alongside a social dimension, a safety and health-related dimension is also emerging.

Heat stress is becoming a health risk

Heatwaves are already among the most serious natural hazards in Europe. Older people and those with chronic illnesses, whose bodies are less able to regulate high temperatures, are particularly at risk. At the same time, many members of these at-risk groups spend the majority of their time indoors, where temperatures can rise significantly during prolonged heatwaves.

Against this backdrop, technical building cooling is becoming increasingly important. Air-conditioning systems not only contribute to comfort but can also play a vital role in protecting health in care homes, hospitals and residential buildings.

Study identifies structural disadvantage

According to the University of Reading, there is a growing ‘climate divide’ in the UK. Older people, in particular, often lack the necessary access to air-conditioning or cannot afford to purchase and run it.

Added to this are legal and structural hurdles. Tenants, in particular, often face restrictions when they wish to install air-conditioning units. Permit requirements, a lack of structural suitability or energy efficiency regulations make retrofitting difficult. This creates disparities between households, which are having an increasing impact on health and quality of life.

Buildings must become heat-resilient

The findings highlight that air-conditioning systems must be regarded more strongly in future as an integral part of a resilient building infrastructure. Alongside traditional measures such as shading, thermal insulation or natural ventilation, active cooling systems are becoming increasingly important, particularly where vulnerable groups need to be protected.

For operators of critical facilities – such as hospitals, care homes or sheltered accommodation – ensuring a stable indoor climate is increasingly part of operational resilience. At the same time, there is a growing need for energy-efficient cooling systems that meet rising cooling demands whilst minimising energy consumption.

Adapting to climate change requires new strategies

With the increasing number of extreme heat days, the design of buildings is becoming a key issue in climate adaptation. The study by the University of Reading shows that technical solutions alone are not sufficient. Equally necessary are political and regulatory frameworks that enable equal access to effective cooling options.

As a result, building cooling is increasingly being viewed in the context of healthcare, social justice and critical infrastructure. The ability of buildings to maintain safe indoor conditions even at extreme temperatures is becoming an essential component of sustainable and resilient urban and building planning.