Previous Events
Urban climate resilience: tackling microclimates and dwelling overheating
30 June 2021, 12:00 - 13:30Online
A joint LCCP/Buildings and Cities event
The design of our cities, streets, open spaces and homes impacts on the local climate (microclimate) as well as on the health of citizens. Compact urban form is often argued to be a more sustainable approach, but can cause adverse consequences on local microclimates, with localised cascading impacts on building energy demand for cooling/heating and air quality.
At the scale of the individual building, summertime internal overheating in new and existing dwellings is widespread and increasing, even in the UK’s temperate climate. There is an urgent need to solve the problem. Urban flats and small dwellings are particularly affected, presenting new health risks to elderly and vulnerable residents.
This event featured the launch of two briefing papers on microclimates and overheating in temperate climates, bringing in panels of professionals from a variety of disciplines to consider the findings and implications for professional practice in the UK context. We examined interacting consequences that arise from modern demands (e.g. increased density, increased floor area ratios, economic drivers), explored how resilience can be created and what this means for modifying existing cities, and showcased new knowledge and solutions. Respondents from government and practice were asked: How can we create and operationalise a resilient response? Which decisions take account of this? How can this be mainstreamed into professional practice?
Programme and presentations:
Opening remarks – Gemma Holmes, Senior Analyst in Adaptation, Climate Change Committee
Part 1: Urban Microclimate
Urban Microclimate in Temperate Climates – Rohinton Emmanuel, Glasgow Caledonian University
Respondents:
Bhakti Depala, Development Liaison Manager, City of London
Joanna Averley, Chief Planner, MHCLG
Part 2: Overheating
Summertime Overheating in Dwellings – Kevin Lomas, Loughborough University
Respondents:
Paul Ciniglio, Refurbishment Lead, National Energy Foundation
Joe Baker, Head of Carbon Management, London Borough of Haringey
Karin Stockerl, Director of Asset Strategy and Services, Optivo