Strategies for mitigating the risk of overheating in current and future climate scenarios

Designing domestic buildings to perform well in terms of energy efficiency and comfort in both winter and summer, is important. During the summer well-insulated buildings are at risk of overheating (if not effectively shaded and ventilated), with this risk likely to increase with the effects of climate change. This article bring insights into the necessary measures to control overheating, by modelling different Passivhaus standard buildings over a range of future climate scenarios.
Key results of the study include:
Overheating is a complex issue with complexity increased through the lack of a clear definition or measurable quantity.
Modelling software has its limitations and these must be well understood before making design decisions.
Increasing ambient temperatures in future climate scenarios suggest that measures to prevent overheating are required in most cases between now and 2050.
Different strategies can be implemented to reduce the frequency of overheating; however:
  Passive strategies are preferable – no energy is required;
  Strategies which require no occupant input are more consistent (fixed objects, automatic controls);
  Window opening (especially at night time) becomes increasingly less effective at cooling the building as external ambient temperatures increase into the future– however it is still a highly effective method of passive cooling;
  Modelling shows that external blinds/shutters (preferably with automatic controls) provide effective protection against overheating going into the future.