London’s Rising Cooling Demand: Climate and AC Trends

London, historically known for its temperate climate, is now grappling with an unprecedented surge in cooling demand. As climate change intensifies, the capital faces challenges in adapting its infrastructure with air conditioning and lifestyle to rising temperatures.​

The Climate Shift: London’s Warming Trend

London, traditionally characterised by its mild summers, is now experiencing a significant uptick in cooling demand. According to a study by Imperial College London, the city’s cooling demand has grown by approximately 5% annually between 1980 and 2022, marking the fastest increase globally.

This trend aligns with the UK’s historic heatwaves, most notably July 2022, when temperatures exceeded 40°C for the first time on record. The Met Office reported a new national record of 40.3°C at Coningsby, Lincolnshire, on 19 July 2022, surpassing the previous record of 38.7°C set in 2019. Such extreme temperatures, once deemed improbable, are becoming increasingly common due to climate change, driving widespread adoption of air conditioning.

Health Implications of Rising Temperatures

• • Increased Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can exacerbate existing health conditions, leading to increased hospital admissions and mortality rates.​
  • Vulnerable Populations: Elderly individuals, especially those over 65, are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses due to physiological factors and pre-existing health conditions.
  • Impact on Mental Health: Heatwaves can also affect mental well-being, contributing to stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.​
  • Strain on Healthcare Services: The surge in heat-related health issues places additional pressure on the NHS, affecting its capacity to provide timely care.​
  • Socioeconomic Disparities: Individuals in lower-income brackets may lack access to adequate air conditioning systems, increasing their vulnerability to heat-related health problems.
  • Urban Heat Island Effect: Urban areas, with dense infrastructure and limited green spaces, often experience higher temperatures, intensifying health risks for city dwellers.​
  • Inadequate Housing: Many UK homes are designed to retain heat, lacking proper ventilation and air conditioning, which can lead to indoor overheating.
  • Public Awareness: There is a general lack of awareness about the dangers of extreme heat and the necessary precautions to mitigate health risks.
  • Occupational Hazards: Workers in outdoor or non-climate-controlled environments face increased risks of heat-related illnesses.
  • Need for Policy Intervention: Addressing these health implications requires comprehensive policies focusing on infrastructure adaptation, public education, and access to air conditioning.

Infrastructure Challenges and Energy Concerns

• Heat-Retentive Building Designs: Many UK homes, especially older constructions, are designed to retain heat, making them prone to overheating during warmer months with residential aircon.
• Retrofitting Complexities: Upgrading existing buildings with cooling solutions is often complicated and expensive, particularly for historic structures with preservation constraints.​
• Increased Energy Demand: The growing use of air conditioning units elevates electricity consumption, placing additional pressure on the national power grid.​
• Environmental Impact: Higher energy usage from cooling systems contributes to increased carbon emissions, challenging the UK’s climate goals.​
• Regulatory Gaps: Current building regulations may not adequately address the need for cooling adaptations in existing homes, leaving many residents vulnerable to heat-related issues.​

Sustainable Cooling Solutions

To address these challenges, experts advocate for :

• Passive Cooling Techniques: Implementing shading devices, reflective roofing, and natural ventilation to reduce indoor temperatures.​
• Heat Pumps: Promoting the use of energy-efficient heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling, aligning with the UK’s net-zero goals.​
• Green Infrastructure: Expanding urban green spaces to mitigate the urban heat island effect and enhance overall city resilience.

Policy Recommendations and Public Awareness

Addressing London’s escalating cooling demand necessitates a comprehensive strategy encompassing regulatory reforms, public education, and financial incentives.​

1. Regulatory Reforms

• Implementation of Building Regulations Part O: Introduced in 2022, Part O of the Building Regulations stipulates that new homes must be designed to reduce the risk of overheating. This includes design considerations such as limiting solar gains, ensuring adequate AC ventilation, and providing shading solutions. These regulations aim to enhance occupant comfort and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

2. Public Education

• Heatwave Plan for England (HWP): Established in 2004, the HWP serves to raise awareness about the health risks associated with extreme heat, particularly among vulnerable populations. It outlines protective actions corresponding to five heat-health alert levels, guiding individuals and institutions in adopting adaptive behaviours during heatwaves.

3. Incentivising Retrofits

• Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS): Launched in July 2023, GBIS  offers financial support to households for implementing insulation measures, such as cavity wall and loft insulation. The scheme targets homes with Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings of D to G and aims to improve energy efficiency, thereby reducing cooling needs and energy bills. ​
• Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Property owners can access grants through this initiative to install environmentally friendly heating systems, including heat pumps. By promoting energy-efficient alternatives, the scheme contributes to lowering carbon emissions and enhancing home comfort during warmer periods. ​

4. Air Conditioning Considerations

• Energy Consumption and Environmental Impact: Traditional air conditioning units consume significant amounts of energy, leading to increased carbon emissions and higher energy bills. With energy costs steadily increasing in the UK, this has become a significant concern for many households.
• Adoption Rates: In 2021, the demand for air conditioning devices in the United Kingdom amounted to approximately 213,000  units, the highest number of the past decade.
• Sustainable Alternatives: The introduction of low-energy HVAC systems  has been developed to address these issues. These systems use cutting-edge refrigerant technology to provide efficient and eco-friendly cooling. They consume less energy, reducing the carbon footprint and lowering energy bills.

Conclusion

Escalating cooling requirements in London signal the far-reaching effects of climate change on city living. Proactive measures, encompassing infrastructure upgrades, air conditioning solutions, sustainable technologies, and informed policymaking, are essential to ensure the city’s resilience against rising temperatures.​