Assessing the current and future risk of overheating in London’s care homes: The effect of passive ventilation

Abstract

The warming climate causes adverse effects on thermal comfort and health, especially for vulnerable older adults. This study assesses the current and future risk of summertime overheating in London’s care homes and explores the potential of passive ventilation on reducing these risks. Analysis is based on temperature monitoring of two care settings and on thermal simulation models of future conditions with and without passive ventilation strategies. Results show high overheating exposures for both care homes, with temperatures averaging 31-35 0C by 2050. Passive ventilation can substantially reduce these exposures, but a successful approach depends on time of day, duration and window characteristics. Dynamic window opening based on lower outdoor temperatures and indoor temperature exceedance of 22 0C is the most beneficial approach for both settings now and in the future. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of affordable building adaptations for reducing heat stress in senior care homes.