Is overheating the UK’s next building safety crisis?

UK overheating identified as urgent safety issue

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has called for action to address overheating in UK buildings.

BESA said longer and hotter summers are exposing more people to health risks linked to heat stress and poor building resilience.

The Met Office confirmed this summer has been the sunniest and driest on record.

It said daily temperatures have remained above average for 79 consecutive days.

Imperial College London researchers estimated 263 heat-related deaths occurred in London during June.

BESA stated overheating must be recognised as a building safety issue as vulnerable groups face greater risks.

Heatwave effects across England

Friends of the Earth (FoE) reported that nearly 5,000 neighbourhoods in England now experience regular heat stress.

FoE said these areas cover about a third of the country and include more than 1,000 hospitals.

The group explained that over 10,000 nurseries and care homes are also within these neighbourhoods.

It warned that vulnerable people are at heightened risk of harm from extreme heat.

FoE predicted that the UK could face over 10,000 heat-related deaths annually by 2050.

The organisation urged the government to update its climate adaptation plans to include the impact of heatwaves.

Technical solutions for cooling buildings

Kevin Morrissey, technical director at BESA, said: “There are multiple technical solutions available, including both passive and mechanical cooling systems.

“However, to ensure these reach the most vulnerable in our society cooling must now become a central part of the UK’s push to decarbonise the built environment, which continues to focus primarily on how we heat buildings.

“Adapting the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) to support wider adoption of heat pumps that provide cooling in summer as well as heating would be a positive and easy first step.”

BESA explained that integrating cooling measures into decarbonisation policy would improve resilience.

The Association said this would help balance energy efficiency goals with occupant safety.

Overheating and building safety regulation

BESA advised that overheating should be included in the wider building safety framework.

It said the addition of fire-resistant insulation materials often increases overheating risks.

The Association explained that this must be offset with better ventilation and cooling strategies.

Morrissey said: “Overheating is the most overlooked building safety issue.

“Improving insulation to reduce heat loss and protect occupants from fire is extremely important, but in many cases, this is exacerbating growing health problems caused by poor indoor air quality (IAQ) and condensation by raising temperature and humidity and reducing air change rates.”

BESA indicated that insulation and ventilation must be addressed together to avoid new health risks.

Rising demand for cooling systems

BESA, which manages the UK’s largest refrigeration and air conditioning registration scheme REFCOM, reported rising demand for residential cooling.

The Association said demand for heat pumps and domestic air conditioning is increasing as summers lengthen.

It explained that these systems can improve comfort and health but must meet technical and legal standards.

Morrissey said: “There is always a risk with any growth market that it attracts the wrong kind of commercial interest.

“We are seeing a surge in demand for heat pumps and for domestic cooling systems, but these need to be properly designed and appropriate for each project.

“People need to be properly qualified and registered to handle refrigerant gas and to install cooling equipment. There is a ‘cowboy’ element out there who could do untold damage to this industry and put both the environment and the public at risk of harm, if regulations are not properly enforced.

“The Building Safety Act is beginning to make its presence felt and is driving more responsible behaviour across the construction sector by focusing heavily on competence and compliance. The role of cooling needs to receive a similar level of scrutiny to ensure it can play its part in keeping building occupants safe and healthy.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

BESA highlighted how overheating interacts with wider building safety issues.

The Association linked insulation upgrades to higher indoor temperatures when ventilation is not included.

Fire and safety professionals may need to adapt inspection and compliance processes to reflect overheating risks.

BESA’s call for regulation indicates overheating must be treated as part of building safety planning rather than a separate matter.

Overheating risks prompt UK building safety call: Summary

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has called for urgent action to address overheating in UK buildings.

The Met Office reported this summer has been the sunniest and driest on record with 79 consecutive days of above-average temperatures.

Imperial College London researchers estimated 263 excess heat-related deaths occurred in London during June.

Friends of the Earth (FoE) said nearly 5,000 neighbourhoods in England now face heat stress affecting hospitals, nurseries and care homes.

FoE predicted the UK could face more than 10,000 heat-related deaths annually by 2050.

BESA technical director Kevin Morrissey said cooling must become central to decarbonisation policies and suggested adapting the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

BESA said overheating should be considered a building safety issue as insulation materials can increase indoor heat risks.

The Association noted growing demand for domestic cooling systems must be managed to meet technical and legal standards.

BESA manages the UK’s largest refrigeration and air conditioning registration scheme REFCOM.

It warned unqualified installers could increase risks to public health and the environment.