Amanda Williams, head of environmental sustainability at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), said: “A climate-ready housing strategy can’t rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. It has to be more holistic.
“Well-designed buildings can significantly reduce overheating through measures such as external shading, appropriate glazing, appropriate ventilation, thermal mass, green infrastructure and careful building orientation. These interventions not only help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures but also reduce energy demand, lower running costs, and minimise pressure on the electricity grid.
“Air conditioning or reversible heat pumps will undoubtedly have a crucial role in some circumstances, particularly for vulnerable occupants and during periods of extreme heat.
“However, making it the default solution risks locking in higher energy consumption and associated carbon emissions for decades to come. The priority should be designing homes that remain comfortable naturally for as much of the year as possible, with active cooling used selectively where residual overheating risks remain.
“This is particularly relevant given the government’s commitment to undertake a full technical review of Part O (Overheating) of the Building Regulations following industry feedback, with a dedicated consultation process expected to shape future requirements.
“The review presents an important opportunity to strengthen and refine overheating standards while ensuring that passive design measures remain at the heart of building resilience.”
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