Vulnerability and resilience in energy efficient homes: thermal response to heatwaves

During heat waves, people experience both external and internal temperatures, but they are likely to spend most of their time indoors. This situation is aggravated by the fact that the majority of excess-deaths during a heat wave occur amongst the vulnerable population. In addition, energy efficient homes can worsen this scenario since internal temperatures are prone to respond quicker to heat gains, aggravating heat stress. This paper is concerned with the vulnerability and resilience to heat waves of low carbon homes. A monitoring study of four energy efficient homes in the UK during the short heat wave experienced in 2015 is analysed. A close exploration of the variability of internal temperatures recorded with high resolution and in each room allows the areas of greatest risk to be mapped. These results are linked to occupants’ responses. The analysis shows how building characteristics and ventilation can affect thermal conditions, and how design should take this into account.