INDUSTRY COMMENT
Overheating challenge highlighted in new white paper
With the UK experiencing rolling heatwaves this year and with heat-health warnings issued across parts of England, Vent- Axia has sponsored a new white paper examining the growing challenge of overheating in UK buildings
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ublished by Architects Datafile (ADF), the ‘Solutions for Mitigating Overheating in Residential and Commercial Buildings’ report explores how architects are responding to the need to mitigate
overheating in new-build properties, amid tightening regulations and rising temperatures, including highlighting the increasing role of ventilation as part of the overall mitigation strategy. With more than 2,800 excess deaths estimated during the May and June 2026 heatwaves, and the impact of subsequent heatwaves yet to be assessed, overheating in our homes has become a serious public health issue. It is therefore no surprise that three-quarters of those surveyed in the white paper were actively considering ‘climate-responsive strategies’ that go beyond regulatory minimums when designing buildings. However, there are a range of challenges in mitigating overheating. As new homes become more thermally efficient to reduce carbon emissions and help meet the UK’s Net Zero 2050 target, the risk of overheating is increasing. Some 77% of respondents believed that medium or high-rise residential buildings designed to Part L 2021 were at risk of overheating, with volume housebuilding not far behind at 68%. Education buildings were considered to be the third highest risk, with 66% of those surveyed identifying them as vulnerable to overheating. When removing excess heat, Approved Document O of the Building Regulations
2021 prioritises passive measures to reduce overheating. However, findings suggest effective mechanical ventilation is becoming an increasingly important part of the overall strategy, particularly where passive design alone cannot adequately remove excess heat. Some 69% of respondents cited Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) as the ventilation approach they use most frequently. In addition, almost six in 10 (59%) believe the Future Homes Standard will accelerate demand for intelligent ventilation systems capable of automatically responding to changing indoor and outdoor temperatures. “In the recent heatwaves, we have all experienced how overheating is becoming a challenge in our homes. With homes becoming more airtight to reduce carbon emissions, while global temperatures continue to rise, this challenge is only set to increase. As a result, architects are finding it more difficult to achieve the requirements set out to combat the overheating risk in Part O and TM59 standards,” said Steve Pearce, product manager at Vent-Axia.
“In line with Part O, passive design should always be considered first. However, where these measures alone cannot adequately mitigate overheating, effective ventilation has an important role to play in helping remove excess heat, improve indoor air quality and create healthier, more comfortable buildings. As the research shows, architects are increasingly recognising the importance of effective mechanical ventilation strategies in their buildings, with MVHR frequently the mechanical
ventilation of choice in new-build properties.” When removing excess heat, Part O lists acceptable methods in order of preference, starting with opening windows, followed by ventilation louvres, mechanical ventilation, and finally mechanical cooling. When natural ventilation options are restricted, mechanical ventilation provides a valuable solution with a number of different types of technology available. With today’s developments demanding flexibility to meet building regulations, provide good thermal comfort, and good indoor air quality, there is no longer a one-size- fits-all approach to ventilation. Instead, a range of adaptable solutions are needed to meet project-specific requirements. As a result, ventilation manufacturers have been developing a raft of future-ready and climate- responsive solutions. To download ‘Solutions for Mitigating Overheating in Residential and Commercial Buildings’
https://www.vent-axia.com/news/ adf-white-paper-mitigating-overheating- residential-commercial-buildings
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