The Greater London Authority's Heat Ready London strategic framework highlights the scale of the challenge facing the capital, with around one million homes identified as being at high risk of overheating, alongside schools, hospitals and care homes.
As climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events, it is essential that the built environment is designed, operated and retrofitted to protect occupants while maintaining energy efficiency and supporting the transition to net zero.
CIBSE is particularly encouraged by the framework's emphasis on heat resilience in both new and existing buildings. The recognition of passive measures such as shading, ventilation and building fabric improvements aligns closely with CIBSE's long-standing guidance and expertise on overheating mitigation and climate adaptation. Effective building design must prioritise reducing heat gains and improving resilience before considering mechanical cooling solutions.
The focus on retrofitting existing homes, schools and community facilities is especially important. Many buildings across London were not designed for the temperatures they now experience, making targeted interventions critical to protecting occupants and maintaining healthy indoor environments.
As the professional body for building engineering, CIBSE has extensive expertise in overheating risk assessment and mitigation, passive and efficient building design, building performance, ventilation, climate resilience and the development of industry guidance. We welcome the collaborative approach outlined within the framework and would be keen to support its delivery through our technical knowledge, guidance and professional networks.
With the governance structure and sector working groups now being established, CIBSE looks forward to engaging with the Greater London Authority and other stakeholders to help ensure that London's buildings and infrastructure are prepared and built for a warmer future. Collaboration across government, industry, academia, and the professions will be essential to delivering effective, evidence-based solutions that improve resilience while supporting wider sustainability objectives.
You can read about the framework HERE