A significant proportion of European homes are poorly designed for summer temperatures, leaving millions struggling to keep cool as climate change intensifies. While the focus has traditionally been on combating winter energy poverty, a new form of energy hardship is emerging, driven by rising temperatures and inadequate housing conditions.
Experts predict that the number of Europeans exposed to extreme heat will skyrocket from 10 million to 100 million by 2100. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends staying out of the heat and keeping homes cool during extreme temperatures, but for many in Europe, the latter isn’t possible. Data from Eurostat reveals that up to 19% of European households lack comfortable cooling during the summer months.
Poor insulation, inadequate ventilation, lack of sun protection, and limited access to air conditioning are leaving millions vulnerable to excessive heat. A recent survey by Lisbon-based climate NGO Zero Portugal found that almost 55% of respondents struggled year-round to adequately heat and cool their homes. Many reported issues with poor insulation, outdated windows, and leaking roofs, making their homes unbearably hot in the summer.
Across the border in Spain, the non-profit Ecoserveis, as part of the CoolToRise Project, is working to reduce summer energy poverty rates. Workshops are conducted to help residents learn about managing electricity bills and implementing cooling strategies. Participants share personal struggles, highlighting the impact of rising temperatures on their health and wellbeing. One participant, Fatima, described sleepless nights due to the heat and the inability to keep a fan running continuously due to the high cost of electricity.
The Spanish NGO ECODES also works with households struggling with both winter and summer energy poverty, emphasizing the severity of summer challenges. Javier Tobías, an architect and project manager for ECODES, explains that the heat trapped in dense urban areas makes it difficult to cool homes at night, even with mild daytime temperatures. He highlights the lack of effective solutions for extreme summer heat compared to winter, where layering clothes and blocking drafts can offer some relief.
ECODES households have reported sleep problems, irritability, and rashes from sweating due to extreme heat. The risk of heatstroke, while lower indoors, remains a concern, particularly for older individuals.
The issue extends beyond Spain. The French Foundation for Housing Disadvantaged People (FAP) cites research indicating that by 2050, one in seven people in France will live in areas experiencing more than 20 abnormally hot days each summer. Hélène Denise, an advocacy officer for the organisation, highlights the range of health risks associated with extreme heat, from circulation problems and aggravation of existing conditions to dehydration, stress, and sleep disturbances.
France, while requiring landlords to maintain a minimum temperature of 19C in rented properties, lacks specific maximum temperature limits. Buildings across France face similar challenges to those in other European countries – poor insulation and lack of sun protection. Without passive cooling solutions, air conditioning becomes the default, leading to increased pollution and energy bills.
The Build Better Lives movement, a coalition of 90 social justice, health, and environmental NGOs, advocates for affordable solutions to ensure comfortable and energy-efficient homes. Co-founder and energy campaigner Mónica Vidal emphasizes the need for year-round energy resilience, advocating for buildings and cities designed to handle both extreme cold and heat. She points to existing solutions like improved insulation, shading windows with awnings, and green roofs that promote natural cooling.
Vidal stresses the importance of urban greening, adding trees and parks to mitigate the urban heat island effect. These passive cooling methods reduce reliance on mechanical cooling, which is projected to triple in global demand by 2050.
Beyond design changes, improved warning systems are crucial for keeping people safe during heatwaves. Athens, a city projected to experience severe heatwaves and drought, has appointed a Chief Heat Officer, who recommends categorizing heatwaves to better inform the public and facilitate proactive response.
While EU funds are available for home renovations, implementation remains slow. The Build Better Lives movement calls for prioritizing the most vulnerable households, including low-income families, seniors, and tenants, to ensure equitable access to comfortable and energy-efficient homes.
As Europe navigates a future increasingly marked by extreme temperatures, a comprehensive approach to building design, urban planning, and policymaking is essential to address the growing challenge of energy poverty and safeguard the well-being of its citizens.
