With global temperatures rising and many facing rising energy costs, you may have noticed an increasing demand for buildings featuring passive cooling capabilities. What are some of the essential considerations and tips for creating them? Understand the Effects of the Surrounding Environment Experts know something as seemingly insignificant as a large tree limiting the sunlight … Continue reading Blog by Ellie Gabel – Passive cooling strategies: designing buildings for natural temperature regulation
Category: cooling
Blog by Marine Cornelis – Not so easy livin’: the hidden struggle to stay cool
Spring is in the air. The days are getting longer, the air feels lighter, and we’re all shaking off the winter blues. But before we get too comfortable, let’s talk about what’s coming: another scorching summer, likely hotter than the last. And if we don’t start preparing now, we’ll find ourselves in trouble. Again. “Summertime, … Continue reading Blog by Marine Cornelis – Not so easy livin’: the hidden struggle to stay cool
Simple steps that cities can also slow the pace of urban heat island-driven warming trends – learning from ancient Rome
In an article on The Conversation website, Brian Stone Jr., Professor of Environmental Planning, Georgia Institute of Technology explains the importance of taking measures to counter extreme heat in cities. Ancient Rome had ways to counter the urban heat island effect – how history’s lessons apply to cities today As intense heat breaks records … Continue reading Simple steps that cities can also slow the pace of urban heat island-driven warming trends – learning from ancient Rome
Blog by Stephen Davies: Natural gas is ‘clean’: unveiling the myth and proposing a sustainable alternative
The imperative to pivot toward sustainable energy practices has never been more critical, given the escalating climate emergency facing our planet. Against this backdrop, many are telling people that natural gas is a ‘clean’ alternative to conventional fossil fuels. However, this assertion skims over the complex, often detrimental environmental ramifications associated with its extraction and … Continue reading Blog by Stephen Davies: Natural gas is ‘clean’: unveiling the myth and proposing a sustainable alternative
New development in Ottawa-Gatineau using industrial waste to keep their homes warm
Following the growing popularity of waste heating in Europe, more Canadian firms are trying to reuse energy. Emily Chung writes on the CBC News website about a new development in the Ottawa region. How industrial waste is keeping these Ottawa-area buildings warm Residents of a new development in Ottawa-Gatineau are using industrial waste to … Continue reading New development in Ottawa-Gatineau using industrial waste to keep their homes warm
Research into the heat-mitigating effects of green spaces during heatwaves has found that botanical gardens are the most effective
In an article on the Guardian website, Damien Gayle explains that researchers hope the findings will inform policymakers planning cities for a warming world. Botanical gardens ‘most effective’ green space at cooling streets in heatwaves Few things are as soothing on a hot summer’s day as a walk through a beautiful botanical garden, but … Continue reading Research into the heat-mitigating effects of green spaces during heatwaves has found that botanical gardens are the most effective
While household air conditioning is one of the “most effective adaptation strategies to reduce heat-related mortality and morbidity,” it can also be an unsustainable and problematic solution to extreme heat
Emily Chung writes on the CBC News website about the benefits and costs of air conditioning in extreme heat. Passive cooling, greenery, behaviour changes are more sustainable, researchers say. Why air conditioners can be a problematic solution to extreme heat As extreme heat hits many parts of the world amid a warming climate, millions … Continue reading While household air conditioning is one of the “most effective adaptation strategies to reduce heat-related mortality and morbidity,” it can also be an unsustainable and problematic solution to extreme heat
The cooling conundrum
Rising temperatures are leading to a surge in demand for cooling. But, ironically, the more we rely on energy-intensive air conditioners, the more the planet warms. What are the other options? Natalie Muller and Neil King discuss in an article on the Deutsche Welle website. Keeping homes cool on a warming planet In many … Continue reading The cooling conundrum
New EEA briefing on urgency to decarbonise heating
About half of the EU’s final energy consumption goes to heating, making it a key focus area in Europe’s efforts to improve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing, published this week, analyses this energy segment, urging investment in building renovations and modern renewable energy solutions. Renovations and … Continue reading New EEA briefing on urgency to decarbonise heating
New EEA briefing on how to keep buildings cool sustainably
Europe’s temperatures are rising more than twice as fast as the global average with more and more extreme heatwaves being recorded. The demand for sustainable cooling in buildings is increasing and, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing, published this week, there is a need for buildings that are energy efficient, use passive cooling … Continue reading New EEA briefing on how to keep buildings cool sustainably
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 