Actis backs call to make homes cooler following MPs’ heatwave warning

Sustainability Tue, Aug 14, 2018 1:15 PM

A warning by MPs that heat related deaths are likely to treble by 2050 has prompted insulation specialist Actis to reiterate its call for architects and specifiers to create homes which stay cool in summer as well as warm in winter.

The warning, by the government’s Environmental Audit Select Committee, follows research which suggests heatwaves will become more common in future.

Experts say prolonged increased temperatures combined with an ageing population could see ‘excess’ summer deaths rise from more than 2,000 in the heatwave of 2003 to 7,000 by the middle of the century.

The committee urges the government to take action to mitigate the effects of the extreme heat – and among measures suggested are ensuring that homes are built to remain at lower temperatures in the hot weather.

The call has been welcomed by Dan Anson-Hart, specification manager at Actis, whose Hybrid insulation products are designed to help keep houses cool in summer as well as warm in winter.

“While using reflective insulation alone will certainly not cure the problem it will play an important role in enabling houses to remain at a pleasant temperature,” he said.

“As well as helping homes stay warm in winter, reflective insulation technologies have the specific ability to counteract heat transfer via radiation. This helps to reflect the solar heat and keep the property at a constant low relative temperature.

“No form of insulation can address the significant effects of solar gain through windows though. Neither can it make you an ice cream when you’re hot. Even we aren’t omnipotent!”

Featured News

Specification news
Low carbon funding helps school decarbonise

Funding from the Welsh Government has helped a Ruthin secondary school decarbonise...

Read More >>

Specification news
Hydro International takes optimisation further with a...

Following the incorporation of a future-proof feature earlier this year, Hydro...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

Mermet | Kibo Darkening | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Kibo Darken...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Karellis Darkening | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Karellis Da...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Flocké Darkening | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Flocké Dark...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Shadow 24 Basics | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Shadow 24 B...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Natté PES Basics | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Natté PES B...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

Straightcurve®
Straightcurve®

Straightcurve® – headquartered in Australia, is renowned for high-end innovative garden edging,...

Read More >>

RLG600 Access Flooring System
RLG600 Access Flooring System

The Kingspan RLG600 raised access floor panel is intended for light office use and is capable of...

Read More >>

RHG600 Simploc
RHG600 Simploc

Kingspan RHG600 Simploc is the heavy grade floor system, capable of handling up to a 12kN/m2...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers
Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers

Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers

Watch Now >>

Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels
Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels

“Building with stone wool insulated sandwich panels” written by Professor Imperadori, is now...

Watch Now >>

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London
Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Watch Now >>