Dwelling Overheating in Cool Climates: Evidence from Monitoring

To date, much of the research on overheating risk in dwellings has been focused on warmer climates, there is however increasing ­concern regarding overheating risk in dwellings including in cool climates, exacerbated by both large scales retrofit and the potential impacts of climate change. Dwelling overheating has been linked to impacts on sleep, health and wellbeing, including increased rates of mortality and morbidity. This paper explores overheating risk in dwellings in cool climates using Ireland as use case. Ten representative vernacular Irish dwellings were identified and monitored over the summer months of 2024 (June-August inclusive). To understand the role and impact of occupant behaviours, quantitative sensor data was coupled with occupant surveys. The research demonstrates that risk of overheating is found in cool climates, a risk that is likely to be exacerbated by a warming climate. High thermal specification dwellings such as deeply retrofitted and newer dwellings present the greatest risk of overheating. Indeed, thermal specification may be a key contributory factor over typology alone. The identified risk is generalisable to other jurisdictions with cool climates, particularly where, like Ireland, national retrofit strategies are underway. Large scale monitoring, surveys and dynamic simulation modelling are required to confirm the key contributors to overheating risk in dwellings in cool climates and to develop resultant protections. Feedback from occupants demonstrates a varied application of user adaptations. In addition to design-led mitigation measures, occupant education on appropriate adaptation measures is recommended.