Cost-benefit analysis of technologies and measures for summer comfort – A case study of residential districts in the Paris region

Heatwaves in urban areas, such as Paris, substantially increase heat-related health risks and drive a growing demand for space cooling. However, most existing buildings are ill-equipped to cope with rising temperatures, highlighting the urgent need for effective adaptation strategies. This study presents a comprehensive framework to evaluate and compare space cooling solutions—including active technologies and passive mitigation measures—within urban contexts. Unlike prior approaches focusing narrowly on individual technologies or building-scale analyses, our method integrates both direct impacts (thermal comfort and energy consumption) and externalities such as noise pollution and urban heat island effects. To thoroughly assess these multifaceted impacts, a combined model has been developed and implemented. Beyond energy consumption, the modelling framework considers heat rejection from cooling systems contributing to urban heat island intensification and greenhouse gas emissions during the use phase. Additionally, a bespoke sound propagation model evaluates noise discomfort caused by air conditioners in urban environments. This paper introduces a novel multi-impact modelling workflow combined with cost-benefit analysis (CBA) to assess the overall performance of selected cooling options at the city scale. Results, aggregated at the district level and considering societal costs and benefits, reveal the broad applicability of fans across contexts and highlight the advantages of district cooling networks in the densest districts. This integrated approach offers valuable insights for developing sustainable and effective urban cooling strategies.